Swiss resorts struggle with safety measures for Covid-free slopes
Swiss ski resorts have ploughed ahead with preparations for the year-end holiday season despite pressure from neighbouring countries on Switzerland to close its pistes until the latest coronavirus wave passes.
Germany, Italy and France pushed for Swiss resorts to close until January but Switzerland – already hard hit by the lack of foreign tourists – and its eastern neighbour Austria are reluctant to further damage a sector worth billions to their economies.
The Swiss government refused to buckle under pressure and decided on December 4 to allow ski areas to open during the holidays. Health Minister Alain Berset says the decision was intended “above all for people living in Switzerland”.
From December 22, all ski resorts will have to prove they have met strict safety standards to obtain cantonal permits to remain open.
More
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
More
Why cars still reign supreme in ‘rail-nation’ Switzerland
More
Is Switzerland as innovative as it ranks?
More
Heard the one about the Swiss company installing laugh detectors?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.