With restrictions around the world starting to ease as the COVID vaccination drive gathers pace, the possibility of hitting the slopes this winter for a ski break has increased after last year’s season was heavily impacted by the pandemic.

The slopes are already open in many leading resorts across Europe and people are getting in touch to book their trips for this winter, so we thought we’d pull together a quick round-up of the current rules in place for some of the major European destinations.

These rules are, as you will no doubt be aware, subject to change and are correct at the time of publication.

Andorra:

Andorra is a popular choice for Brits looking to enjoy some winter fun, with the mountainous country between France and Spain being known for fantastic snow and high quality accommodation that provides great value for money.

Arinsal and El Tarter are two of the more well known resorts that pack a real punch when it comes to the skiing available, regardless of whether you are a total newbie or an expert.

The borders remain open to foreign visitors and there are no limits on movement with the country, although it is recommended that social distancing is adhered to. Face masks are mandatory in enclosed public places such as bars and restaurants and for everyone aged eight and over.

Face masks are not required on the slopes, but you should remain at least four metres away from people outside your own party.

When it comes to indoor dining in restaurants, service is available between 11:30am and 4:30pm, and then again from 7pm to 1am - with takeaway service outside those times. No more than ten people can be seated together indoor unless from the same household. The same rules apply in bars, although they can open from 7am to 3am.

Citizens of the European Union and various linked countries - including the UK - are exempt from needing to present or carry any form of health certificate which means you can enter Andorra to ski without being fully vaccinated. There is no isolation period or requirement to undertake a test on arrival.

However, it is worth noting that airlines may have their own rules around travelling without being fully vaccinated and you will also need to adhere to the rules in either France or Spain, depending on how you are entering the country.

Austria:

Stunning Alpine scenery, first rate skiing and world class accommodation are just three reasons why Austria is one of the leading winter destinations in Europe - whilst high quality après-ski only adds to the appeal.

There are countless resorts that are open for business and ready to welcome visitors from overseas, with the likes of St Anton, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen and Niederau known around the world.

Although the borders with the UK are open, there are various entry requirements in place that you will need to consider.

Anyone entering Austria is required to show proof of vaccination, proof of past infection or a negative COVID-19 test; a PCR test no older than 72 hours OR an antigen test no older than 48 hours. The test is not required for children under twelve.

As the UK is not currently on Austria’s 'safe list', additional measures are in place. Those with full vaccination or proof of past infection are not required to isolate or register for pre-travel clearance, but those relying on a negative test will need to register onlione for pre-travel clearance - and will also need to self isolate for ten days.

This can be reduced to five days with a PCR test.

Children up to the age of 17 do not need to quarantine if accompanied by fully vaccinated or recovered adults, but from the ages of 12 to 17 will have to show proof of a negative test, past infection or vaccination.

In order to use cable cars and après-ski venues, proof of vaccination, past infection, or a negative PCR test is required with the same rules in place for hotels and restaurants.

Masks are required in public transport, in cable cars and in essential businesses, unless you are not vaccinated or recovering from COVID - in which case a mask will be needed in all shops.

These rules can be tightened if cases rise.

Bulgaria:

The resorts of Borovets, Pamporovo and Bankso in the Balkan Alps offer top quality skiing in stunning surroundings but at an affordable price - making Bulgaria an appealing option for UK travellers looking to enjoy a winter holiday.

The Bulgarian borders are open with the country operating a traffic light system similar to the one that had been in place in the UK. The UK is currently on the 'Orange' list.

Those travelling from the UK will need to show proof of vaccination or to have recovered from COVID-19 between 11 and 180 days after the date of a positive test. A negative PCR test is also required, performed within 72 hours before entering the country.

Without proof of vaccination, people are required to isolate for ten days although this can be shortened with testing.

Masks are required in indoor public spaces - unless dining - and outside where social distancing isn’t possible. A COVID certificate is required for restaurants and bars.

Children under 18 are exempt.

Finland:

Guaranteed snow, stunning arctic landscapes, laid back culture and near perfect ski conditions make Finland one of the top destinations for a winter break and benefits from less crowded slopes compared to the likes of France, Italy and Switzerland.

The borders of Finland are open for the new season, and visited from the UK who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are permitted to travel as long as they have proof of vaccination.

The exception to this is children born in 2006 or later who are exempt from the entry requirements and do not need to provide proof of vaccination or take a test. Children between 16 and 18 who have had one dose of a vaccine will however need to take a test within three to five days of arrival in Finland.

Without full vaccination, entry into Finland remains restricted to people who meet certain criteria - which currently does not include leisure travel.

Masks are still in use in indoor settings, with social distancing encouraged.

France:

France is one of the most popular destinations for Brits heading abroad on a skiing holiday, with many heading for famous resorts like Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Les Arcs and Alpe d’Huez.

The country is now very much open for business once again, albeit with restrictions in place.

Should you be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 then you are able to travel to France with proof of vaccination and will also need to complete a sworn declaration that you are symptom free and have not been in contact with a case within the 14 days prior to your trip.

Children are able to travel with a vaccinated adult, although those aged over 12 will need to present a negative test result.

Entry to France for those people who are not fully vaccinated is restricted to people on essential business that does not include leisure travel, and requires a negative test result and seven days in self isolation.

A COVID pass is not currently required in order to access ski lifts but masks are required in indoor spaces like bars and restaurants, whilst a 'pass sanitaire' will also be required. This pass can only be acquired through providing a vaccination passport, showing a negative test from within 72 hours or a document dated more than 11 days ago but less than six months ago proving you have recovered from COVID.

Italy:

Italy is home to a number of first class ski resorts and is something of a dream destination for UK travellers who are looking to hit the slopes for some winter fun.

In order to travel to Italy to ski this winter, you will need to be fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination in place and will need to have passed a COVID test within the 48 hours prior to your arrival on Italian soil.

A passenger locator form must also be filled in prior to entering Italy, which can be filled in and submitted online prior to travel.

Those without proof of vaccination, or who are not fully vaccinated, will be forced to isolate for five days and pass another COVID test. The exception is people under 18 who are exempt from isolation if accompanied by an adult with a COVID passport.

Masks remain mandatory in indoor spaces for everyone aged seven and over and the COVID green pass is required for everyone over 12 for use in restaurants and bars.

Switzerland:

There are few options that can match Switzerland when it comes to a winter ski break, with stunning scenery, beautiful mountainside villages and – of course – fantastic skiing to be found across the Swiss Alps.

The Swiss borders are open, and those who are fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination are welcome to enter this winter, alongside any children under 18 who area accompanying them. Access is also permitted to those who have recovered from a case of COVID-19 and in both cases, a completed entry form is required on arrival.

Anyone who is not fully vaccinated against COVID is still permitted to travel but but will need to present a negative test result taken before travelling, and will need to complete a further test four to seven days after entry into the country. A completed entry form is also required.

Masks remain compulsory in indoor settings whilst access to restaurants and bars - alongside various other cultural, sporting and leisure settings - is only available to those who have proof of vaccination.