What does a ski trip in the midst of the pandemic entail this winter? The powers that be in the Spanish ski resort of Baqueira Beret insist that COVID is not a danger for skiers. The fact that it is done outside with large distances between people is, they say, the greatest guarantee of safety.
Masks need to be worn everywhere when it’s not possible to stay 1.5 metres apart from non-cohabiting individuals. This includes ski lift queues and routes. In cafés and restaurants customers over 12 years old must present a UE COVID certificate. The use of hand sanitizers and regular disinfection is, like anywhere, paramount. Payment by card is encouraged in all parts of the resort.
Most of the lifts are open air chair and ski lifts where skiers are outdoors. In the cable cars the windows are open to ensure good airflow. Thanks to skis and snowboards people naturally have to keep a certain distance from each other. In addition, the distance between skiers is measured out and queues are organised so that clients stay suitably apart. Everyone is asked to pin their Baqueira PASS or Baqueira TICKET on the left sleeve of their jacket. As for the lifts themselves, they are working at full capacity. When using the lifts you are required to leave the landing zone as soon as you have arrived. Hygiene measures ensure all lifts are regularly disinfected.
All bars, cafés, restaurants and terraces in the resort combine the use of physical cards and QR codes. Whether eating in or taking away, an online service for ordering and paying has been introduced to avoid queuing. Booking in advance is recommended for à la carte restaurants whereas Self Service and Free Flow options are no longer available. All your orders and payments are managed at the table using QR codes. You’ll find the choice on the menu is somewhat reduced as this shortens waiting time and time spent in establishments.
For ski service and hire it’s recommended you use the online service for reserving equipment in advance. Social distancing is still in place in ski service centres and shops. Hire equipment, ski lockers, and private-owned repaired equipment are all disinfected after contact.
At the Hotel Montarto they are operating a flexible booking cancellation system for reasons due to COVID. They have a fast online check-in and checkout service which avoids any waiting around at reception. You can also book any of the hotel’s services and facilities in advance. For safety their sanitizing plans are regularly checked and updated.
All youngsters over 6 years old using the Children’s Parks must where a mask. There is limited entrance so you must reserve online at least 5 days ahead. Everyone is asked to observe hand hygiene and all belongings should be disinfected before entering. Temperature monitoring is in place and anyone showing any signs or symptoms of COVID will not be allowed in.
It is important to stress, even though we can take measures to protect ourselves and others from catching COVID this does not mean the war is over. COVID will not disappear just because we say we’ve been living with it for so long. COVID is not a policy dictated by governments to their people. In my opinion, we have to remember that humans are fallible. Opening up society too much in the face of COVID could set us back. Just because we need to move on doesn’t mean we should run before we can walk.
When deciding whether to ski or not to ski ask yourself what the risk to you, your loved ones, friends and the rest of society really is. We know that what may seem like a simple cold for some is a death nail for others. In short, be honest. Be vigilant
I’m D.B.G (Dan Barnaby Goddard), a writer and recording artist based on Dartmoor in the West of the U.K. My songs are musical poems reflecting things I have seen and felt throughout my life and I’m always on the lookout for stories which reaffirm my trust in humanity and the human spirit.
In this Buzz column I seek out instances to fill in the spaces left by an increasingly corporate world, commenting on the unpredictable and heart warming gems which are created as the wheels of power keep turning round.
