Originally Posted by Esprit
We had our ski trip to Austria booked for April (one day driving from UK to Strasbourg, then second day via Lindau to Ischgl). On 10th March I checked with the hotel and they said the resort was operating normally. Just been informed yesterday that the Austrian government has closed the ski resorts with effect today 15th March. Various European countries imposing border controls now. Things are changing rapidly and it's easy to criticise government actions while sitting on the sidelines but these are difficult decisions.


What I would criticize (as in the decision to close the resorts in France) is in the timing. In Switzerland they announced the closure of the ski resorts on Friday 13th, so the people who were to have travelled out on Saturday and Sunday were able to cancel and stay at home. By leaving it until Saturday night/Sunday morning(as did France) many people, including 30 000 Brits had travelled to the Alps, only to have to return home. A totally unnecessary displacement of a large number of people, exactly what is supposed to be avoided. Whilst you could say that it was foolish for these people to make that trip in view of current circumstances, as in most cases you can't get a refund for a cancellation unless it's imposed upon you, it's hardly surprising that folk decided to go ahead.

Giles. Mogless in Paris.