Finally our international border here in Queensland Australia looks likely to 'open' in about two weeks time. I've been waiting anxiously to book a trip to get some time on skis. The last time was o snow was March 2020. Circumstances dictate that from the 14th of March onward will be most practicle for myself and my wife. We'll have to leave our kids at home as the risk of getting stuck overseas will leave my daughter who is in year twelve in a difficult position.
So I've got plenty to consider and I thought the brains trust here may look to give an opinion. @Tony Crocker has been very helpful with my holiday planning over the years.
Obviously we have to provide a negative PCR test to jump on any flight so this end is set in stone. Our destination is where it gets interesting.
USA - This appears to be 'easiest'. No quarantine required on arrival. Flight to LA is 'only' 13 hours. Obviously we could grab a car from there and head to Mammoth/Tahoe or even Utah or Colorado. A connecting flight from LA is pretty easy too. The flight cost is about $1500 Aud return but lift tickets are pretty steep.
Canada - There is a requirement for a test on arrival and the need to quarantine until the (hopefully) negative result comes in. We could head to Whistler where we have enjoyed spring skiing in previous years. The advantage is we wouldn't need a car. Flight cost is higher at $2000. Flight time is about 14 hours. If we added a flight Calgary would be a good destination with Banff/Panorama/Kicking Horse all close enough and reportedly good in late March. (We've actually skied Sunshine and Lake Louise in April a couple of times and had terrific conditions). Calgary would require a car.
Europe - To my knowledge there is no requirement for testing and quarantine on arrival at this point but the minimum 24 hour flight time and the required connection in Singapore or Dubai isn't ideal. Flight costs are surprisingly cheapest at about $1400 Aud return. This is my preferred destination as the big French resorts in the Tarantaise are apparently pretty solid in late March. Cervinia/Zermatt and Saas Fee should also be decent. I don't expect there would be a problem crossing internal borders in Europe? (From Switzerland to France for example). Has anyone investigated how easy it is to get a PCR test for the return journey in the European countries? I can't imagine it would be too difficult.
Any input would be appreciated.
So I've got plenty to consider and I thought the brains trust here may look to give an opinion. @Tony Crocker has been very helpful with my holiday planning over the years.
Obviously we have to provide a negative PCR test to jump on any flight so this end is set in stone. Our destination is where it gets interesting.
USA - This appears to be 'easiest'. No quarantine required on arrival. Flight to LA is 'only' 13 hours. Obviously we could grab a car from there and head to Mammoth/Tahoe or even Utah or Colorado. A connecting flight from LA is pretty easy too. The flight cost is about $1500 Aud return but lift tickets are pretty steep.
Canada - There is a requirement for a test on arrival and the need to quarantine until the (hopefully) negative result comes in. We could head to Whistler where we have enjoyed spring skiing in previous years. The advantage is we wouldn't need a car. Flight cost is higher at $2000. Flight time is about 14 hours. If we added a flight Calgary would be a good destination with Banff/Panorama/Kicking Horse all close enough and reportedly good in late March. (We've actually skied Sunshine and Lake Louise in April a couple of times and had terrific conditions). Calgary would require a car.
Europe - To my knowledge there is no requirement for testing and quarantine on arrival at this point but the minimum 24 hour flight time and the required connection in Singapore or Dubai isn't ideal. Flight costs are surprisingly cheapest at about $1400 Aud return. This is my preferred destination as the big French resorts in the Tarantaise are apparently pretty solid in late March. Cervinia/Zermatt and Saas Fee should also be decent. I don't expect there would be a problem crossing internal borders in Europe? (From Switzerland to France for example). Has anyone investigated how easy it is to get a PCR test for the return journey in the European countries? I can't imagine it would be too difficult.
Any input would be appreciated.