Where to Ski And Snowboard - Austria ski resorts set to reopen

Austria ski resorts set to reopen

9th December 2021, by Abi Butcher

Ski resorts in Austria will start to reopen from Monday, including Ischgl, above

Ski holidays in Austria are set to return next week, after the country’s nationwide lockdown lifts on Sunday (12 December).

The provinces of Voralberg and Tyrol, home to many of Austria’s ski resorts, are to be among the first to open fully, allowing hotels, bars, restaurants and ski lifts to start operating from Monday.

Other provinces will reopen more cautiously — including Upper Austria, which has the highest infection rate in the country and plans to stay in lockdown until 17 December, as does Salzberger Land.

At a joint news conference yesterday with Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer and health minister Wolfgang Mueckstein, Tyrol governor Guenther Platter confirmed: “Some provinces will reopen over time and Burgenland, Voralberg and Tyrol will (immediately) adopt this arrangement.”

Tyrol marketing manager Elena Protopopow told Where to Ski and Snowboard: “We are very pleased to face the end of the lockdown for unvaccinated and recovered people in the upcoming days. This means that Tirol and its local businesses can once again welcome our guests, so we can start together into the winter season. Of course, safety is always our top priority, for locals and guests alike.”

Kaluma Ski offers luxury chalet ski holidays in St Anton and director Andy Butterworth was in jubilant mood this morning.

“Austria is open for the ski business from 13 December with a few restrictions as expected. However, we are open!” he said. “Lifts are working, bars and restaurants on the slopes can open, hospitality has the green light. The ‘2G’ system will be in place, meaning if you are double vaccinated or recovered, then it’s all systems go to enjoy the season.

Andy said his team is arriving in the coming days now lockdown is ending.

“We are expecting our first guests on 19 December. The snow is AMAZING and the dump looks set to continue. It would be an amazing time to come and enjoy the slopes,” he says, adding: “Where there is a limit on the après-ski and the nightlife, why not stay in one of our private chalets, with a bar, where we can offer you your very own après, in the comfort, safety and luxury of your own beautiful chalet.”