Aug 31, 2020 / BUYING PROCESS

Can you make a viewing trip? The latest news on travelling to ski destinations

With news of quarantines, restrictions and lockdowns changing all the time, it’s hard to keep up! There’s conflicting information being produced on a daily basis about where you can travel and the restrictions that are involved.

So, we’ve focused on three top ski destinations and outlined exactly what the restrictions are and what to expect when you get there. Although the ski season isn’t up and running just yet, you may be looking to make a viewing trip to start the process of buying a ski property. Is this possible?

France

If you’re travelling to France from the UK, a mandatory quarantine of 14 days is required on your return. So far, however, France hasn’t reciprocated this, so you won’t have to quarantine when you get there.

Thankfully, there is no requirement to quarantine once you arrive for any European countries, which means that you are free to make a viewing trip as you would usually.

Viewing trips have been taking place as normal, whilst respecting rules – mask-wearing, social distancing and regular cleaning included.

The end of the August break will mean even more businesses and property professionals, such as lawyers and notaires, will be returning to business as usual.

One of a kind ski Chalet in Megeve that will take your breath away

Italy

Italy is also open to EU member states, the UK and the Schengen area without the need to quarantine on arrival. People travelling from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay are also free of restrictions.

Despite cases rising recently, Italy has insisted that a total lockdown will not be needed again, as the healthcare system is now better equipped to deal with the effects of coronavirus. While Italy remains one of the worst-affected countries in Europe overall, a closer look at the latest data shows that the country’s contagion rate is in fact still relatively low.

From May 4th, estate agents in Italy officially reopened their offices to the public, respecting social distancing and sanitary measures. Now they can carry out viewing trips or virtual viewings if required.

An airy, newly built apartment in Alta Badia, Italy.

Switzerland

The UK and all EU and Schengen countries are currently exempt from the requirement to quarantine on arrival to Switzerland. However, some travellers entering Switzerland who have visited certain countries within the past 14 days have to quarantine for 10 days, regardless of nationality. Several ‘high risk’ countries are not permitted to enter Switzerland without restrictions.

Like a lot of other places in Europe, there has recently been a growing number of infections in Switzerland. However, life has gone back to normal in many ways. Masks are required on public transport and are obligatory in shops in Geneva, Jura, Vaud, and Neuchâtel.

Property viewings can be made in person with social distancing measures in place. However, the frequent use of new technology during the first half of 2020 has shown the real estate sector that there are alternative ways to conduct business.

Beautiful ski-in ski-out apartment located in Les Crosets ski resort, Switzerland

Overall, it is certainly possible to make property viewings in ski hotspots, such as the Alps. For many, a viewing trip is also a chance to escape to the mountains for some fresh air and open space, away from crowded beaches and cities. So, you can certainly begin your ski property buying journey now!