 Poster: A snowHead
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Not expecting to be allowed to visit Japan.
I will be skiing in Wales.
Possibly Scotland again after such a great trip in March 2020.
If we're allowed to ski without having to self-isolate first then Europe is an option for me. I can self-isolate on my return.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Gilberts Fridge wrote: |
| @Weathercam, Interested to know more about a visa, assume its a French long stay visa as I can't find anything about a Schengen wide long stay. |
We can go for a Retiree Visa a friend started the process yesterday and said it was a huge ball-ache 
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Gilberts Fridge, there isn't a Schengen-wide long stay. Each country has its own immigration requirements of course. In Austria for example, there isn't a long-stay tourism visa, just work and study permits.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I am hopeful for skiing at Christmas New Year, for no other reason than many of the current MP's like a ski holiday and they won't want to face Demonic Cummings eye sight test style newspaper articles afterwards. So I expect that there might come a miraculous softening of the quarantine rules between UK and France/Austria come December. The cynic in me wonders if that is why everything is getting strict again now, to flatten the curve, so they can lift it again at the next tourist high point.
However the biggest worry is if you are going by Ferry or Eurotunnel, the queues at Calais if you come back in January might be a bit interesting post Brexit, don't fancy sitting in a 70mile lorry tailback, or maybe that's the plan, by the time you have got through the traffic jam you will have had time to quarantine 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Quote: |
by the time you have got through the traffic jam you will have had time to quarantine
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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You have to believe that there will be a vaccine soon. Some are at very advanced testing stages. WHO does not expect widespread vaccination until mid 2021 at the earliest.
It is fairly reckless to go skiing when you know that the virus spreads in winter time, and that skiing is not really very easy to stay safe.
On the other hand, small deserted ski resorts with no bubble cars, or cable cars and only single chairlifts or poma lifts and very few enclosed catering huts are probably safer (especially since the apres ski is likely to be where the main risk arises).
For me this means Scotland again, and in the worst case scenario just climb the local hill on a good day.
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@bigtipper I was in the Swiss Alps in summer and was very happy with the covid stay safe precautions. There was distanced queueing, reduced gondola capacity and lots of masks and sanitiser. I don’t personally consider skiing in this environment (or the general Swiss approach to life from the little I have seen of it through several years of visits) to be “reckless”. Ultimately it’s a personal decision if the law permits. If the law doesn’t permit travel or skiing and people do it anyway, that’s reckless. Maybe it’s reckless if you are older or have underlying conditions. But for many reasonably healthy people who are happy to follow all the rules and travel and ski if permitted, it’s a calculated risk. Like many other things in life!
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That’s not a deliberate hyperlink to the snowheads off piste rules. I am new here obviously. That would be very reckless in my case... 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Weathercam, Thanks, its a wee while off for us, I was hoping that having a place in CH may open a long term Visa for us there when the time comes. Hopefully you get something to work out for you guys, need to see more of the Rando Chiens to get through this season.
Having been part of the CH system previously, the medical insurance cost is the biggest concern. I recall paying over 400CHF on top of Swiss basic source deducted equivalent of NI per month over ten years ago. Can see it being way more expensive now we are older.
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| BobinCH wrote: |
| Xmas might be tricky but there must be a good chance that by Feb / April holidays restrictions will be reduced.... |
We probably all want this to be true, but I think it is imposible to know. There may be an equally good chance that they are increased. 
We haven't yet been through a full UK / European winter. Children in school; people working where possible; colder/damper atmosphere; staying indoors more at home; less inclined to have windows open; meeting inside or clustering closer to oudoor heaters at pubs/resaurants (where still allowed at all), etc. All these are likely to increase the infection rate compared to last March/April. We may need even tighter restrictions on holidays and socialising, in order to keep the rest of the economy going, to avoid the NHS being overwhelmed.
And even if a vaccine is proven to be effective by say Xmas, I don't think there is any way it can be manufactured and applied worldwide before at least this time next year. We are finding it difficult enough to roll out the flu vaccine to just half the population this year, when the formulation will have been agreed at least 6 months ago.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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By the end of October the government will have to admit that they've ballsed the science up.
Not happy to be proven wrong because this will mean increases in cases = increases in deaths.
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As I've said on the other threads. I personally believe that if you aren't deemed "high risk" in the UK and are going out and about, following guidelines, wearing masks etc then a week skiing if done right wouldn't put you at any more risk than in the UK.
Drive to resort via the tunnel. Not allowed out of the car at the moment anyway and secured in your own environment.
Pit stops on route - having been in France during the summer they have put in a lot more CV19 precautions in place like hand gel at petrol pumps etc.
Stay in private self catered apartment/airbnb.
Aim for a resort with as few bubbles/gondolas as possible.
Eat/drink outside weather permitting on the mountain.
Nothing there is too different than going to work/going food shopping/pub/visiting friends or even holidaying in the UK.
The above is our plan anyway for this season. We have a rough idea of where and what we want to do. But won't book anything till much closer to the time. Aiming for late Jan, which is our usual week to ski.
What will change our plan is if France/Italy/Switzerland/Austria remain on the self-isolation list. We'd rather not isolate when we return, but we all have been and can work from home if needed. If however the UK remains on the above countries self-isolation list...well then we can't go.
This won't be possible for everyone obviously. But we keep getting told we are adults be the government and to trust our common-sense/instinct. This is what we will do. If we can go and manage the risk, we will.
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You know it makes sense.
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@Skimum1, Welcome to the Forum -- don't worry about the automatic Hyperlinks. there are several on the forum - follow the skiset one 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Fridge03, this is it for us too - as long as we are allowed into France on 22nd January without having to quarantine we will go for it, for the low risk type trip you describe to Grand Massif. We are lucky that we can all quarantine on return if necessary.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Fridge03, agree 100% but as long as government insists on 14 day self isolation on return, no families can go
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Jonny996, depends if things get worse and schools return to remote schooling...
I see three broad scenarios:
1) Things get better to the extent that we're allowed into other countries, and back into the UK without quarantine. Nice if it happens.
2) Things stay the same/get a bit worse and we can't go. No skiing for most. Likely outcome IMO on current trends.
3) The situation gets materially worse, and schools are closed. Then we can go skiing IF France/Switzerland etc. let us in.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Jonny996, well, you say that... We ran the numbers and we reckon you could sneak in a week over Christmas if the schools break early to allow the kids more time with family bubbles etc, and still come back, isolate, and then get them back to school as normal. This, of course, all goes the way of the pear if one of us actually contracts C-19 but it would if you broke your leg too.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Jonny996 wrote: |
| @Fridge03, agree 100% but as long as government insists on 14 day self isolation on return, no families can go |
This is the thing, this whole pandemic is very subjective. I don't know anyone who has had it, died, or been greatly effected by it. We fall into a low-risk demographic with no kids. For us, we take precautions, be sensible and try to manage the risk. We want to live our lives, support the economy, whilst trying to protect others.
If anyone of those points was different, for example lost a loved one due to CV19 then I'd have a very different opinion and point of view on it.
There is no right or wrong answer that works for everyone.
| dunc999 wrote: |
| @Fridge03, this is it for us too - as long as we are allowed into France on 22nd January without having to quarantine we will go for it, for the low risk type trip you describe to Grand Massif. We are lucky that we can all quarantine on return if necessary. |
Similar. We are aiming for Serre Chevalier as it ticks the box for very few bubbles. And it's a ski area we haven't been to yet and is on our hit list.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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14 day isolation on return is difficult for most but will be possible for some. Are others not concerned more about the FCO advice re only essential travel (we could argue on this forum that skiing is essential but not everyone will agree) - surely this makes most if not all insurance invalid?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Richard_Sideways wrote: |
| This, of course, all goes the way of the pear if one of us actually contracts C-19 but it would if you broke your leg too. |
This is very true. How many people would have to take time off, more than likely several weeks after breaking something on a ski trip.
How many people come home from a ski trip (or any type of holiday) and feels under the weather...may miss a couple days work.
The issue is a broken leg isn't contagious and won't kill my dear old nan 
How long is a piece of string? Anyone know?
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@Fridge03, Completely agree - will book last minute during off peak only and would endure self catering if I really had to - but either catered or not would look to fill a chalet with own family/friends.
And would drive.
Having just returned from Greek Islands - travelling against FCO recommendations (yes self iso for 2 weeks) I feel it really depends on whom/where you stay and how you conduct yourself while away - its all common sense!
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@Dippy - I think driving, self catering etc which is what we do is very low risk in terms of Covid (and agree how you conduct yourself makes a big difference). My worry is something happens not in any way related to Covid but I have no insurance as whole policy invalid?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Hello Snowheads, my first post, been following you for a while but felt a bit shy posting before. I think I am giving away my age ...
Really want to go back to corvara, love the Dolomites and Italy seem to be the only country left without needing to quarantine on the return, however not sure if we would still need to isolate if we are flying to and fromInnsbruck,
Do you know ?
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| Harrow lady wrote: |
Hello Snowheads, my first post, been following you for a while but felt a bit shy posting before. I think I am giving away my age ...
Really want to go back to corvara, love the Dolomites and Italy seem to be the only country left without needing to quarantine on the return, however not sure if we would still need to isolate if we are flying to and fromInnsbruck,
Do you know ? |
Welcome to snowHeads Harrow lady 
If Austria is not on the exempt list at the time you're there, then the current law in England is that you'd have to self isolate for 14 days in return. The guidance is here: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae
And welcome to Snowheads!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Harrow lady, Welcome to snowHeads
Yes because you will have mixed with people in Austria. It could and probably will be completely different rules come winter.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Skimum1, off piste is probably safer under covid than elsewhere. Less people usually in off piste areas, and usually less people who are under the influence of alcohol.
I am actually more concerned about places like India and Brazil. The poverty there, and the lack of social welfare support, is likely to (is already causing) serious damage. If the virus starts spreading in Africa before a vaccine, it will be unstoppable.
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| Harrow lady wrote: |
Hello Snowheads, my first post, been following you for a while but felt a bit shy posting before. I think I am giving away my age ...
Really want to go back to corvara, love the Dolomites and Italy seem to be the only country left without needing to quarantine on the return, however not sure if we would still need to isolate if we are flying to and fromInnsbruck,
Do you know ? |
I have stayed in Corvara myself in recent years but travelled via Venice, if that would work for you.
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You know it makes sense.
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Verona could work for Corvara too, though I agree Innsbruck is closest.
I think this will be the year when flying across the border from your destination, even if it is nearer, is more hassle than going directly into the same country. There are an extra set of rules to take into account, which can be avoided.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Have been a faithful Crystal and Inghams customer for the last 25 years, never done a non package skiing holiday, will look into actually, checked the map and Venice is a good alternative, Many thanks for that,
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Harrow lady, welcome to snowheads.
Not sure it would be the best year to not do a package holiday. You will have better protection booking a package with transport and accommodation included through an ATOL or ABTA bonded TO and paying by credit card.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Haha!
Because ABTA/ATOL logos ensured everything worked out so well last season 
Excepting that the company you are booked with goes bust, ATOL means nothing.
ABTA work for their members, the agents and tour operators, not for the clients of those members, you.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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We are busy converting a winterised campervan (see other thread) with the fervor of Noah building his Arc, hopefully with the aim of a couple of weeks or more self isolated travelling and skiing in Europe, or at worst ski touring in Scotland.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Super Chap Great Bloke, From what I have read some of the summer travel companies who didn't cancel holidays when restrictions were in place have left ABTA so I suspect they have tightened things up now. As far as I'm aware you have more protection booking packages than flights on their own. Are you saying this is not the case? I also suggested that Harrow Lady paid by credit card for further protection. Most TOs seem to be stating more clearly what the options are if there is disruption to holidays this time.
I do not remember many people who booked flights without accommodation last season saying they got their money back easily or at all either.
We normally drive anyway (self drive package through TO) and are doing so this year if we are able to travel.
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Wed 30-09-20 20:39; edited 1 time in total
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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We're booked for Zell am Ziller (flying to Innsbruck) for Christmas. Email from Lufthansa today changing the flights from arriving early then leaving late, to arriving late / leaving early - will lose 2 half days of skiing. Gives us an "out" to cancel (and get a full refund). Think we'll do that (if we accept the changes, gets a bit more complicated to cancel at our request later on). From the sounds of this thread, Christmas is too early to expect to be able to go.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Heard that Italy is about to go on the FCO Naughty Step for having >20 covid cases per 100,000. In UK, we currently have around FOUR times as many.... seems a bit mad..
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@jonnyboy9, poo-poo!! Was literally pricing a very reasonably priced trip to Val Senales at October half term - how confident are you in the source of this information?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks for the censorship admin Johnny
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@Snowsartre, It's automatic. You can't bloody swear on here
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