Italy has introduced new COVID-19 measures that may impact your winter travel plans

Italy has further tightened its COVID-19 restrictions for the winter season, potentially complicating travel for ski enthusiasts.

With winter sports enthusiasts eager to hit the slopes after two pandemic-affected seasons, Italian officials have expanded the "super green pass" requirement to more venues and regions for individuals over the age of 12.

This pass — obtainable only with verified vaccination or proof of recovery, not just a negative test — is now mandatory for accessing various venues. These include bars, ski lifts, resorts, restaurants, spas, thermal baths, and festivals. The restrictions, effective from January 10, will remain in place until at least March 31, BTN Europe reported.

Adding to the challenges for skiers and snowboarders, this announcement follows Austria’s recent tightening of rules, which require the wearing of FFP2 masks (a European standard) in all outdoor settings, including slopes where 2-meter (about 6 feet) social distancing isn’t feasible.

Italy has recently recorded a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The new regulations are especially disappointing for families with teenage children eager to hit the slopes.

In the U.S., Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children as young as 5 years old. However, as of this week, only about 17% of children aged 5 to 11 have been fully vaccinated, the AP reported.

Here’s a list of venues that now mandate a "super green pass":

• All restaurants and bars, whether dining indoors or outdoors, including those in hotels.
• All public transportation, including local buses.
• School buses for children aged 12 and above.
• Hotels.
• Ski lifts.
• All indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wellness centers, gyms, and sports facilities, including changing areas.
• All indoor and outdoor spas and thermal baths, except for "essential rehabilitation or therapeutic treatments."
• Museums, exhibitions, and cultural sites, including libraries.
• Events related to religious or civil ceremonies.
• Fairs, festivals, conventions, and conferences.
• Theme parks.
• Indoor and outdoor cultural, social, and recreational centers (excluding educational facilities for children).
• Gaming rooms, betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos.