Nobody knows what will happen next in the pandemic. Should I still book a winter holiday?
Many accommodations are currently offering very flexible cancellation conditions. We recommend you contact your preferred establishment to discuss the options. We would be delighted to welcome you on a winter holiday in Austria soon!

What are the rules for ski and snowboard schools?
The Austrian Ski School Association has devised recommendations with the Federal Ministry of Health. Groups should be no larger than 10, including the ski or snowboard instructor. Instructors are to be tested regularly. All guests are registered and a minimum distance of one metre is to be maintained. A face mask is to be worn where this is not possible (such as when assisting after a fall). Any rental equipment – skis, boards, boots, poles etc. – is regularly disinfected.

Are the ski buses running?
Yes. The same rules apply as on public transport, meaning a face mask must be worn.

What are the rules for cable cars / chairlifts?
85% of lifts are not enclosed (chairlifts, tow lifts), which means there is a lower risk of infection than indoors. The same rules apply on cable cars as on public transport. This means that a face mask must be worn. In queues, the minimum distance of 1 metre (4 ft) must be maintained. Find out more about Austrian cable car measures here.

Will there be après-ski this season?
Not in its usual form. Singing and dancing in a crowd is not advisable due to the pandemic, which means the minimum distance (1 m / 4 ft) between visitor groups applies to après-ski as well. Eating and drinking will only be permitted while seated, both indoors and outdoors. Please find general regulations for restaurants here.

Are ski openings taking place?
Large events such as concerts are less likely to take place due to safety restrictions. Please check with your specific ski resort about local events and the start of the skiing season.

Are ski races taking place?
Yes, but as of right now, without any on-site spectators.

Are ice rinks open?
Yes. As it stands at present, you will be able to skate at the "Kleiner Eistraum" in front of Vienna City Hall from mid-November 2020, for example. Wiener Eistraum in Vienna opens in January 2021.

Are Christmas markets open?
Christmas markets will open using a prevention concept adapted to local circumstances, which will regulate visitor numbers, distance between stalls, safety and hygiene measures for organisers, employees, and visitors (such as providing disinfectants).
Generally, a distance of one metre (4 ft) to anyone from another household must be maintained. Whenever you are not eating and drinking, a face covering must be worn. You cannot eat or drink at the counter where you receive your food; indoors, you can only eat and drink while seated. As in restaurants, the latest possible closing time is at 1 a.m.
Find an overview of Christmas markets here.

What protective measures are in place at Vienna's Christmas markets?
There will be designated eating and drinking areas with bar tables, with a maximum of 4 people per table. In addition, individual Christmas markets will implement specific measures such as one-way systems, limits on the number of guests allowed etc. depending on local circumstances. General safety rules apply (see above).
Learn more about measures at Vienna's Christmas markets.

What measures are in place in restaurants?
Please find current measures/regulations here.

• Hintertux Glacier
• Ischgl
• Kitzbühel
• Obertauern
• Pitztal Glacier
• Ski Juwel
• SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental
• Sölden
• Stubai Glacier
• Zell am See-Kaprun
• Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
• Alpenregion Vorarlberg