While infection figures in Germany continue to rise, the Corona situation in Spain has already eased somewhat. Therefore, the ski resorts in Spain are allowed to reopen under strict hygiene regulations. In some regions the lifts are already running, others are still waiting for snow.
Second wave already overcome
While in spring Spain was still one of the Corona hotspots in Europe, the country has now weathered the second wave much better. While the numbers continue to rise in Germany, the situation in Spain has eased considerably.
This is also due to the fact that the second wave had already begun earlier than in Germany. The numbers in Spain had already risen sharply again in October. But instead of a nationwide hard lockdown, as is now in place in Germany, freedom of movement within the country was brought down. While restaurants, stores and cultural venues remained open in some cases, entire regions where infection rates were particularly high were cordoned off. Residents were only allowed to leave their community or region on a strictly restricted basis.
Due to the decreased numbers, it is already possible to loosen up the regulations in Spain. Stores and restaurants are open with restrictions and ski resorts are also allowed to start the winter season before Christmas, also with extensive protection concepts.
Different rules in the autonomous regions
Measures and restrictions to control the Coronavirus in Spain are mainly decided by the autonomous communities themselves. Accordingly, there are regional differences in what is allowed and what is not. The opening of ski resorts also falls under the responsibility of the Comunidades Autónomas.
In Catalonia, ski resorts like Baqueira Beret were already allowed to open on December 14. On Friday, December 18, Andalusia also follows with the resort Sierra Nevada. The ski resorts in the Pryrenees of Aragón will start lift operations on December 23. Other regions are still waiting for enough snow to start the new ski season, for example Valdesquí.
Corona measures in the ski resorts
In order to be able to open, the ski resorts have developed extensive protection and hygiene concepts. For example, masks are compulsory in the queuing areas and during the lift ride. Mouth and nose protection must also be worn in enclosed areas and the minimum distance of 1.5 meters must be maintained.
Capacity restrictions are in place almost everywhere in enclosed facilities such as restaurants, ski shops and rental stations. Some ski resorts also do not fill gondolas to capacity. Many ski resorts offer an online store for ski passes to avoid long lines at the ticket booths. In Sierra Nevada, tickets can only be purchased online or via app this season.
Which measures apply in the individual areas can be read in the ski resort entries. There are also links to the detailed Corona rules of the ski resorts.
Travel restrictions from within and outside of Spain
As in neighbouring countries, however, Spanish ski resorts are primarily open to local guests. This is because anyone wishing to enter Spain from a risk area must be able to present a negative Corona test that is no more than 72 hours old.
In addition, travel restrictions also apply within the country in some autonomous communities. This applies in Catalonia, Aragón and Andalusia, among others. Travel to other regions and provinces is only allowed for valid reasons. Contact restrictions, night curfews and travel restrictions vary by region. An overview of what applies in the Comunidades Autónomas can be found here on the web page of the Spanish Ministry of Health.
This is the situation in Europe
While the ski resorts in Spain open, the lifts in France and Italy remain closed until at least January. In Germany, too, lift operations will not start until the new year. In Central Europe, the ski resorts are currently only open in Switzerland. In Austria skiing is allowed again for locals from December 24th.
