By Lea Struck
With the onset of winter, every year many Europeans look forward to a very special leisure activity: skiing. This year, however, everything is different. But that does not mean that skiing will not be possible at all. In this blog, Fly Aeolus introduces you to the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe. Find out everything about skiing during the corona crisis and fly with our private jet to Austria, France, and Switzerland.
Skiing in Austria
In Austria, you can find winter fun in 435 ski resorts. The largest of these is Ski Arlberg with almost 305 kilometers of pistes and 88 lifts. A total of 11 villages are united by the 200 pistes, making it one of the most attractive ski resorts in Europe. Here you will certainly find plenty of space to keep your distance. A real highlight in Ski Arlberg is, among other things, the race circuits of the 2001 Alpine Ski World Championship.
However, those who want to stay away from large crowds will find optimal skiing fun in Austria’s smaller areas, such as the Turracher Höhe. About 42 kilometers of slopes extend around the Turracher See – an experience with a view! In addition to night skiing, fun slope, and toboggan run, you will also find a ski butler at Turracher Höhe who is available to answer all your questions, he also provides drinks and snacks. For families and especially in times of the Corona pandemic, it presumes to be a perfect skiing experience.
With regard to the corona pandemic, Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kunz considers it important to keep the ski areas open to the best possible extent. He announced that winter tourism and skiing will be possible. At the end of this article you can read under which measures this will be realized.
Swiss ski areas
Is skiing the whole year round a dream? It doesn’t have to be a dream, since it is possible in some ski resorts in Switzerland. One of the best known ski resorts is the Zermatt ski area. With 360 kilometers of pistes and 60 lifts, Zermatt is not only the largest ski area in Switzerland but also the highest of the Alps. But other important records can also be found here: The downhill run from the Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt is 14.9 kilometers long, making it the world’s longest groomed ski slope.
The Aletsch Arena might be an insider tip for skiing during the COVID pandemic. Not only families with children will find peace and quiet here, but nature lovers will be fascinated by the view on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungrau-Aletsch. Did you also know that the Austrian ski area offers the largest glacier, with a length of 23 kilometers, in the Alps? Let yourself be enchanted by nature!
Switzerland is also optimistic about the coming winter season: “Switzerland is skiing – even with Corona!” according to the Swiss Cable Car Association.
Skiing in France
Why should you be skiing in France? If you have ever asked yourself this question, the following fact will certainly surprise you: France is home to about 30% of all ski resorts in the world. And this is noticeable: in order to separate tourism from the local life, ski villages have been built in many winter regions. Even right next to the slopes! But there are many more reasons to choose a skiing holiday in France.
The popularity of French winter sports is underlined by the Paradiski ski resort. The resort receives on average 2.5 million visitors per year. It is the highest number worldwide! No wonder, since the French snow paradise connects two glaciers and convinces above all through its diversified winter sports offers. Also known as the ‘home of the snowboard’, Paradiski offers over 425 kilometers of slopes. It is also interesting to know that in France you will not only find the most popular but also the largest ski area worldwide: Les Trois Vallées. The area leads the record with 600 kilometers of slopes and over 180 lifts.
France also offers a numerous smaller ski areas. A less frequented area, for example is Le Grand Bornand. Apart from skiing, the mountain village offers a lot of charm and time for relaxation. Let yourself be tempted by the French cuisine!
Under a special hygiene and safety concept, the ski season in France is also declared open.
Corona hygiene measures in the three skiing countries
The year 2020 is bringing changes in many respects. During this winter season special measures must be taken into account for your winter sports. The measures are quite similar in the three countries France, Austria and Switzerland:
- Compulsory use of face masks in front of and inside ski lifts
- 1.5-meter distance obligation for queuing ski lifts
- Online lift ticket purchase
- Smaller ski courses
- Aprés-ski ban
Some ski resorts will not even be opened at all due to the current uncertain situation. It is therefore essential to inform yourself about the specific precautions that have been taken in the ski resort, before starting your trip.
Overall, however, the following applies: Skiing fun and safety should not be mutually exclusive – there will only be some adjustments.
With a Fly Aeolus private jet to your ski holiday
The skiing holiday is booked, now the only thing missing is a way to get safely to your destination? Fly Aeolus flies you to your desired location by air taxi at a reasonable price! Flying in a private jet reduces contact points and thus the risk of infection by 30 times in comparison to commercial airlines!
In addition, you not only save money but above all time. Fly Aeolus connects more than 1,600 airports throughout Europe. The nearest runway is usually only a 20-minute drive away.
Have a look at our website and plan your flight using our price calculator.
Does my ski equipment actually fit in the private jet? Read everything you need to know on this subject in our blog ‘Baggage compartment: What size of luggage can I take?‘ Or take a look at the comparison between the baggage allowance of commercial airlines and private jets here.