Measures for a Safe Winter Tourism in Tirol
Last updated on 14.10.2020
The Austrian government has put in place a Package for Safe Winter Tourism in order to ensure guests coming to Tirol in winter 2020/21 have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Here are the most important measures which have been taken for restaurants, après-ski locations, cable cars and ski schools.
Cable cars
Cable cars are subject to the same rules as public transport. This means passengers and staff must wear face masks covering the nose and mouth, both at the ticket desks and when queuing for the lifts. Cable car users must also maintain a distance of at least one metre to other passengers. If necessary, the transport capacity of cable cars will be reduced in order to make social distancing possible. In cases where it is impossible to maintain a minimum distance of one metre, exceptions can be made. Enclosed ski lifts (gondolas, etc.), ski storage areas as well as top and bottom cable car stations with toilets will be disinfected several times a day using a nebuliser. Many ski resorts have also stated that they will test their staff on a regular basis in order to minimise risk and react early if a case is detected. A large number of ski resorts will be offering online lift passes this winter to avoid large numbers of people gathering at the ticket desks.
Restaurants
Staff and guests must wear face masks covering the nose and mouth while indoors. Masks can be removed when guests are seated. Groups must be no larger than ten people (not including children). Measures have been taken to ensure plenty of space between groups. Many restaurants will also ask guests to provide their personal details so they can be contacted if necessary. Food and drink may only be consumed while seated – this also applies to outdoor areas and après-ski bars. As a result, the classic type of après-ski will not be possible this winter.
Ski schools
The Association of Austrian Ski Schools has developed a detailed safety concept. All groups must be no larger than ten people, including the instructor. Ski and snowboard instructors coming to Austria from other countries must provide a negative PCR test.
Advent and Christmas markets
Advent and Christmas markets must develop a prevention and hygiene concept which makes it possible for visitors to maintain a minimum distance of one metre. All stands serving food and drink must have enough space for social distancing. Measures aimed at achieving this include leaving more space between individual stands and limiting the number of people allowed into the market at any one time.
Regular testing of staff
Many of the measures planned for winter 2020/21 have already proved successful this summer. For example, a system is already in place which enables members of staff at hotels, restaurants, etc. to undergo regular Covid-19 tests on a voluntary basis. This scheme will be extended to include ski instructors, travel company staff and guides. These tests are provided free of charge by the Austrian government in order to ensure a safe environment for both staff and guests. At the same time, it is essential that all guests, staff and other people involved in the tourism industry behave responsibly and stick to the rules to ensure everyone can enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable winter in Tirol.
Stay safe on holiday: check out the current measures and recommendations in place in Tirol to restrict the spread of Covid-19 by clicking here: https://www.tyrol.com/information-coronavirus