Skifahr'n – School Ski Campaign For All Of Tyrol Ramps Up

"Skiing is more than a sport - it is part of Tyrolean tradition and identity.

Free ski days for compulsory school students: support with travel costs, ski passes and equipment
Also greatly reduced ski days from the tenth grade
Cooperation between the State of Tyrol, the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce and the Education Directorate
Educational institutions will receive further information shortly

The passion and fascination of skiing should be passed on to future generations. In order to reinforce the enthusiasm for skiing and to create affordable offers, we are launching a large-scale school skiing campaign," emphasises Governor Anton Mattle. Together with sports representative Governor Georg Dornauer, Reinhard Klier, chairman of the cable car specialist group of the Tyrol Chamber of Commerce, and Franz Sailer, chairman of the bus company specialist group of the Tyrol Chamber of Commerce, the "Skifahr'n - school skiing campaign" campaign was presented today, Tuesday, at the valley station of the Patscherkofelbahn in Innsbruck. This school skiing programme, which is now available throughout Tyrol and was jointly promoted by the State of Tyrol and the Tyrol Chamber of Commerce, provides school classes with a lot of support on ski trips, and above all, it is intended to make them uncomplicated and affordable.

ski pass + equipment + bus ride

"I want every student in Tyrol to have access to an affordable ski trip. That's why we're launching a very special campaign," says Governor Mattle, emphasizing that "exemplary cooperation between cable cars, sporting goods retailers, bus companies, and the education department can reduce the costs of ski trips for students enormously." The aim is not only to awaken enthusiasm for skiing at an early age, but also to encourage the joy of exercise in general: "Promoting skiing and thus sport also means focusing on health, community, and solidarity. It is important that as many young people as possible are introduced to the joy of exercise and sport from an early age - the more likely they are to continue doing so in their lives. As a sports representative, I welcome campaigns like this one, which contribute to exactly that," says Governor Dornauer.

The Chamber of Commerce provides free (first to ninth grade) or cheap day ski passes (tenth to 13th grade; five euros). In cooperation with Sport 2000 rent, equipment can be rented inexpensively if required. Each school class from first to 13th grade can also take advantage of one subsidized bus ride to a ski trip each year.

The State of Tyrol and the Tyrol Chamber of Commerce are pulling together

"The cable car companies are happy to take part in this campaign and make their offer and services available to enable schoolchildren to have a free or heavily discounted day of skiing. It is important to us that every child in Tyrol has the opportunity to experience the sporting and social benefits of skiing. Through the Tyrolean school ski campaign, the Tyrolean cable cars have enabled between 30,000 and 50,000 schoolchildren to have a day of skiing each year over the last few decades. As operators of Tyrolean ski areas, we also believe that the Tyroleans, as locals, should benefit from a wide and high-quality range of skiing," says cable car specialist group chairman Reinhard Klier, who stresses that the initiative must be simple and uncomplicated for everyone: "The focus is on the mountain experience for children and young people. The campaign has been supported for years by the Tyrolean cable car companies - currently more than 70 - and there is therefore a wide range of options for all schools throughout Tyrol. We are delighted to be partners in this project."

"As a representative of the Tyrolean bus companies, I am very pleased that the state of Tyrol is now also supporting climate-friendly travel by bus as part of the Tyrolean school ski campaign. Our company's bus fleet is one of the most modern and environmentally friendly in Europe, as we are also constantly investing in more comfort and the latest technology. By traveling by bus, we can also show young people how easy, convenient and environmentally friendly it is to travel by bus. The state's support for travel by bus makes the entire campaign even more attractive and easier for schools. Having your own comfortable bus to travel to the ski area is a significant relief for students and teachers. This will help ensure that this campaign, which is unique in Austria, will continue to be very successful," Franz Sailer is also convinced.

Austria's unique "all-round package"

Tyrol's ski areas have already made efforts to support schoolchildren. The current campaign is intended to implement a uniform school ski program across Tyrol. "The school ski campaign is a win for all districts in Tyrol. Ski days for school classes have established themselves as a success story. Now we have a project that includes ski passes, ski equipment and travel - as an 'all-round package'. After all, skiing not only promotes physical fitness, but also strengthens the sense of community and team spirit. My thanks go to everyone involved in this project, which is unique in Austria. I wish all students unforgettable days on the mountain," said Governor Mattle.

The Education Directorate will shortly inform schools about the campaign and application formalities.

Factbox "Tyrolean School Ski Campaign"

NEW: Travel costs (State of Tyrol)
Can be applied for once per year per school class
Up to 500 euros are subsidized per trip
Prerequisite: Travel with a Tyrolean bus company to a Tyrolean ski area
FURTHERMORE: Ski passes (Tirol Chamber of Commerce, Cable Cars Section)

Can be applied for multiple times by school groups

Free for compulsory schools: Student groups from grades 1 to 9 travel free of charge
Affordable up to grade 13: Student groups from grades 10 to 13 pay 5 euros per student per day
If required: Equipment rental for 8 euros per day for students and teachers

Statistics "Skiing" (participation of students + teachers)