Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World
Started by J2SkiNews in Ski News 04-Mar-2020 - 8 Replies
J2SkiNews posted Mar-2020
In the continually evolving response to the coronavirus outbreak there are a few new developments in the skiing world, mostly in terms of large scale ski events during the final months of the season.
The International Ski Federation have now released an 'Information and Recommendation Guide' on organising events in light of the virus which is designed for Local Organising Committees and other FIS stakeholders to educate about the best practices to help minimise the risk of spread of the virus.
"The FIS is maintaining the existing principles applied since the outbreak of the Novel Corona Virus, which are to fully comply with the instructions and decisions of the National and Regional Governments and their Health Authorities," said a statement from organisers.
The FIS also say they will make a final decision on the staging of the FIS Alpine World Cup Finals in Cortina, the biggest event in the alpine ski racing calendar and due to take place later this month, this Friday 6th March at 5pm CET. This date, they say, was specified by the Italian Regional Government and Health Authorities in Veneto authorities for their next general update in regard to the status of controlling measures that have been undertaken to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus and any measures that will be implemented.
Veneto, where the resort is located, is one of the Italian areas hit hardest by the virus so far, although with most cases in Venice to the south.
Swiss ski resorts Laax say their SuddenRush Banked Slalom will go ahead, for the sixth time, from the 5th to 8th of March 2020.
"Safety for all participants is as important as fun in the snow. After application by LAAX and the official risk analysis, the Canton of Graubünden has approved the event," a statement from the organisers read.
Meanwhile Hokkaido, home to Niseko, is officially in a "state of emergency" according to the prefecture's governor. However the advice here – to wash hands meticulously and stay away from crowded indoor spaces – seems to be the same as most places and ski resorts appear to still be operating as normal.
In China, the government has reported that thee have been zero cases of the virus in the area where the Olympics are due to be staged in two years' time. The ski slopes here are currently closed, as they have been at all ski centres across the country since early February, but a team of police is stationed on the routes in and out of the resort, complete with thermal body scanners, to ensure no risk of infection getting in.
In terms of travel in Europe it is a fast-evolving situation but, generally, almost all airports are open and all flights operating and governments are not advising against travel except to limited 'virus hot spot' areas within some countries.
Some airlines are offering to rebook passengers not wanting to travel near to virus outbreak hot spots, others aren't and it seems few travel insurance policies will kick in unless airports are closed or governments advise against travel.
J2SkiNews
reply to 'Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World' posted Mar-2020
J2SkiNews
reply to 'Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World' posted Mar-2020
Alpexpo, the organizer of the Mountain Planet fair in France, one of the biggest trade fairs for the winter sports trade, has issued a statement this afternoon saying that no decision has been made to date regarding the postponement of the 2020 edition (April 22-24).
The organisation are stressing though that it will happen at some point this year, they just haven't yet decided whether it will be later than advertised, but they'll make a decision next week.
"Alpexpo confirms that the Mountain Planet trade show, the international meeting point for mountain planning, will take place in 2020. The show's teams have entered into consultations with shareholders, notably the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region, the various stakeholders and exhibiting companies," a statement reads, continuing, "A meeting is scheduled for March 10, the date on which Alpexpo will communicate on maintaining or postponing the dates of the Mountain Planet 2020 exhibition, which in any case will take place in 2020."
Mountain Planet was first staged in 1974 in Grenoble and has grown to welcome 900 exhibitors and international brands to an exhibition area of 50,000 m2 attracting over 18,000 professional visitors from more than 60 countries.
More info on: www.mountain-planet.com
J2SkiNews
reply to 'Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World' posted Mar-2020
Press release / Thursday, 5 March 2020 In the beginning of February the build-up of Tomorrowland Winter 2020 in Alpe d'Huez started. Today, it is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that the French Government has decided to cancel this year's edition (March 14 -21).
Chock
reply to 'Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World' posted Mar-2020
J2SkiNews wrote:...and apologies in advance to anyone who feels the above report is either scare mongering or conversely, not stressing potential dangers enough, as I've tried to strike the middle ground and dig out any facts I can.
Coronaphobia is spreading faster than the Virus. :|
J2SkiNews
reply to 'Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World' posted Mar-2020
In a separate development the Altitude Comedy Festival in Mayrhofen say their event is still happening.
Edited 1 time. Last update at 06-Mar-2020
J2SkiNews
reply to 'Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World' posted Mar-2020
Following the cancellation of two of the biggest music festivals in the alps announced yesterday (Tommorrowland Winter and Rock The pistes) the smaller Snowboxx Festival in Avoriaz has issued a statement saying that the festival will still be happening – but in a reduced version with most of the main acts cancelled. Those booked to go will get an 80% rebate on the wrist band price.
"On the advice of the French authorities, we have been asked to reorganise the schedule of the music events taking place at Snowboxx due to the current Coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak. This will involve the performances of Annie Mac, Andy C, DJ EZ and The Sugarhill Gang no longer going ahead this year. The rest of the festival programme is intended to go ahead as planned," the statement reads.
J2SkiNews
reply to 'Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World' posted Mar-2020
The FIS has announced that a decision regarding the status of the Audi FIS World Cup Finals in Cortina (ITA), due to have been given at 5pm CET today, will now be announced tomorrow morning (Saturday 7th) at 9:00.
Topic last updated on 06-March-2020 at 19:00