Are you looking to buy a ski property and hoping to take a viewing trip soon? We bring you the latest news on travelling to ski destinations and what the COVID-19 situation looks like currently.
If you are travelling from the UK, travel is currently permitted for those carrying out activities relating to buying, selling, renting or letting a residential property. However, when deciding on whether to make a viewing trip, you should consider the entry requirements and restrictions in your destination country.
France
Arrivals from the UK do not need to provide an essential reason for travelling to France. However, on arrival you will need to complete a ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) form and present a negative PCR test result, which has been carried out over the last 72 hours.
After this, seven days of self-isolation is required before taking another PCR test to confirm that you still test negative for COVID-19.
France is currently easing restrictions after undergoing a four-week lockdown in April. Domestic travel between regions is now permitted and whilst non-essential businesses are set to be closed until at least May 19, estate agents are open. A curfew remains from 5pm, but this is set to be pushed back to 9pm from May 19.
A four-stage plan set out by President Macron aims to ease nearly all restrictions by June 30. So, why not get your property search started, book a viewing trip for the summer and have your very own ski home in France ready the 2021/22 season?
This is a brand-new development of 26 apartments is built in the style of traditional Savoyard architecture. It is situated close to Chamonix centre
Italy
Entry restrictions in Italy depend on which country you’re travelling from. Visitors from the UK don’t need an essential reason to enter Italy. However, you will need to provide a self-declaration form and evidence of a negative antigen or molecular swab taken no more than 48 hours before travel. You’ll also need to isolate for 5 days upon arrival and take another test after this.
All regions in Italy have been categorised under “yellow”, “orange” or “red”, depending on the severity of the COVID-19 situation in each. There is a variety of restrictive measures in place depending on the colour.
Movement in orange and red regions is restricted, whilst in yellow regions, movement is permitted, and some non-essential businesses are open. Most regions are currently yellow, including the ski areas of Lombardy, Piemonte, Veneto and Trento. Valle Aosta is the only Italian region in red.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi has set out a timetable for the easing of restrictions. Whilst he did not give a precise date for a full return to normality, Draghi said “vaccines will be widely diffused” by the autumn, fuelling hopes that resorts can open for the 2021/22 ski season.
An alpine style character home in sunny Arabba, in the heart of one of the most sought-after South Tyrol holiday places in the Dolomites, Italy
Switzerland
UK citizens are not currently permitted to enter Switzerland. Although EU citizens can enter Switzerland for certain requirements, this has not been extended to the UK after Brexit. Despite mounting pressure on Switzerland to open its borders, there have not been any official announcements about when they will lift restrictions.
However, restrictions have eased within Switzerland. Groups of 15 are allowed to meet inside and non-essential businesses open. Sports and cultural activities are also permitted. Switzerland was one of the few countries to keep their ski slopes open this year, attracting local tourists to their resorts as well as skiers from neighbouring France and Italy.
Sonne Silvaplana” is a residential development of luxury apartments located in the heart of the enchanting Upper Engadine lake district
Start looking for your ski property today
To get the process of buying your ski property underway, why not take a look at our handy ski property buying guides? They lay out the buying journey step by step to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Jan 02, 2024
