"Ski Resorts Exempt From Coronavirus Ban on Big Events" Says Swiss Big Event Organiser

Major events being staged in ski resorts ae exempt from a new Swiss national ban on events of more than 1,000 people, the organisers of one such upcoming event have announced.

The organisers of the SnowpenAir Festival, which markets itself as Switzerland's biggest music winter event staged more than 2000m up in the Jungfrau region, have issued a statement:

"The Snowpenair takes place: Coronavirus: The Swiss Federal Council has declared on 28.2.2020 that public transport, railway stations or ski resorts are not affected by the ban of large-scale events. The Jungfrau Railways operate normally."

The festival has previously seen stars including Joe Cocker, Laura Pausini, Uriah Heap and Bryan Adams performed on stage will this year takes place on April 4th and 5th.

Another larger music event will see veteran British band The Stranglers perform above Morgins on the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil region on Saturday, 21st March as part of the Rock The Pistes festival.

Meanwhile a French ban on events of more than 5,000 people "in a confined space" does not appear to be likely to impact some of the big festivals, including the 25,000 people strong Tomorrowland winter due to take place in a fortnight's time in Alpe d'Huez, as they are not taking place in a confined space.

Snowpenair takes place on the 4th and 5th of April, the current ban on large-scale events involving more than 1000 people only applies until the 15th of March!

For events with less than 1000 people the organisers have to carry out a risk assessment in conjunction with the competent cantonal authorities who then decides if it can go ahead. If the situation isn't under control by the 15th of March the ban will likely be extended.

Perhaps you could correct your very misleading headline and do a bit of fact checking before you post about Coronavirus related issues in the future.

Thanks for putting me right on that one, it's really great to have your valuable input there. Have a lovely evening.

This festival is almost a month away. If I were a betting man I would bet that this particular festival will be cancelled, regardless of what authorities are now saying. Evidence is piling up that the Alpine winter environment may be ideal for survival and transmission of Covid-19.