General Assembly: Brunni-Bahnen Ready For The Future
The annual general assembly of Brunni-Bahnen AG took place on October 25, 2022. The operational management reported on a successful 2021/2022 financial year and is satisfied with the progress of the investment projects. One innovation is the five-day operation in the autumn period.
Chairman of the Board of Directors Fredy Miller welcomed around 300 shareholders to the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in the Kursaal Engelbergt. He looked back on an eventful but at the same time successful 2021/2022 financial year, which was once again shaped by the effects of the corona pandemic. «In this challenging environment, the safety of our guests and employees had top priority. Our employees in particular have made exemplary experiences possible for our guests with their flexibility and great commitment," noted Fredy Miller. And according to Miller, this was successful, as the numbers show.
A gratifying result
With the second-highest turnover in the company's history of CHF 7.5 million and an annual profit of CHF 241,282, an excellent result was presented to those present. The managing director Roman Barmettler adds: "The positive numbers clearly show that the experience outdoors in nature with friends and families is an important part of leisure activities". The Board of Directors' proposal to pay CHF 150,000 of the available balance sheet profit against the capital contribution reserves was unanimously approved by the meeting. An amount of CHF 25 will be paid out per share, which corresponds to a dividend of 10% of the nominal capital. Furthermore, the statutory mandatory agenda items were presented to the shareholders, which were all approved unanimously.
projects on course
Furthermore, those responsible at Brunni-Bahnen will present the current status of upcoming large-scale projects. An initial feasibility study was drawn up for the replacement facility at Schonegg, and a preliminary study has been submitted to the canton for the increase in bed capacity in Ristis, which will now be assessed by the authorities in a next step. In addition, the first work was carried out during the autumn holidays for the ball path along the panorama hiking trail. The opening of this new offer for families is planned for June 2023.
Results summer and autumn season 2022
As early as May, the summery weather invited guests to the mountains. The sales figures clearly show this: The Brunni railways show an increase of 34% for the months of May, June, July and August compared to summer 2021. Around 98,000 guests were welcomed on the mountain over the four months. That is 7.7% more guests than in the record summer of 2018. “Although trips abroad increased again, we were able to welcome many local guests. They spent around one or two days with us in the mountains,” says managing director Roman Barmettler with satisfaction.
On the other hand, the number of guests in the autumn months of September and October was subdued. Here, the Brunni railways are 20% below the five-year average in terms of first-time admissions. “Autumn starts with changeable conditions. Especially when it rains at the weekends, this has a strong impact on the number of visitors,” explains Roman Barmettler.
New timetable in November
For the first time, the Brunni railways will shorten the inspection time in November. Between November 7th and December 2nd, 2022, it will be open daily from Wednesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "The demand from guests shows that sunbathing spots are in demand in November, when there is fog in the lowlands," explains Managing Director Roman Barmettler, explaining the extension of the opening times. The planned start for daily winter operations is Saturday, December 3, 2022.
company portrait
Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG aims to manage the Engelberg-Brunni area as an excursion and recreation area. An average of 240,000 guests visit the Brunni area every year. Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG generates a total turnover of around CHF 7 million with a pendulum lift, a chairlift, three ski lifts, two restaurants and other adventure and gastronomy offers.
Summer: The Brunni in Engelberg is the sunny side of Engelberg for families and those who enjoy life and a popular excursion and hiking area for the Swiss. The impressive view with the Titlis and the idyllic mountains inspire. There is wellness for your feet on the Kneipp path around the Härzlisee and on the only barefoot hiking path in Central Switzerland. A summer toboggan run and the large "Globi's Alpine playground" await the smaller guests right next to the Berglodge Restaurant Ristis. If you like action, you can book a paragliding passenger flight or try one of the 4 climbing routes in the area.
Winter: The Brunni ski and tobogganing area in Engelberg is the sunniest winter excursion area in Central Switzerland with 8 km of ski slopes, 5 km of toboggan runs and 25 km of winter hiking trails. Globis Winterland, the largest children's area in Central Switzerland, is located on the Klostermatte. The practice area offers everything conveniently and directly on site: ski lifts, parking spaces, ski rental, family restaurant OX, ski school office and ski depot. With an average incline of 48%, the Schonegg lift is the steepest tow lift in Switzerland.
