The season has already started in France, with some excellent snowfall. Every weekend more ski areas areas are opening, but what are the rules for skiing this winter?
We answer all your questions in this blog post.
All the information below is accurate at 25 January 2022, but please be mindful that it can change it any time.
Can I travel to France?
Effective from 14 January 2022, UK citizens are now allowed to travel to France for non-essential reasons (such as holidays).
To avoid quarantine, travellers must be fully-vaccinated and have a negative lateral flow test within 24 hours. You also need to complete a Declaration d'Honneur confirming you don't currently have symptoms or been in close contact with anyone who has Covid.
Children under 16 travelling with fully vaccinated parents are allowed to travel irrespective of vaccine status.
Please note that if you arrive in France via Geneva, you additionally need to complete a Swiss Passenger Locator Form.
Do I need to be vaccinated to ski?
From 22 January, people over 16 must be fully vaccinated or had Covid within the last six months to use the ski lifts - the 'Pass Vaccinal',
You can show via the French health pass, known as the ‘Pass Sanitaire’. However, your QR code generated from the NHS app is also accepted as proof of vaccination.
Currently children aged 12-15 can obtain a Pass Sanitaire with proof of a negative PCR or antigen test within the last 24 hours.
Can children go skiing?
Yes, children can go skiing based on the same criteria as above.
As some British children under the age of 16 are unlikely to be double-vaccinated, they will need to have proof of a negative Covid test every 24 hours to validate their Pass Sanitaire. There are no restrictions on children 12 years old or younger.
Find out more here about how to get Covid tests in Chamonix.
Will the Health Pass be checked?
Yes, you will need your Pass Sanitaire to buy your lift pass. It will also be checked randomly throughout the lift system.
Do I need the Health Pass to go into restaurants and cafes?
Yes, you will need to have a valid health pass or Pass Sanitaire to gain access to mountain restaurants, but also restaurants and cafes in town.
The pass is also required for cinemas, the ice cave, the ‘Step into the Void’ and other indoor venues and facilities.
Do I need to wear a mask while skiing?
No, you do not need to wear a mask while skiing, but you do have to wear a mask while queueing and on ski lifts. Masks should be surgical masks or category 1 fabric masks.
What other measures are in place?
Hand sanitizer will be widely available across the ski area and social distancing will applied in public places. All lifts and public areas will be disinfected on a daily basis.
Can I travel to France?
Effective from 14 January 2022, UK citizens are now allowed to travel to France for non-essential reasons (such as holidays).
To avoid quarantine, travellers must be fully-vaccinated and have a negative lateral flow test within 24 hours.
Can I travel to Geneva & Switzerland?
There is also no quarantine for entry into Switzerland if you are flying into Geneva and fully vaccinated or under 16 years old, travelling with fully-vaccianted parents. You need to complete a Swiss Passenger Locator Form.
Do I have to take a test to enter France?
Yes, from 17 December all entrants into France must show a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 24 hours of travel.
These can be bought from many different suppliers such as Randox and Collinson for £20-£25
Is there any other paperwork to enter France?
Yes, all entrants must complete a ‘declaration d’honneur’, which confirms you have not had any symptoms of Covid or been in contact with anyone with Covid in the previous 7 days.
Do I need to take any tests on my return to the UK?
Currently on your return to the UK you need take an antigen (lateral flow test) within 48 hours of your return to the UK. Even if you are double-vaccinated, you must self-isolate on your return to the UK until you have a negative result back. This can be taken any time in the first two days that you are back in the UK.
Please note that this requirement will cease from Friday 11 February.
N.B. The rules can change
While we will do our best to keep this page up to date, please be mindful that the situation is very dynamic and the rules can change at any time.
Make sure you know what’s required for your journey before you travel.
Enjoy the snow!
The good news is, that as it stands, British people can go to France and Chamonix (even via Geneva) and enjoy the great snow we have here.
If you would like help booking your ski weekend to Chamonix, please contact our team of experts.
