For many Germans, a ski holiday in winter is an absolute must.
But in 2020 everything is on the brink because of Corona: Italy even wants a Europe-wide ban.
Corona lockdown is currently in effect again in the Alpine countries: both Germany and Austria are currently banning tourist accommodation * and in Italy there are more stringent measures in many regions - a ski holiday as so many would like is currently impossible .
Numerous ski areas have had to postpone their start of the season or even break off in the middle of the season.
But now there is another bad news for ski fans: Italy wants to get a
ski ban in motion across Europe
.
Ski vacation before the end: Italy wants a Europe-wide ban - and gets support from Germany
Skiing holidays in Italy will not be possible between Christmas and New Year - they are planned to be
closed until January 10th
.
“We cannot afford that,” said Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte in a television interview, according to the Tagesschau.
The risk of a third Covid 19 wave is too great - triggered by skiing fun on the slopes.
In the back of their minds, many have the ski resort of Ischgl, which developed into a true Corona hotspot in March.
To avoid something like that, Conte relies on support from Germany and France.
He is currently working with Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on a
European protocol for the winter holidays
.
A timetable is to be drawn up for the gradual opening of the ski areas at the beginning of the new year.
He receives reinsurance from
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder
.
"If we want to keep the borders open, we also need a clear agreement on skiing," said Tagesschau on the sidelines of a state parliament session.
That is why he speaks out in favor of a
temporary closure of ski areas and ski lifts across Europe
.
Also interesting
: Despite Corona: mass rush in the Zermatt ski area in Switzerland.
Ban on skiing holidays due to Corona?
Austria is resisting it
However, Austria reacts to the proposal with fierce resistance.
The Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel is even demanding
billions in EU compensation
if the cross-border ski areas should only open after the Christmas holidays: "If the EU actually stipulates that the ski areas must remain closed, this means costs of up to two billion euros.
If the EU really wants that, then it has to pay for it. ”Every week, closed ski slopes mean a loss of sales of 800 million euros, said Blümel.
Conte also receives criticism from his own country: Albert Cirio, President of the Piedmont region, wants to keep the ski lifts open.
Instead, restaurants and bars should remain closed.
Currently, there are stricter exit restrictions in particularly affected regions of Italy - the red zones.
Due to the flattening infection curve, there could be a few loosening before Christmas.
Nevertheless, the ski holiday in Italy is still on the brink.
In Germany, too, the partial lockdown is to be extended until December 20th - which would make the ski season possible from December 21st at the earliest.
In Austria, the partial lockdown will initially apply until December 6th.
After that, the slopes could open - Ischgl is planning the start of the ski season on December 17th, for example.
(fk) * Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editorial network.
Also read
: Skiing 2020/21: When does the season start in Germany, Austria and Switzerland?
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