There are more than 2000 ski lifts in Austria which are major drivers of the 15-billion-euro winter sports industry. Today some good news arrived to the ski lovers: Austria's second coronavirus lockdown ends at the end of this week and the chancellor, Sebastian Kurz announced on Wednesday the opening of the ski slopes. From the 24th of December one day trips are possible in Austria - due to the fact hotels remain closed only this option works. Later, from the 7th of January longer vacations will be available in the country.

"From December 24, individual sports outdoors such as skiing will be possible again so that the Austrian population has the chance to engage in sporting activity over the holidays," - Kurz said at a press conference where he announced the re-opening measures.

At the same time the aim is still to push the infection numbers down until December 23rd so the people can spend the holidays with up to ten people from any number of their households. Kurz said that the ten-person limit will be implemented from December 24th to 26th, as well as on the 31st of December. On the other days, only one person may visit another household.

Before, in the pandemic's first wave, Austrian ski hotspots gained a bad reputation. Especially the resorts of Ischgl were accused of failing to respond quickly enough to outbreaks and allowing thousands of infected tourists to travel home and spread the virus from the ski hotspots. Italy, Germany and France decided to keep the ski resorts closed during the season. Only Switzerland joined to Austria, they will also open the ski resorts for the sport activities.

After the 7th of January the hotels, restaurants and bars will be open and there is a hope for international travellers to join Austrians on the slopes of the beautiful ski resorts. We offer low cost, door to door transfers from Vienna Airport to all destinations in Austria. You can check our prices on wientransfer.com