SWISS ANNOUNCE HUGE LOCKDOWN REDUCTION

In a massive move Switzerland has announced a big reduction in their lockdown measures.

They are happy that the previous phases of reduction have not created a rise in cases and therefore can move forward safely.

Crucially social distancing and all the regulations you would expect to prevent flare ups are part of the restrictions, but the news means that the lifts in Saas Fee will be opening on either the 11th or 18th of July for skiing in the glacier.

Brilliant news for our Saas Fee gap courses.

You can read about the initial phased announcement here.

You can also read the most recent full press release here.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Well – a lot to be honest. We knew there was an announcement coming about further easing of lockdown but this is more comprehensive than we had expected.

Probably the biggest news is that from June 19th the situation is not going to be regarded as an “extraordinary” emergency.

That’s a big change – it’s far from over but it’s not nearly the same emergency footing rhat we were on (and remember that Switzerland’s lockdown was nowhere near as severe as countries like France, the UK, Italy and Austria).

We’re not out of the woods but we are certainly moving in the right direction – and getting there quickly.

It’s another staggered process, but the most significant changes for us are probably the following:

From May 30:
Up to 30 people can meet “spontaneously” (increased from 5)

From June 6:
Ski lifts and tourist attractions can open (previously not allowed)
Planned gatherings and events of up to 300 are allowed (previously not allowed)

On June 24:
A further announcement is planned – potentially including permission for gatherings up to 1,000 people.

WHAT ELSE?

Well, restaurants can allow larger groups, clubs can reopen and borders with France and Germany are also opening from June 15.

It’s a really encouraging situation and if all goes well it should mean that travel to Swiss ski resorts will be operating fairly normally once our courses start up again – plus, with the summer season to fine tune social distancing on the ski lifts, skiing should be able to continue uninterrupted.

(And, yes, we didn’t know about Swiss erotic services either, but apparently that’s allowed.)

WHAT’S NOT ALLOWED?

There are still bans on large gatherings and of course if infections increase we can expect things to get limited again, but at the moment it really is looking good.

AND REMEMBER…

The new normal will have to include all the simple safety measures we have been getting used to – so masks, regular hand washing and social distancing will still be a big part of our lives.

But the news is not just good because Switzerland can begin opening it’s borders and commercial venues, but also the reason why: things are under control and releasing the lockdown in the previous phases has worked.

FIND OUR MORE

We will be adding more updates on how Peak Leaders and our home resorts are adapting to the challenges of Covid-19, so keep checking back so check back for the latest updates.

And to start planning your next trip you can find out about our Swiss Ski Instructor Training Courses below.

SAAS FEE COURSES

VERBIER COURSES