Bergbahnen Wildhaus - Strong Financial Results
Bergbahnen Wildhaus AG presents its more than 2,500 shareholders with a very pleasing business result. After two challenging years, all parameters turned positive. The basis for this success is 218,000 new guest admissions. This marks a new record in the history of the company. In the financial year that ended at the end of May, the Toggenburg-based mountain railway company generated operating income of 8.3 million Swiss francs and posted a positive operating result (EBITDA) of 2.1 million Swiss francs. After financial expenses, taxes and depreciation, a profit of around CHF 436,000.00 remains. After thirty years in office, Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Jakob Rhyner from Buchs will step down at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on September 10, 2022. Armin Rohner from Altstätten will be proposed for election as his successor. Karin Bürki Sonderegger, a lawyer, is standing for election.
A winter made to measure and a mountain summer in demand
No matter how you look at it, it is the good weather and snow conditions that are largely responsible for the good results of the season. A lot of things went together last winter. Thanks to early snowfalls and cold temperatures for technical snowmaking, the season started with optimal conditions as early as December 11, 2021. Apart from a mild westerly wind over the turn of the year and a few stormy days in February, the past winter presented itself with many stable good weather phases. Especially on the weekends, the majority of winter sports weather was ideal. With the corona-related uncertainties at the start of the season, many Swiss people once again opted for winter vacations in their own country or spent their snow sports day in their home regions. The summer business also developed well, recording a significant increase. The newly opened Foxtrail, which was realized in cooperation with Toggenburg Tourism, also contributed to this.
Offering offensive accepted by the market
Already in the second year after the realization of Wildhaus 2.0, the new offers have been accepted by the guests and are being actively used. The new family lift, which provides access to the attractive snow sports area between Oberdorf and Freienalp, is the linchpin. Shortly before the end of the season, the one-millionth ride on the Freienalp lift was celebrated. The new "Klangslope", which introduces the destination theme of sound to the youngest guests in an action-packed way, was very well received. Additional offers were also created off the slopes. The newly prepared winter hiking trail to the Schwendi Lakes stands for active recreation in a majestic natural setting, and the toboggan run from Oberdorf to Wildhaus closes an important gap in the offer for schools and non-skiers. Further investments are already planned for next winter: In Oberdorf, the long-awaited "magic carpet" will upgrade the beginner and practice area and the fun park Snowland.ch will be redesigned. The pleasing guest reactions are positive: "Wildhaus" is perceived as award-worthy, eventful and likeable. This is thanks to the employees, who are doing a great job in all departments and at all levels with their tireless commitment and flexibility.
Gastronomy benefited from relaxation
The catering division, which still suffered from strict restrictions in the previous winter, achieved a real jump in sales. At the start of the season, certificates were still required indoors, but the terraces could once again be used without restriction. The trend in overnight stays was also upward. While numerous cancellations had to be accepted in January, the occupancy rate subsequently returned to normal. In February and March, the beds in the mountain inns were almost fully booked. The newly introduced evening service in the Säntis Stübli of the Oberdorf mountain inn contributed to the very gratifying total turnover of over 3 million Swiss francs. With fine cuisine in a stylish ambience, locals, vacation guests and two-apartment owners were delighted. This additional gastronomic offer will be continued in summer 2022.
436,717 francs profit
The business year 2021/22 will go down as one of the most successful years in the history of the 85-year-old Bergbahnen Wildhaus AG. One has to look back to the years 2008 and 2009 to find comparable results. The total turnover of the company is CHF 8.31 million, with gastronomy contributing 39% to this figure. In the snow-free period, the signs are reversed in each case. In summer and autumn, around two thirds of sales are generated in the catering sector. On the expense side, the high expenses for technical snowmaking are worth mentioning. The warm weather phase at the end of 2021 made it necessary to make snow again in January 2022. In the course of the investments made for Wildhaus 2.0 totaling a good CHF 12 million, financial expenses increased significantly. The operating result (EBITDA) amounts to 2.12 million francs. After financial expenses, taxes and depreciation, the bottom line is a profit of CHF 436,717.99. This is to be carried forward to the new account.
Gloomy outlook
The noticeable easing of the situation seems to be short-lived. The in part massive price increases in all areas of purchasing are a cause for concern. In particular, energy costs, which are a key factor in the company's success, are exploding. For electricity, diesel and heating oil alone, additional costs of several hundred thousand francs must currently be taken into account. It will not be possible to absorb these additional costs operationally. Price increases are therefore inevitable for the coming winter season 2022/23.
30 years are enough - Chairman of the Board Jack Rhyner steps down
"Mission accomplished" - this is how Dr. Jakob Rhyner's work as long-serving Chairman of the Board of Directors can be summed up succinctly. The Buchser lawyer steered the BBW ship through the shoals of the industry and the region with prudence, leadership and a great deal of personal commitment. Over the past thirty years, he has sailed around many a dangerous cliff, never giving up or giving up. He persistently and steadfastly represented the interests of the shareholders, who literally grew together into a BBW family during his era. Under Rhyner's leadership, Bergbahnen Wildhaus AG continuously developed into a modern and healthy mountain railway company. Investments amounting to over 45 million Swiss francs over the last thirty years form the basis for the integrated Toggenburg tourism company as it is today.
