Graubunden Ski Areas - Reduction In Ticket Sales Of CHF 40 Million

The Bündner Bergbahnen recorded a 9 percent drop in guests in February compared to the previous year. Cumulative over the entire winter season, this corresponds to 22 percent and a decrease in ticket sales of CHF 40 million.

Due to the circumstances, Bergbahnen Graubünden (BBGR) assesses the February result as acceptable. However, there is a lack of understanding and frustration with regard to the decreed closure of the terraces in the ski areas.

30-60 percent decrease by Easter

The development of the entire winter season shows a decrease of 22 percent or around 1.1 million guests as of the end of February as well as a loss of 21.3 percent in transport sales, which corresponds to around CHF 40 million. Due to the importance of international guests for the Easter business and taking into account the developments in neighboring countries, Bergbahnen Graubünden expects a decline of around 30 percent by the end of the winter season. Bergbahnen Graubünden has no concrete figures on the developments in mountain gastronomy. However, based on feedback and assessments, the losses in catering sales are likely to be well over 60 percent.

Acceptable February numbers

The epidemiological situation and the associated restrictions led to a decrease in guests (-9%) and transport turnover (-5.6%) for the Bündner Bergbahnen in February compared to the previous year. Compared to the 5-year and 10-year averages, the number of guests fell by 3.3 and 2.8 percent, respectively.

In February, transport sales increased by 1.8 percent and 4.2 percent compared to the long-term averages. Here, the influence of supply developments and the associated price adjustments as well as price differentiation strategies must be taken into account.

Commenting on the closure of terraces at ski areas the  Bündner Bergbahnen said " After the ordered closure of the terraces in the ski areas last weekend, the lack of understanding and frustration about the Federal Council's decision is still great. The companies cannot understand why a solution that has been well established for 2 months and supported by the canton of Graubünden, which took into account the epidemiological situation and ensured the health protection of snow sports enthusiasts, was not assessed neutrally. Bergbahnen Graubünden is questioning whether the Federal Council is legitimized in the context of the pandemic to weight “state-political” reasons more than epidemiological ones. Furthermore, it is frustrating when the BAG legitimizes the catering for “Büezern” and ski school classes indoors at the same time as the terrace is closed in the ski areas. Where is proportionality and legal equality?"