Most of their European neighbors can only dream of snow-covered slopes while they endure holiday lockdowns, but Austrians are jamming ski resort parking lots and lift lines, defying social distancing rules as they take to the runs of their alpine country. For many it is a birthright and national pastime, given that more than half of their country is mountainous, and they take pride in the Austrian role in developing the sport. So despite a third national lockdown that took effect on Saturday, the country decided that ski resorts could remain open, but only for residents of Austria. Skiers are required to wear medical-grade masks while in line for and riding on the lifts and gondolas, but calls for social distancing have been futile. The ski season that began the day before Christmas has led to traffic jams and long, crowded lift lines, prompting the police to issue warnings for people to stay home and local authorities to call on Monday for security reinforcements at some resorts.

Source: New York Times December 28, 2020 19:16 UTC