With so much uncertainty in the world of travel we are naturally getting lots of questions about the coming season and how Kaluma are planning for skiing this Winter.
Will I be able to ski this winter?
Yes. Resorts absolutely want a season that operates as close to normal as possible.
There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment but we are optimistic for the season ahead, and we can only base these answers on what we know as of mid-October.
Both St Anton and Courchevel are gearing up for their opening and making the resorts more welcoming than ever. So currently, yes the resorts will be open for you to ski this winter.
St Anton am Arlberg’s season will begin on the 4th of December. The resort is aiming to lead the way in safety measures, serving as a model region for the project “Covid-19 – Risk Management Winter Tourism” which you can read further on here.
The Courchevel winter season will begin on the 5th of December and they too have been implementing measures to protect us while skiing which you can read more on here.
How should I travel to resort?
Where there is a will there is a way.
It may well be better to consider flying directly into your destination country to avoid multiple border crossings. With commercial flights grounded during lockdown, it seemed that the only avionic birds in the sky were private aircraft. Innsbruck and Chambery, both just an hour from St Anton and Courchevel respectively, are sure to see an increase in slot demand.
With our resorts located in Europe on well-travelled and well-maintained roads it would appear there are many prepared to drive this season to get their ski fix.
Travel by train is also seeing a boost in interest. Furthermore, our private transfer partners that we work with will not only bring you up to resort in comfort, but also with your safety of paramount importance.
What are the new rules regarding safety on piste?
Both St Anton and Courchevel have released their new plans and measures that will be implemented for the winter season.
Lifts are expected to run at normal capacity and speed with the introduction of face masks and a safer queuing system.
While meeting your class or instructor a mask must be worn and hand sanitiser will be readily available. Ski schools have developed their own guidelines, but groups can be no larger than 10 in St Anton.
We have compiled the resorts latest updates with regards to skiing this winter into a blog which you can view here.
Both the St Anton am Arlberg and Courchevel tourist boards are good places to get updates on their individual standing.
What are the new rules regarding safety off piste?
St Anton the home of après ski has recently released a statement outlining how different it will be this year. Ultimately, yes, the après ski bars will be open this winter. However, masks must be worn and all guests will be seated at tables, not stood at the bar. Restaurants are similar, masks must be worn and groups of no more than 10 (not including children).
In Courchevel bars and restaurants it will also be table service only and masks are mandatory. They will also have to ensure a safe distance of 1 metre between each table.
What will my Kaluma accommodation be doing to keep me safe?
Our guests have always been at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards and our staff are all trained accordingly. So in this sense, we really aren’t changing too much. However, with COVID still amongst us the health and safety of our Chalet guests and staff is something we take very seriously.
This season we have adapted our service levels to take into account that some guests may prefer to have a more hands off approach to their stay. Therefore Kaluma chalets can be booked on Self Catered, Bed and Breakfast and a Catered Basis. Details of these levels can be found here.
In the event I am unable to travel due to Covid how am I protected?
We at Kaluma have recently released our updated booking conditions and COVID terms which can be viewed here.
If you are skiing this winter and staying with Kaluma in one of our chalets in St Anton or Courchevel our terms state the following as a COVID cancellation reason:
- the authorities of the country to where you are travelling impose regional or national restrictions which result in the closure of their border to non-residents, closure of the ski resort or essential facilities or necessitate the closure of your accommodation
- all ski lifts in the resort are closed due to coronavirus restrictions imposed by the authorities in your destination
- you would be required by the authorities of your destination country to quarantine / self-isolate on arrival for more than 24 hours
- Your home country Government issues a “no travel” warning to your destination country
If any of the above apply to you within 14 days of your arrival with us you will have the option to have 100% of the chalet cost as a credit note to be used at a later date within the season or winter 2021/22 or have an 80% refund of the chalet cost.
Are people booking?
The million dollar question. Speaking across the industry booking are not where you would usually expect them to be at time of writing. This spans hotels, chalets, agents and ski school. However we are seeing multiple enquiries. Pinch points in the season including Christmas, New Year and the Orthodox New Year have high demand and it will only be a matter of time before we see limited availability.
We consider ourselves well placed in providing Exclusive Use properties. Our chalets can be booked with or without Kaluma Staff, so if clients wish to travel with their own household team we can of course facilitate this. Clients who usually take a hotel option for their ski break are now looking towards private chalets to ensure their bubble remains small.
We remain positive that the season will be successful, and enjoyable for all of those who journey to our resorts. There can be nothing more uplifting than spending time in the mountains, taking in the pure alpine air and enjoying all that a skiing holiday offers.
If you have any questions that we haven’t answered above about skiing this winter please do get in touch with us at enquiries@kalumatravel.co.uk.
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