Italian Ski Slopes Reopen on January 18

The Italian ski slopes received permission to reopen on January 18, according to the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza.

Originally, the opening of the winter sports season was scheduled for the first week of January.

But many affected regions and provinces called for a postponement, arguing that they needed more time to make adjustments in order to comply with established security protocols due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The main logistical concern has to do with the rules that stipulate how many people can ride the chairlifts and cable cars.

The Italian government delayed the start of the winter sports season due to the second wave of coronavirus infections.

Winter tourism is a million dollar business in the Alpine country. The companies and individuals affected cited January 18 as “the last possible deadline” to save the season.

Italy was heavily affected by the pandemic with a figure close to 80,000 dead.

dpa