Coronavirus update

Condition to enter in Switzerland (La Tzoumaz) or France (Chamonix)

17/02/2022

The Federal Council decided to abolish the so-called 3G, 2G, and 2G+ rules, starting tomorrow. You will no longer have to present your Covid certificate to go to the cinema or to a restaurant. The Federal Council also abandoned the obligation to wear a mask in shops, restaurants, enclosed public spaces, and in the workplace. Events, large or small, private or public, are no longer subject to restrictions. The government is also abandoning the recommendation to work from home. Concretely, only two measures remain in place until March 31: - Wearing a mask remains compulsory in public transport and healthcare centres. - People who test positive must still observe a five-day isolation.

No need to complete an entry form or provide proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test to cross the border.

Private or family meetings are no longer limited. The number of people admitted to shops or ski lifts is no longer restricted either.

03/12/2021

Here is the incredibly simple official site that tells you under what conditions you can enter Switzerland given your current situation: 

https://travelcheck.admin.ch/check

 Here is a handy online booking site for COVID tests:
https://www.onedoc.ch/en/covid-testing-center/riddes  

Switzerland’s Federal Council today made the following announcement, reversing the quarantine requirements brought into force over the last week (see below):
https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/das-bag/aktuell/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-86260.html 

Entry into Switzerland: Quarantine rule lifted, stricter testing requirement
With effect from Saturday, 4 December, there will be no countries on the quarantine list. 

In order to continue to prevent the new Omicron variant from entering the country as far as possible, a stricter testing regime will now apply for all arrivals into Switzerland. This testing requirement also applies to those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from the disease. In addition to taking a PCR test before travelling, a second test (PCR test or rapid antigen test) must be carried out between the fourth and seventh day after arrival. This test ensures that infected persons who have contracted the virus shortly before or during travel are detected.
Test costs must be borne by the traveller.
Non-vaccinated third-country nationals wishing to enter the Schengen area from countries or regions at risk will be refused entry to Switzerland for short-term stays without gainful employment of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days – apart from certain exceptions (hardship cases). This primarily affects tourism and social visits. The list of high-risk countries and regions is set out in Annex 1 of COVID-19 Ordinance 3. It is updated on an ongoing basis, taking into account the recommendations for the Schengen states issued by the European Commission

 Here is the current list set out in Annex 1 of COVID-19 Ordinance 3, from Page 13 of this document: https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/filestore/fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/cc/2020/438/20201008/en/pdf-a/fedlex-data-admin-ch-eli-cc-2020-438-20201008-en-pdf-a.pdf

List of high-risk countries and regions All states outside the Schengen area, with the exception of:
 Andorra – Australia – Bulgaria – Canada – Croatia – Cyprus – Georgia – Holy See – Ireland – Japan – Monaco – New Zealand – Romania – Rwanda – San Marino – South Korea – Thailand – Tunisia – Uruguay
 

Once inside Switzerland, here are the updated measures that are in place:


28/11/21 


  • A number of countries were recently added to Switzerland’s “List of countries with a variant of concern”. The list can be found here: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/empfehlungen-fuer-reisende/liste.html#858610174 Anyone entering Switzerland from these countries must present a negative test result and quarantine for 10 days. This also applies to vaccinated and recovered persons.  If you are impacted by these new government restrictions and you are no longer able to take up your reservation, please get in touch.  We are very sorry to hear that your holiday plans could be impacted, and our generous cancellation policy allows for a full refund in these circumstances. Should you prefer, we are happy to transfer your balance to a future booking.
  • The canton of Valais (which includes La Tzoumaz) has made masks compulsory and restricted the number of non-vaccinated adults who can meet together to 10. This restriction remains in force until December 17 2021: “The State Council reintroduces the wearing of masks from the age of 12 in all public events held indoors, markets and public places closed, with a few exceptions. The mask will be compulsory in particular in cinemas, theaters, auditoriums, restaurants, tea-rooms and other similar or similar places, even if the COVID-19 certificate is required there. The mask must also be worn in confined spaces of workplaces, as well as in vehicles when traveling for business. Private meetings that take place indoors are limited to ten people, unless all participants over the age of 16 have a COVID-19 certificate. Children and young people up to the age of 16 are not counted among these ten people. This last measure, applied from November 29, will be in effect until December 17.”
  • No change to the federal rules in place across Switzerland (see below)

01/11/21

  • Visitors need a Swiss COVID Certificate or an EU COVID Certificate to enter into bars, restaurants etc.  British NHS certificates can be converted into the Swiss COVID app. Any other non-EU certificates can be converted for 30 CHF here:  https://www.covidcertificate-form.admin.ch/foreign . Please note that the process may take 24h or longer.
  • Like last year, ski resports in Switzerland are planning to open for business as usual.  A Swiss-validated COVID certificate may not be a requirement, according to the Ski Lift Operators, but the government has suggested that this may change if the COVID statistics  develop > 200 cases per 100,000 people.

CURRENT HYGIENE RULES

Private gatherings and parties

The number of people allowed to attend events among friends and family (for example gatherings and parties) that are not held in publicly accessible establishments and businesses is limited. The numbers include ALL children and babies.  
Rule indoors: A maximum of 30 people is allowed.
Rule outdoors: A maximum of 50 people is allowed.


OFFICIAL INFORMATION

  • Restriction of only 10 people maximum allowed inside a chalet or apartment at any time (increased from 5 people) 
  • Quarantine requirement upon entering Switzerland for certain countries and certain areas of France  (Click here to see list
  • All ski lifts are open and running (masks must be worn in queues and on lifts) 
  • Ski lessons are available for those who wish to book them 
  • Restaurants in the villages and on the pistes are open for take-away food and drinks only 
  • Masks to be worn in supermarkets and outdoors on the main roads of La Tzoumaz, Verbier and other towns and villages
  • Two comfortable and stylish fabric masks included with every booking
  • Check-in procedure, explanations and information provided outside the agency under our new red gazebo tent, with one person allowed briefly inside the agency for deposit and other payments and key issue.

12/03/21

  • Restriction of only 5 people maximum allowed inside a chalet or apartment at any time
  •  Quarantine requirement upon entering Switzerland for certain countries and certain areas of France  (Click here to see list
  • All ski lifts are open and running (masks must be worn in queues and on lifts)
  • Ski lessons are available for those who wish to book them
  • Restaurants in the villages and on the pistes are open for take-away food and drinks only 
  • Masks to be worn in supermarkets and outdoors on the main roads of La Tzoumaz, Verbier and other towns and villages 
  • Two comfortable and stylish fabric masks included with every booking
  • Check-in procedure, explanations and information provided outside the agency under our new red gazebo tent, with one person allowed briefly inside the agency for deposit and other payments and key issue.

(https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-82678.html)

Bern, 12.03.2021 – It is currently unclear how the epidemic will develop. Case numbers have now been rising for several days, as is the case in several neighbouring countries. There are signs that this could be the start of a third wave. At its meeting on 12 March, the Federal Council decided to begin consultations on a second phase of reopening, as announced on 24 February. If the epidemiological situation allows, from 22 March events with spectators or audiences will be allowed with restrictions, as well as gatherings at home involving up to ten people, and sporting and cultural activities in groups. Restaurants will be allowed to open outdoor seating areas. It has not yet been decided when the second phase of reopening might be permitted or what form it would take. The Federal Council will decide on further steps at its meeting on 19 March. It has also confirmed its decision that the Confederation will assume the costs of all rapid tests, including those of all asymptomatic cases.

The epidemiological situation remains extremely precarious and it is unclear how the situation will evolve. Switzerland may be facing a third wave of the pandemic. That is the presumption, although the impact of the first phase of reopening on 1 March cannot yet be assessed. For the Federal Council it is therefore unclear at the present time whether the epidemiological situation on 22 March will allow the second phase of reopening to go ahead. The general trend should become clearer over the coming days. The Federal Council will be guided in its decision by the indicator values. Values for three of the four indicators are currently being exceeded. In view of the uncertain epidemiological situation, the Federal Council has not yet determined when and in what form a third phase of opening can take place. Private gatherings at home involving up to 10 people
The limit for indoor gatherings of friends and family will be increased from 5 people to 10. It is recommended that private gatherings be limited to members of just a few households. Private outdoor gatherings are already limited to 15 people. 

Restaurant outside seating areas to reopen
Restaurants and bars will be able to reopen their outside seating areas. Customers must be seated and masks may only be removed to consume food and drink. A maximum of four people will be allowed per table and each person’s contact details must be recorded. Tables must be 1.5 metres apart or have a screen placed between them. Clubs and discos remain closed. The hospitality sector will continue to receive financial support; this does not depend on whether outside seating areas are permitted to reopen.

Publicly accessible facilities and businesses
Publicly accessible leisure and recreation facilities will also be allowed to reopen under similar conditions to shops and museums. This means that all areas of zoos and botanical gardens can open. Masks must always be worn in indoor areas and distancing rules respected. However, indoor areas of spa facilities and swimming pools are to remain closed.

24/02/21


11/12/20

04/12/20

Is the ski resort open?

Yes! TeleVerbier has been running the ski lifts throughout November as usual, which has given plenty of opportunity to allow them to put in place and perfect their strategies to minimise skier interaction with each other. The eyes of the Swiss authorities and of the general public across Europe are watching very closely and holding them to account.

  • 07/11 Lac des Vaux ski area opened for weekend operation
  • 05/12 the telecabin link from La Tzoumaz opened for weekend operation (to reach the open slopes in Verbier)
  • 12/12 the ski area is scheduled to be open daily
  • TeleVerbier has a detailed and user-friendly FAQ on what to expect in the resort and all the different measures applicable. Scroll down to the bottom of this page: https://www.verbier.ch/winter/information-about-the-health-situation-covid-19/

    Measures in place at 4vallees4saisons

    – We have a system of screens and social distancing in place at the agency and our staff will be wearing masks. To protect our team and other guests, hand sanitizer is provided for you to use on entry and you are requested not to enter in groups.
    – We have implemented an enhanced cleaning protocol during the pandemic, although we cannot guarantee that your property will be virus-free, so you travel at your own risk. The previous clients may only have left the property in the morning of your arrival, and a number of our team members may have entered the property during the day to carry out essential cleaning, inspection and maintenance tasks.
    – We ask anyone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 or suspects that they may test positive, not to travel to our resort or stay in our properties
    – We will alert you if anyone has recently entered your property and since tested positive for COVID-19
    – Masks are required while queueing for and travelling on ski lifts and all other forms of transport. We will provide your group with 2 free “ski-friendly” fabric face coverings, and you may purchase additional masks on arrival or during your stay. We aim to have sufficient stock of both adult and child sizes available for your stay.

    Our cancellation conditions

Summer coronavirus archives

05/06/2020

Hooray!  The news we’ve all been waiting for!

Coronavirus: Switzerland to reopen its borders with all EU/EFTA states on 15 June

“Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter informed the Federal Council at its meeting on 5 June that the Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP intends to lift the existing entry restrictions applicable with regard to all EU/EFTA states and the United Kingdom as of 15 June.” Source: https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/aktuell/news/2020/ref_2020-06-051.html

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

WHAT’S OPEN?

  • Open 365 days per year – the well-stocked village supermarket
  • Already open – Trappeurs Cafe/Restaurant, Auberge La Tzoumaz Restaurant, Le Blanc Cafe/Restaurant, Les Fougeres Hotel/Restaurant, Domus café
  • Already open – All the local playgrounds: the summer playground / rope frame / water park in the main square, les Defis de la Riviere by the river, the large playground & climbing crag in Domus, the drive-to playgrounds in Riddes, Saxon and our all-time favourite playgrounds in Saillon and at the Parc des Iles (a fabulous green space with a large lake, playground with miniature steam train, and plenty of other attractions: trampolines with elastic harnesses, a climbing wall, mini golf and even a high-rope park with 160 features, some of which are accessible to children from age 4).
  • Already open – the Bains de Saillon thermal baths (www.bainsdesaillon.ch)
  • Already open – Barryland (St Bernard Dog Museum and Kennels) (www.fondation-barry.ch)
  • Already open – The indoor softplay centre in Martigny (www.monstrofun.ch)
  • Open from 20th June – The Maison de la Foret (tea shop and exhibition rooms)
  • Open from 4th July – La Poste Hotel/Restaurant, TShop Bike Shop, TBar, and the La Tzoumaz Telecabin
  • Not yet confirmed – the village swimming pool

SUMMER TELECABIN – The La Tzoumaz Telecabin is scheduled to open for the summer on 4th July as planned. It will run every day from La Tzoumaz to Savoleyres and down to Verbier until 23rd August. From 23rd August to 13th September the commune will pay for it to continue to run at weekends in order to support our tourist village in these tough times.

SUMMER VIP PASSES – These will be provided to all our guests from 1st June to 25th October as usual and the plan is to expand the offer this summer to include lots of extra activities, adventures and discounts. Check out the growing list here: http://www.verbier.ch/en/offers-and-specials.htm

FOR KIDS – With 4 children of our own, ranging from 1 to 13 years, we are well placed to advise you on how much fun can be had in La Tzoumaz and nearby!  Our featured playground today is the fantastic play area in the centre of La Tzoumaz: 

The rope park is great for kids of all ages, especially if you start them young like us!

The water park is attractive for toddlers, addictive for bigger kids and entertaining for adults!

There are three separate slides, swings, wobbly things, and plenty of space to run around.

FOR HIKERS & TRAIL RUNNERS 

 We’ve spent hours and hours out on the trails, and here is one of our all-time our favourites – a 2-hour steep hike up to the summit of le Fou:

4vallees4saisons.com