Latest Lockdown & Going Skiing in Austria

We're very lucky to be considered LOCALS when it comes to skiing this year!

While a strict lockdown went into effect in Austria the day after Christmas, ski resorts were permitted to open with certain rules.  You have to reserve a time slot - either 9am-noon or noon-4pm.  You have to wear a ski mask (easy enough!) and keep your distance when getting on the lift, riding only with members of your same household.  At Lackenhof where we go skiing, you are stopped on the main road leading to the mountain by police officers and you must present your ski reservation.  You then retrieve your ticket from an automated machine.  And then you can ski as usual! 

Because we're not travelling anywhere we've been going most days - Brian and I alternate going with Ellie who can ski on the main slope.  And on the other days one of us practices with Francis on the kiddie slope (and once we took Isaac skiing but that didn’t last too long, so sledding it is for him this year).  Francis was supposed to be in ski school this year, but that was cancelled.  So we decided to have Ellie and Francis take a private lesson.  Francis, in particular, learned a ton and is a happy, confident skier on the kiddie slope now!  It is funny to see the difference in the kids’ personalities. Ellie followed obediently behind her teacher and gave short answers to his questions. Francis quickly greeted his instructor and told him, “I already know how to put my goggles on” as he proceeded to put them on his mouth. I was in shock when I saw him do this, and then I realized he was joking with him! I guess the personality differences may trace themselves back to Brian and me :) 

We’re definitely enjoying hitting the slopes!

Here's the latest with the lockdown regulations:

At the moment, a lockdown is in effect in Austria. Tourism and leisure travel are not possible.

Current measures - in effect at least until 17 January - include:

• Hotels are closed to leisure travellers/tourists; only essential travel (e.g. for business that cannot be delayed) is permitted.
• Restaurants and bars can only offer takeout/delivery services. Dining in is not permitted.
• Events such as concerts, plays, exhibitions etc. are cancelled.
• Theatres, cinemas, gyms, pools, zoos, amusement parks, and most other culture and leisure facilities are closed.
• Only essential shops are open.
• You are required to stay at home and only leave the house for essential reasons.
• Cable cars and ski areas have been allowed to reopen. Hotels and restaurants are however still closed and entry regulations (quarantine requirement - see below) are in effect. De facto, skiing is only possible for locals.

From 18 January, only if Austria's 7-day incidence rate falls below 100, the following measures will be taken:

• Hotels, restaurants, cultural institutions, and shops will be able to reopen.
• You will need a negative COVID-19 test to attend events, stay in hotels etc.
• Mass testing throughout Austria will take place before any rules are eased.