With great anticipation, the ski areas are finally reopening their doors after the last season marked by the closure of ski lifts. Although the pandemic is still present, employees can once again perform their jobs, and skiing enthusiasts can finally hit the slopes. However, Covid-19 remains present, and once again this year, health restrictions will influence our ski areas.
Here we are. The ski resorts have indeed reopened to the delight of skiing enthusiasts.
We went to Auron. The largest ski area in the Alpes-Maritimes, it is located at the gates of Mercantour with 135 km of slopes.
The station could only open its doors on December 11 due to a lack of snow, unlike its neighbors Isola 2000 or La Colmiane, which were able to welcome their first skiers on the weekend of the 4th.
We decided to spend the opening weekend with mountain professionals as well as skiing enthusiasts, who arrived early this morning to put on their skis.
“It’s going to feel good to blow off steam on the slopes, to see wonderful landscapes. To take a break from work and with Covid still being present… I’ve been looking forward to this!”
Despite the good news of the reopenings, ski resorts still face health issues. Published on Thursday, November 18 by the French government, rules apply to the ski lifts during the winter season of 2021/2022.
The rules include all stations:
-Wearing a mask is mandatory from the age of 11 on all ski lifts and in queues.
-Skiers must maintain a distance between themselves and other groups of people traveling together in access lines.
-The health pass is mandatory for adults and minors aged at least 12 years and 2 months to use the ski lifts.
“It’s true that the health rules are constraining, wearing a mask on the chairlifts while we are surrounded by mountains is frustrating, but if it allows the area to stay open, then why not!”
Skiers were understanding of the health restrictions, fueled by the enthusiasm of this reopening. Especially since conditions were favorable, despite the very low temperatures at altitude for several days, the sun was out just like the skiers.
“The snow is good, the sun is shining. We are just waiting for the full opening of the station.”
In fact, while 9 slopes are currently open, this number is expected to increase by next weekend. Note that for this reason, tickets are sold at -30%.
Gradually, the area should fully open, allowing skiers to choose from the 3 green slopes, the 17 blue slopes, the 15 red slopes, or the 8 black slopes available throughout the station.
But caution is still advised; rescue patrollers remind that the risk of accidents is indeed present, even more so this year. “Many skiers have been waiting for this moment. They want to make up for an entire season and are less vigilant. Speed and excitement are factors conducive to collisions.”
Professionals also remind to stay informed about the slope conditions available on the website of the station you are visiting.
“Even if it hasn’t snowed much, avalanche risk should never be taken lightly.”
