Portugal among 30 hotel quarantine countries confirmed

It’s a tale of two sides for the world’s ski resorts, as this week’s Mountain Trade Network conference has revealed.

In France, where it’s confirmed lifts won’t open in February…

Stephie Dijkman, commercial and marketing director from Tignes, one of France’s leading ski resorts has given an honest view of the ski season in the country. She says:

Looking at the situation unfortunately it’s terrifying what’s happening in the world, and to be honest I don’t think we will open any ski lifts this winter. It’ll be an amazing surprise if we do, and even better if Brits can come out, but to be honest it’s too complicated.

In the very short term we do expect the go into a third lockdown, based on information shared in the press.

Because my thoughts are that we won’t be open, or if we do for a very few weeks, the economic crisis for some of the local businesses is only just starting and that is difficult to deal with… We’re only at the start of a long period of negative news.

While in Canada, where resorts are fully open, albeit for locals…

Steve Pampel from Ski Big3, which operates Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mount Norquay, is in a much different situation. He says:

We’re lucky in a sense that our three resorts are open and we’re enjoying great conditions – in fact Mount Norquay had one of their openings on October 25 last year.

There are restrictions in place… the resorts have done a great job and have worked really hard with Alberta health services to provide the best experience and safest experience as possible.

The resort has introduced warming tents for people to shelter in, compulsory mask wearing and has closed restaurants for inside dining. Mr Pampel adds:

Our goal is to stay open. The big difference for us is who we’re welcoming now – it goes without saying we definitely miss the international market.