Bergbahnen Wildhaus - Lifts Up, Food Down
A very demanding and in every respect special winter season has come to an end in Wildhaus. A very sticky start, which was characterized by the corona-related official closure over the festive season, was followed by snowy months with many phases of good weather. In the final bill, the transport income with 130,000 first entries results in an increase compared to the previous year. In a five-year comparison, this result is on average. On the other hand, it looks bad for the mostly closed catering trade. In this business area, which under normal circumstances generates up to 40% of the company's total sales, over two thirds of sales were lost compared to an average winter.
The corona winter
From the first to the last day of the season, the pandemic dominated operations on the mountain. Elaborate protection concepts and the use of the Wildhauser Corona Angels resulted in considerable, extraordinary expenditure. There is a shortfall in sales of around 1.5 million francs in the catering sector and the elimination of snow sports camps, school ski days and group events is particularly painful. With a few exceptions, there were no ski races and all planned events were canceled. On the other hand, thanks to the protective measures that were taken and consistently implemented, the guests quickly gained confidence that a day of snow sports can run safely and orderly. In the holiday month of February in particular, a large number of Swiss people found their way to Toggenburg. By keeping the winter sports areas open, the local population was given rare moments of happiness in the mountains during Covid times. These have made a not insignificant contribution to the fact that the other striking restrictions were better endured and thus accepted. This assumption is supported by the fact that new guests who were previously unfamiliar with snow sports were also welcomed in this corona winter. W
ith the successfully further developed cooperations, namely the tariff association “Meilenweiss” and “Top of Kids”, Wildhauser subscription customers had access to an open partner ski area at any time, including during the forced closure in December 2020. that the other striking restrictions were better endured and thus also accepted. This assumption is supported by the fact that new guests who were previously unfamiliar with snow sports were also welcomed in this corona winter. With the successfully further developed cooperations, namely the tariff association “Meilenweiss” and “Top of Kids”, Wildhauser subscription customers had access to an open partner ski area at any time, including during the forced closure in December 2020. that the other striking restrictions were better endured and thus also accepted. This assumption is supported by the fact that new guests who were previously unfamiliar with snow sports were also welcomed in this corona winter. With the successfully further developed cooperations, namely the tariff association “Meilenweiss” and “Top of Kids”, Wildhauser subscription customers had access to an open partner ski area at any time, including during the forced closure in December 2020.
Offer and quality offensive with Wildhaus 2.0
In the summer of 2020, over CHF 11 million was invested in the modernization of the ski area. The new family lift, which opens up a varied practice and beginners' area between Oberdorf and Freienalp, and a new pommel lift, which replaces the Oberdorf ski lift on the old route, have been implemented. Various sections of the slopes have been optimized and the snow-making system has been expanded further. The new toboggan run that leads from Oberdorf to Wildhaus was also very popular. The new 6-seater chairlift on the Freienalp is proving to be a real crowd puller. In the first year of operation, the new family railway carried around 400,000 guests. The reconfiguration of the ski area, which also included the demolition of no less than four old ski lifts, led to a significant leap in quality. The better distribution of guests and the elimination of waiting times in Oberdorf are further positive effects of this major investment. The enthusiasm of the guests was noticeable on every single day of operation and was reflected in the numerous positive feedback and reviews. Many new guests could be won in the family segment. The regular, sporty audience from Wildhaus also appreciates the advantages of the new offers.
Well equipped for the future
The past winter season has shown that the consistent focus on the target groups of families, beginners and those returning to work has a high market potential. The investments made form the basis for positive corporate development. The broad support of the mountain railway company among the population is another important pillar. With the successful implementation of the “Wildhaus 2.0” project, the additionally authorized capital increase is well on track. To reach the stage goal of 500,000 francs, only 100,000 francs are missing. The shares in Bergbahnen Wildhaus AG are being offered at a nominal price of CHF 200 per share.
