62nd Annual General Meeting Of Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG Takes Place

The COVID-19 pandemic kept the world in suspense in the 2020/21 financial year. The official protective measures shaped the economic development of the region and led to a total failure of the 2020/21 winter season in tourism. But despite the nationwide ban on accommodation in winter, the decision was made to partially operate the cable cars on the Kitzsteinhorn from Christmas 2020, as a positive sign to the local population. The development of the summer figures was very pleasing, although they were only able to slightly mitigate a decline in frequency of 380,000 first-time admissions in the 2020/21 financial year.

Emergency braking after a perfect start to winter 2020

A dream winter announced itself with heavy snowfall at the end of September 2020. A complex COVID-19 code of conduct made it possible to start skiing from October 4, 2020 with a descent to the Alpincenter. The successful start to the season with the best snow conditions sent encouraging signs. However, increasing corona numbers across Europe caused an officially ordered lockdown from November 3, 2020 to December 24, 2020 with the closure of all cable car systems. Short-time work made it possible to keep the employees who were carried through the crisis in this way. Despite the closure of all catering and accommodation facilities by May 18, 2021, Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG decided to partially operate the cable cars for the local population - in compliance with a strict prevention concept. This positive signal was enthusiastically accepted by winter sports enthusiasts from the region, but as expected it led to a historical kink in the number curve. In the Corona winter of 2019/20, -77.5% was recorded for first-time admissions, compared to the "pre-Corona winter" of 2018/19, the decline is even clearer at -81.46%.

Hopeful course of summer 2021

The summer of 2021 was more forgiving, although it gained momentum in June after the restrictions were gradually lifted, but then picked up speed well into the autumn with beautiful midsummer weather. A historic daily peak of 4,733 guests was recorded in August, and a monthly peak was even achieved in September. The Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG met the zeitgeist with its offer and satisfied the enormous longing for mountains in a unique natural area and the desire for freedom and space. New groups of guests from Austria and neighboring countries discovered the glacier world on the Kitzsteinhorn and the Maiskogel on hikes or mountain tours. The extended range of mountain bikes with freeride, e-bike and uphill routes on the Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel had a particularly positive effect. With an increase of 18.90% in guest frequency compared to the previous year and daily peak values in August and September, the summer of 2021 sent consistently positive signals. Nevertheless, a net loss of € -10.5 million in the 2020/21 financial year was unavoidable - despite support from funding programs.

Finally skiing again

Despite a small amount of fresh snow, the Kitzsteinhorn started the winter of 2021/22 on October 9, 2021 with good slope conditions and a very pleasing number of guests. The desire to ski on wide glacier slopes was unbroken. The delayed start of the season in other ski areas due to the persistently mild conditions caused high frequencies on the Kitzsteinhorn - even with the new 2G regulation. Only another lockdown from November 22nd to December 16th put a temporary damper on things. After heavy snowfalls in January and February, an unusually sunny March and April attracted numerous winter sports enthusiasts to the glacier region and brought conciliatory numbers. In the previous winter of 2021/22, 730,000 guests were welcomed, that is 13% fewer than in the pre-Corona year 2019.

Board director Ing. Norbert Karlsböck looks positively into the future: "The corona crisis led to the most difficult economic phase for Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG since the company was founded. But the trend in the numbers shows that as soon as the freedom to travel begins and the restrictions are lifted, the guests come back immediately. The mighty summit of the Kitzsteinhorn fascinates and radiates a calming strength even in times of crisis. The imposing high mountain landscape on the border to the Hohe Tauern National Park offers a relaxing break. And with our diverse and sustainable range of experiences for mountain bikers and hikers on the Maiskogel and Kitzsteinhorn, we are looking forward to the summer season in a positive mood.”

Facts fiscal year 2020/2021 (10/01/2020-09/30/2021)