Covid-19 Safety Measures in France this Winter Season

Nov 11, 2020

Skiing is a naturally socially distanced sport and France Montagnes which is the 'body' that represents the majority of French ski resorts has stated that they hope operations will be pretty much as normal this year.
They have recently released a new infographic on how you will be staying safe around resort. In addition to that Meribel Alpina, the company running the lifts in Meribel this winter, have released their measures to protect guests in resort.

We're pleased to say that it looks as though the safe enjoyment of skiing this winter is certain to go ahead, with new measures for indoors, outdoors and in the lift queues.
Whilst these additional measures are important and necessary, your time on the mountain this winter will be as exhilarating and enjoyable as ever.
Take a look at our summary below.

What is the France Montagnes guide to skiing this winter?

accessing the resort by public transport

1. Wearing a mask will be compulsory in airports, on buses and in taxis

Ski Lifts

1. Wearing a mask will be compulsory in the queues and on the lifts
2. There will be daily disinfection of contact areas

In the Ski Hire Shop

1. Wearing a mask will be compulsory
2. There will be disinfection of rented equipment
3. Alcoholic hand gel will be available

In the Tourist Offices

1. Wearing a mask will be compulsory in common and enclosed areas
2. Alcoholic hand gel will be available
3. There will be increased disinfection of contact surfaces and increased cleaning

In bars / restaurants

1. Seated service only
2. Table spacing of at least 1 meter or the presence of a fixed wall or removable barrier ensuring physical separation
3. Wearing a mask will be mandatory for customers when moving around in the establishment
4. Alcoholic hand gel will be available
5. There will be increased disinfection of contact surfaces and increased cleaning

At Ski Schools

1. Wearing a mask will be compulsory during gatherings at the start and end of lessons, for the instructor and for students aged 11 and over

In buildings, for public spaces:

1. Wearing a mask will be compulsory for people aged 11 and over
2. Alcoholic hand gel will be available
3. Surface disinfection
4. Disinfection of loaned equipment (bibs, etc)

What will be happening specifically in Meribel this year?

MASKS

The type of mask you will need to wear will be defined according to government legislation at the time of ski resort opening, but they will be compulsory for every skiers over 11 years old.

You will need to wear your mask:

1. In gondolas
2. On chairlifts
3. On Drag lifts
4. On Magic carpet
5. In queues (both inside AND outside)
   
   Worth noting, the majority of lifts in the 3 valleys are fast, open air 6 man chairlifts & because of the extent of the lift system, you have a choice of taking a gondola or chairlift alternative.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING ON CHAIRLIFTS AND GONDOLAS

1. The queuing system will be organized to permit social distancing
2. The gondolas and chairlifts remain at full capacity
3. The Méribel ski area advises you to travel with your family or in your own group if possible.

GENERAL MEASURES

1. Hand hygiene; there will be hand sanitisers available in all departure/arrival bubble stations
2. There will be regular cleaning of shared premises, surfaces and equipment (such as credit card machines, card readers, door handles, railings, surfaces and payment counters…)
3. Masks will be worn by all sales staff, ski lift personnel etc
4. There will be mandatory signs, audible messages and messages on all screens around the ski area