Bergbahnen Wildhaus Reports Demanding Winter With Only 107 Operating Days
On Sunday, April 2, 2023, the Wildhaus mountain railways ended a winter season that was unusual in terms of weather. Despite the lack of snow, the main systems were in operation as planned for no fewer than 107 days. Thanks to the technical snowmaking, which has been continuously expanded in recent years, a good quality range of slopes could be maintained throughout the season.
A season with ups and downs
A successful start on December 17, 2022 was followed by an unusually long phase of warm weather. It was the daily fight for the remaining snow. The desire for snow sports dwindled among the guests from day to day and the number of guests in the first half of January was correspondingly low. In mid-January, winter returned – rather hesitantly, but with low temperatures, which made it possible to snow the main slopes again. With the additional natural snow, further offers could be opened at the end of January. On the one hand the Gamserrugglift, as well as the valley run and the very popular "Klangslope". During this time, the new "magic carpet" in Oberdorf had its premiere, which at the end of the season recorded an impressive 95,000 trips and thus already met expectations in the first year of operation.
The sunny February showed impressively what would have been possible with good snow and weather conditions. First-time entries and transport sales were at the very good level of the previous year. Unfortunately, those who hoped for a sunny and snowy March were once again disappointed. The moody weather with large temperature fluctuations gave rise to neither spring nor winter feelings.
The weekends in particular often fell victim to the nasty weather. In the final count, 130,000 first-time entries were achieved. This value is 10% below the average of the last five years and very well below the peak value of winter 2021/22. Unfortunately, those who hoped for a sunny and snowy March were once again disappointed. The moody weather with large temperature fluctuations gave rise to neither spring nor winter feelings. The weekends in particular often fell victim to the nasty weather. In the final count, 130,000 first-time entries were achieved.
Gastronomy and accommodation at the previous year's level
The course of business in the gastronomy division is pleasing. The result achieved is at the level of the previous year. Club and family events again generated important sales positions. In the accommodation, the pre-corona level was reached again. The numerous snow sports camps held by the schools made a significant contribution to the good occupancy rate. With over 6,500 overnight stays per year, the Bergbahnen Wildhaus are among the most important hosts in upper Toggenburg. In addition to the two main objects, the Oberdorf and Gamsalp mountain inns, other businesses such as the Gamserrugg Hütte or the Graeppelen Bar in the village also contributed to the good performance of the gastronomy.
Cooperation creates trust and added value
The partnerships with Grüsch‐Danusa (“Top of Kids”) and the Meilenweiss fare network have proven to be particularly valuable in demanding winters. This gives the guest additional options if the offer in their home area is less extensive or if more variety is simply desired. This guest need is also reflected in the result of this year's subscription sales. The very good level of the previous year could be confirmed in terms of numbers and the "Meilenweiß" has experienced continuous growth since the introduction of the family annual pass.
Challenging cost side
Like all other market participants, Bergbahnen Wildhaus is struggling with rising costs on the procurement side, which particularly affects energy. All in all, despite the reduced number of slopes, it was a financially demanding winter. For this reason, statements on the overall result are premature. The detailed annual and financial results will be published with the annual report at the beginning of August.
