Overseas snow holidays not looking likely

By CHRIS EPSKAMP

FOR many, the COVID pandemic has necessarily interrupted their snow holidays to Mt Hotham and Falls Creek this season, so what are the chances of getting your snow fix overseas in the 2021/22 northern hemisphere winter?

Australians traditionally travel overseas in huge numbers chasing powder and other snow adventures in Canada, Europe (particularly Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland), Japan and the USA.

Whilst exiting Australia for travel overseas (and then returning) is still banned or incredibly limited, we asked Mt Hotham locals and co–founders of global ski travel website Powderhounds.com, Greg Doyle and Lyndell Keating, for their views on what was happening around the world.

“Unfortunately things aren’t looking too good for international travel to Japan this coming season," Greg said.

"In recent meetings we held with many of Hokkaido’s major resorts, we were told that they are all planning for the 2022/23 ski season as being the next time when it is likely for international guests to be able to access Japan.

"As of August 9, 2021, fully–vaccinated US citizens are eligible to travel to Canada and from September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID–19 remains under control, the government of Canada intends to allow non–essential travel by people from any country who have been fully vaccinated with government of Canada–accepted vaccines at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.

"So this is great news for most of the world if they are planning to ski in Canada.

"The USA still has travel bans in place for international visitors however there are discussions underway to assess whether fully vaccinated travellers may be allowed into the country later in the year.”

Lyndell adds, “Europe presents other options and challenges.

"As of mid–August, travellers from Australia can enter Austria without the need for quarantine, however, need to show either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination/past infection upon entry. "For France, Australia is classified as a ‘green’ country, and citizens can enter with just a negative PCR test within the last 72 hour or if fully vaccinated.

"In Italy, tourists from Australia can enter with a negative PCR test, a self–quarantine period of five days and a follow–up PCR test.

"Unfortunately, no tourists can currently enter Switzerland.

"So at this stage the best options for quarantine free ski travel is to head to one of the many great ski resorts in Austria, France and the amazing resorts, snow cat operations or heli ski companies in Canada ….. but be quick because most or the cat and heli skiing in Canada is already booked out for next season.”

For Australian citizens, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) ‘Smartraveller’ website outlines the current circumstances for travelling overseas.

“There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia," it states.

"You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban…..”.

Whilst there have been some indications of an easing of the travel ban in 2022, a specific timeframe has not been announced at this stage.

To sum up, Lyndell says, “The advice and restrictions for travel to and from every country is constantly changing.

"Our advice for Australians is to keep an ear and eye out for any changes the government may make later this year once vaccination rates increase, but in reality, there are too many ifs, buts and maybes, so wax the surfboard, rig the windsurfer and get ready for another summer at home!”

Of course, there are also our alpine resorts to consider, as they make a perfect destinations to visit and holiday during spring, summer and autumn, to beat the extreme heat and enjoy high country hospitality, with magical walks, mountain biking and sheer relaxation.

And then there is always next season at Hotham and Falls Creek.

For firsthand information on the world’s best ski resorts, cat skiing and heliskiing, check out www.powderhounds.com

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