Here is our latest ski update. Times are changing. Rules are changing. In a world where it is now easy to get confused over what’s a negative, what’s a positive, what’s a false positive or a double negative. Is it good to be positive or best to stay negative?
Positivity is shifting in the right direction. There is a noticeable buzz back around the ski industry. IF you doubted you might not ski this season, read on through our ski update and have a rethink….
St Anton tourist board has now rejigged the opening date for the resort. The Official Ski Opening is now on the 17thDecember. A sensible move in keeping all guests safe.
The Mayor of Courchevel has announced the 6th December, but expectation is to move it a little later, perhaps also to around the 17th December. Awaiting further confirmation from the French government.
Here are the positives that lie ahead.
Vaccines
BBC World News reported that “The first effective coronavirus vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19…A vaccine – alongside better treatments – is seen as the best way of getting out of the restrictions that have been imposed on all our lives.
The data shows that two doses, three weeks apart, are needed. The trials – in US, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and Turkey – show 90% protection is achieved seven days after the second dose.”
This could be some of the best news for worldwide travel. For the UK Market, it is reported that 10 million vaccines are to be rolled out, to be shortly followed by another 30 million.
Reduced Quarantine rules
Widely reported that several countries are looking at the statistics and the science in order to reduce the returning quarantine time, from 14 days to as little as 5 days.
We have found the returning 14 day quarantine is a big barrier to many travelers, especially for families with younger children with the obvious school implications coming with quarantine.
However, most people we have spoken to would be prepared to take a 5 day quarantine in order to enjoy their ski holiday.
Rapid Airport Testing
Emirates was the first airline to conduct on site rapid Covid testings, included in their ticket price. This was followed by a few airlines and airports following suit in similar trials, including (to name but a few) Italy, Austria, Canada, UK, USA, Switzerland. If this works, whether it is included in a ticket price or not, the thought of being able to pay up to £100/€100 for a rapid test at both departure and arrival gates would be very appealing to many travelers, whereby presenting a negative test means open travel and no quarantine
Government Lockdowns/Resort Openings
These are aimed at reducing the spread of the virus. It is expected (at time of writing) that the lockdowns will last into early December in both France and Austria. Currently, resort opening dates have been pre-set. St Anton in Austria has announced the 17th December while the Mayor of Courchevel announced 6th December, but with the very real possibility of it being pushed back to around the 17th December as well.
This of course is all very dependent on science, figures and facts. There is the very real possibility that some resorts will not open for the ski business until January.
*all correct at time of writing this ski update – 16th Nov 2020.
What does this mean for us and for you.
For Kaluma it means we continue as planned. To be prepared for the winter season ahead in whatever capacity it allows. We will remain in contact with local authorities, our suppliers and our dedicated resort teams in order to be ready to safely offer and operate your perfect holiday. With the situation changing so quickly, we may not be able to meet your exact requirements due to circumstances out of our control, but you can rest assured, we will do everything we can to make your holiday happen! Our usual “peak weeks” have proven popular, with guests looking to confirm New Year, mid February and even Easter skiing already – which is great. Long may the positivity remain.
For you, the skier, we suppose it is a waiting game. Waiting to see when resorts open, when the snow falls, where the snow falls, what the safety situation is and how the season will run. We (Kaluma) don’t anticipate any concrete bookings until there is more positivity in the travel industry as a whole. There is a danger of missing out on your perfect chalet for your chosen week – but we believe that is a risk most people may well take this year.
Late bookings will be the lifeblood of the season and many operators, including Kaluma, expect it to be a busy, but late, February, March, April ski season.
We expect all the skiers to be checking out the “best deals” and choosing where they want to go and where they want to stay. We have lots of questions and information requests suggesting such. When the time is right, the decision will be made and a booking made quickly.
But – don’t miss out on your ideal booking or you expected levels of service because you waited to long. We have some very safe booking terms & conditions to help protect you financially – while still ensuring you get to ski on your chosen week(s) and stay in your perfect chalet.
We will continue to post ski updates to keep you informed. When it opens. When it starts. We are here and ready to keep you safe and keep you skiing.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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