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Skiing is mountain, it is pure air, it is individual sport.

In times of pandemic, few activities have so much to offer.

Already this summer, the Spaniards threw ourselves into the mountains in need of nature and freedom.

So much so, that the ski resorts had

"one of the best summers in their history

.

"

With the arrival of winter, a common safety protocol has been put in place on the slopes.

"We have done our homework," says

Jesús Ibáñez Peña

, president of the Tourist Association of Mountain Ski Resorts (ATUDEM).

While waiting for it to snow and for the confinement to be lifted in some communities, "the stations will open as soon as possible."

What will be different this winter?

To begin with, you have to choose between the mask or the balaclava.

The use of masks is mandatory

in all queues and lifts, something that, on the other hand, "is not very alien to the usual practice of skiing," Ibáñez emphasizes, since it is a sport that already requires technical clothing and accessories such as helmet or gloves.

More difficult is the control of the queues when renting equipment, having a drink in the cafeteria or riding the chairlift.

A skier in Baqueira Beret.

To do this, "the stations have greatly strengthened and, in some cases, have imposed as the only way the online purchase of passes or the use of electronic vending machines to recharge and collect tickets," explains Ibáñez.

"In Spain, very few lifts exceed an average of 15 minutes in duration and skiing is not a contact sport, so what you have to do is avoid crowds, not contribute to them."

For the chairman of the stations, skiers must share a chair or gondola with the people with whom they have gone up the slopes.

"It is important to keep the core of each one together and maintain that safe environment."

However, he insists on individual responsibility.

"There cannot be a policeman behind every skier to tell you that you have to leave a meter and a half in front and behind."

A "less festive" season

The million dollar question is how to control après ski.

The bars and restaurants are the responsibility of the local and regional authorities, but in the stations, Ibánez foresees a festive atmosphere "much more limited", in the style of last summer, during which the cultural activities that had been organized were dispensed with.

"The ski resorts are not going to organize leisure activities other than sport," he assures.

We will have to adapt to the new normal, also in the snow.

Last year, the coronavirus broke out at a time when ski resorts were in high demand.

The season lasted 96 days of season, instead of the 114 of the previous year and the Spanish stations received 4.8 million visitors.

"This year the numbers are not going to be the same as some of the wonderful years we have had recently. But there have also been bad years in previous situations. Whether due to excess or lack of snow, a bad one always plays every x years", admits Ibáñez .

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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