Swiss Ski Areas to Remain Open

The Swiss Federal Government has just announced that:

It does not want to ban skiing. However, ski resorts will require a permit from the canton authorities from 22 December onwards. This is subject to the condition that the epidemiological situation allows this and that sufficient capacities in hospitals, contact tracing and testing are ensured.

There will be no capacity restrictions on the ski slopes, but the capacity of all enclosed means of transport, such as trains, cabins and gondolas will be limited two thirds of normal capacity from 9 December. This applies to seating and standing room.

Masks will continue to be obligatory on all lifts, including drag and chair lifts. When queuing, a mask must be worn and social distancing (1.5m) must be maintained.

Restaurants in the ski resorts may only let customers into the indoor area if a table is available. All restaurants must also collect the contact details of one guest per table. In addition, the existing rules continue to apply indoors and on the terraces: consumption only while seated and a maximum of four people per table, excluding parents with children. Closing time remains at 11 pm. On New Year's Eve alone, it will be extended until 1 am as an exception.

The Swiss hotel lobby is very powerful.
I suspect other countries will try the same.

As with most countries there is a lot of government lobbying in Switzerland. As well as HotellerieSuisse the trade associations representing all the business sectors involved in the skiing industry along with the MPs representing the Alpine cantons will have lobbied the federal government and will be continuing to do so.

As the number of COVID-19 infections is still rising in some cantons and stagnating in most others it looks like the federal government will announce further measures on Friday:

As the number of COVID-19 infections is still rising in some cantons and stagnating in most others it looks like the federal government will announce further measures on Friday:

• Restaurants, shops, markets, leisure and sports facilities will have to close at 7 p.m. and will remain closed on Sundays.

• For private events, the maximum number of persons from two households will be 5. Parties of up to 10 people will be excluded from 24 to 26 December and on 31 December. This may affect chalet and self-catering holidays.

• Public events will be prohibited with the exception of religious celebrations and legislative assemblies.

• All cultural activities (including school activities) will be prohibited. Professional events with an audience will be prohibited, except for events broadcast online without an audience.