Trade Minister: Ski lifts may open after 22 January, compensation package coming

Ski lifts should open after 22 January and resort operators will be compensated for having to close due to anti-coronavirus restrictions, Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček told Czech Television.

Over the weekend, mountain resorts were flooded with tourists despite ski lifts and other facilities being closed. The influx led to traffic jams and illegal parking in some areas, where police have had to close roads.

Mr Havlíček said the cabinet will approve up to 1 billion crowns in compensation for resort operators, disbursed according to the types of cable cars and lifts on site. All 450 ski resorts should be eligible, not just those affected by the weekend chaos, he said.