Whilst the start of 2021 has seen disruption in travel and holiday plans for many, we know that ski enthusiasts are keen to enjoy a snow-sure holiday in the mountains this winter, with the reassurance that they are protected. If you own a luxury property in one of our Alpine resorts and are looking to rent it out this winter, is there anywhere better for your guests to stay than an exclusive, private luxury chalet? 

Due to Covid-19, the health and safety of holidaymakers has never been more important. We offer guidance and advice on how to prepare your ski chalet for renting during a pandemic.

Additional Measures 

Hosts across the globe have been implementing additional measures for their guest’s peace of mind since the start of the pandemic. These measures consist of the following and must be actioned when renting out a ski chalet;

• The cleaning of your accommodation should be at an incredibly high standard
• There may be less flexibility to check-in and check-out times due to intensified, meticulous cleaning
• Rigorous sanitisation should be enforced for guests
• The implementation of mask-wearing for hosts, staff and guests

Elevated Standards for Every Stay

During the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s essential to keep health and safety in mind. We’ve provided a set of mandatory practices for hosts, based on guidance from the World Health Organization when preparing a ski chalet for renting.

The 5-step cleaning process is a set of practices that all hosts are required to follow between guest stays;

Step 1: Prepare

Proper preparation can help you clean more efficiently and more safely. Be sure to:

• Ventilate the space before and during cleaning, when possible
• Use disinfectants approved by your local regulatory agencies for use against Covid-19
• Always read the directions and warnings on your cleaning products carefully
• Wash or disinfect your hands and wear a mask and gloves while cleaning

Step 2: Clean


To ensure all dust and dirt are removed from floors, surfaces and worktops, be sure to:

• Sweep, vacuum, dust, and/or mop areas before sanitising
• Wash all dishes and laundry at the highest heat setting possible
• Wipe down hard surfaces with soap and water

Step 3: Sanitise


Sanitising is the use of chemicals to reduce the number of bacteria on high-contact surfaces such as doorknobs and kitchen appliances. Be sure to:

• Spray high-touch surfaces in each room with an approved disinfectant spray
• Let the disinfectant sit for the length of time specified on the product label
• Allow the surface to air-dry

Step 4: Check


The chalet should be thoroughly and meticulously cleaned throughout. Be sure to:

• Carefully check each room to ensure that all areas are cleaned and sanitised between each stay

Step 5: Reset


To help prevent cross-contamination, it's important to finish cleaning and sanitising a room before replacing items for the next guests. Be sure to:

• Wash your hands and replace gloves before replacing guest supplies, towels, bed linen and cleaning kits
• Safely dispose of or wash cleaning supplies and protective gear
• Do not re-enter a room once it’s been sanitised
• Empty and/or clean your equipment (e.g. vacuum cleaner, microfibre cloths) between each turnover

Host and Guest Requirements

It’s essential to abide by the following guidelines if you’ve recently been exposed to or have symptoms of Covid-19.

To protect the health and safety of the Alpine community, hosts should not enter their chalet or interact with their guests and guests should not check in to a listing if any of the following are true;

• You are actively infected or have tested positive with Covid-19 in the past 30 days
• You suspect you are sick or have been exposed and are awaiting test results to confirm or deny a diagnosis of Covid-19
• You are showing symptoms or are concerned about possible infection of Covid-19
• You’ve had close, sustained contact with an individual confirmed or suspected to be infected with Covid-19 within the last 14 days

Hands, Face, Space

In accordance with the government campaign to prevent the spread of coronavirus indoors this winter, be sure to wash your hands often, cover your face with a mask and keep 2 metres apart from guests outside of your social bubble, when inside the chalet. 

Covid Precautions for Ski Holidays this Winter

The safety and wellbeing of ski enthusiasts are paramount this winter. To avoid putting yourself or others at risk, it is necessary to follow the government guidelines throughout your journey; from leaving home to arriving at the chalet. 

Airports

Social distancing is in place in the airports, sanitiser is available everywhere and masks are required throughout the airports and on the plane.

From 15 January 2021, all inbound passengers to England will have to take a test up to 72 hours before leaving their destination, to help protect against the new strains of coronavirus such as those seen in Denmark and South Africa. Prior to departure, passengers will need to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to their airline.

Coach Transfer 

In line with the French government regulations, all coach passengers are required to wear a mask.

Skiing

Many ski resorts have been temporarily closed since the start of 2021 with reopening dates being postponed due to the increase of Covid-19 cases. Once slopes reopen, various measures will be put in place to minimise risk of infection, such as wearing masks whilst skiing and on ski lifts. 

Bars and Restaurants

Alpine entertainment venues have been closed since the start of 2021 in line with government guidance.

Flexible Covid-19 Cancellation Policies 

Many ski chalets and hotels have implemented a flexible and free of charge cancellation policy or provided guests with the ability to change arrival dates to allow for the ever-changing leisure and travel restrictions. These policies should be mentioned in the terms and conditions of the holiday booking procedure.

Tourist Office

For further information regarding travel plans and the ski season during Covid-19, contact an Alps resort tourist office.