95th Annual General Meeting Of Zell Am Zee Schmittenhohebahn AG Held
At the 95th annual general meeting of Schmittenhöhebahn AG in the Ferry Porsche Congress Center, the company was able to look back on a successful financial year.
Despite the ongoing effects of the corona pandemic and new uncertainties caused by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the overall balance was positive. In the financial year, 961,134 guests visited the Schmittenhöhe ski and hiking area, numbers that have almost reached the level before the pandemic (2018/19: 1,143,892).
The focus was also on the environment: The Schmitten is still the only EMAS-certified cable car company in Austria and continues to strive with all its might to preserve the ecological system in the Alpine area for future generations. The annual general meeting of the Schmittenhöhebahn AG was held as an official green event for the seventh time.
First successful winter season 2021/2022 after the corona pandemic
The start of the winter season was again influenced by the corona pandemic. After a very early onset of winter in November, rail operations could only start on December 8, 2021 due to a lockdown for shops, restaurants and accommodation facilities. Nevertheless, the number of visitors in the 2021/22 winter season has developed very well compared to the previous year. 734,977 guest entries were recorded, a significant increase on the 130,961 guest entries in the previous year due to the pandemic. However, the number of guests remained below the level of winter 2018/19 (-21.0% compared to before Corona).
Exceptional level reached in summer 2022
In summer, visitor numbers developed extremely positively compared to the level before the pandemic. With 226,157 guest entries, there was an increase of 5.8% compared to summer 2019. This means that the company is enjoying the busiest summer since the company was founded. The extremely nice weather in autumn made it possible to run the railway until November 2nd. The number of guests on boat tours also increased by 6.2% compared to the 2018/19 financial year. This allows a satisfied review of the summer season and the very well-attended attractions on the lake and on the mountain.
Outlook for summer and winter 2023
The Schmittenhöhebahn AG moves with the times and builds for more safety and comfort: In the summer of 2023, the existing "Sonnkogelbahn" (3-seater chairlift) will be dismantled and replaced by a combined lift, which will go into operation in the winter of 2023/24, and guests in expected for the winter season as a 6-seater chairlift with heated seats, weather protection hood and automatically locking restraints. In summer, 8-seater cabins are used for transportation.
The Sonnkogel Restaurant is also being completely renovated and will open in winter 2023 with more seats and a two-story sun terrace with a unique view of Lake Zell, the Schmittenhöhe and the Hohe Tauern.
Annual general meeting as a green event
It is extremely important to Schmittenhöhebahn AG to take sustainability and the environment into account. For example, the Schmitten Ecology Advisory Board, which is made up of external experts, has been in existence for 12 years now and supports the cable car company in the dovetailing of business, sustainability and nature conservation.
It is also important to the company to hold the annual general meeting as a green event in accordance with the Austrian eco-label, which is characterized by increased energy efficiency, waste avoidance and environmentally friendly arrival and departure of the guests.
Schmittenhöhebahn AG at a glance
The Schmittenhöhebahn AG employs around 360 people in the winter season, making it one of the leading companies and most important employers in the Zell am See-Kaprun region. 28 lifts and cable cars on the Schmittenhöhe, as well as the boat trip on Lake Zell are among the main tourist attractions in Zell am See-Kaprun in winter and summer.
