It was announced on Friday 19 November that Austrian ski resorts will go into lockdown from 22 November 2021. With Covid rates rising rapidly throughout Austria, seeing the numbers reaching over 1000 per 100,000 people, this is scheduled to last 20 days until 12 December, but will be reviewed after 10 days. Realistically, they are unlikely to come back out before the 20 days are up.
What does Austrian Ski resorts go into Lockdown mean?
Until the 12 December full restrictions are in effect with restaurants, non essential shops and hotels/accommodation all having to be closed. People will be expected to remain at home except for essential activities, such as food shopping and medical appontments, as with previous lockdowns. Also, regardless of whether this lockdown is extended, the Austria Govenment has said it is now compulsory for adults to have the covid vaccination by February 2022.
It is hoped that after 12 December this lockdown will finish and ski holidays can again resume, in time for the Christmas and New Year break. Following that they have stated the that travellers will need to comply with the Austrian Government’s “2-G-rule” as shown below
Information from the Austrian tourist board
Cable Cars
- “2-G-rule”: only proof of vaccination or past infection is accepted (but face masks are not mandatory any more)
- Negative Covid-19 tests are not sufficient
Christmas Markets
- “2-G-rule”: only proof of vaccination or past infection is accepted
- Negative Covid-19 tests are not sufficient
Après-Ski
- “2-G-rule”: only proof of vaccination or past infection is accepted
- Negative Covid-19 tests are not sufficient
That’s how the 2-G-rule works during Winter Holidays
The “2-G-rule” (vaccinated, recovered) has been introduced in Austria in many areas including winter tourism. This means that you have to show proof of vaccination or past infection in accommodations, restaurants/bars and cable cars. On public transport and in some other areas, FFP2 masks are also mandatory. Here is an overview of the protective measures currently in force:
- For hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, leisure centres, gyms, cultural institutions (cinemas, theatres etc.), Christmas markets, ski lifts and body-related services (such as hairdressers) proof of vaccination/recovery is mandatory (children under the age of 12 are exempt).
- For events with 25 people or more proof of vaccination/recovery is mandatory (children under the age of 12 are exempt).
- Please be advised that proof of vaccination/recovery is mandatory for ANY type of accommodation, e.g. chalets, holiday apartments, mountain huts etc.
- COVID tests (both PCR and antigen) are no longer valid as “entry tests”.
- FFP2 masks are required on public transport, as well as in all retail businesses and museums.
- 2-dose-vaccinations are valid for 9 months only after the second dose from 6 December (previously: 12 months). After that, a booster is required.
- The 1-dose-vaccine by Johnson & Johnson is valid until 3 January 2022, after that date a booster is required.
- Up until 6 December, proof of the first dose plus a negative PCR test are valid for hospitality businesses, body-related services and events.
- Children under 12 years are currently exempt from entry rules.
- For Children over the age of 12, a solution is being worked on.
