Switzerland and Austria have become the latest countries to lift COVID restrictions.

The news will be welcomed by ski operators hoping for a late bookings surge as the winter season draws to a close.

In Switzerland, from midnight tonight, COVID certificates will no longer be needed to enter restaurants, bars and other venues,

However, rules requiring those who test positive to self-isolate will remain in place until the end of March while masks will still be required on public transport and when visiting health care facilities.

“Switzerland is taking a decisive and important step towards normality,” Swiss president Ignazio Cassis said. “The virus is here. We are learning to live with the virus.”

In Austria, most restrictions will be lifted next month despite the government passing a law earlier in February making COVID vaccinations compulsory.

From 5 March, the requirement to show COVID passes will be scrapped, although, as in Switzerland masks will be mandatory on public transport.

New rules will also be introduced for skiers in Austria. From Saturday, the ‘3 G’ rule will apply, meaning vaccinated, recovered or PCR tests will be accepted to enter ski lifts and cable cars. Until then, only proof of vaccination or past infection is accepted.

Masks will also be mandatory in indoor public areas, including cable cars, while they will also be required while using chair lifts when two metre social distancing is not possible.

Apres-ski will be permitted from 5 March.