Graubunden Ski Areas - Trends Point Towards A good Winter Season

The industry organization Bergbahnen Graubünden (BBGR) has reported on the prospects for the coming season. The organisation includes 23 mountain lift companies or 90% of Graubünden's transport turnover.

• In January 2022, the Bündner Bergbahnen recorded a 53.5% increase in guests compared to the previous year and an increase in transport sales of 69.5%. It should be noted that January 2021 was heavily influenced by Covid, the indoor areas of the catering trade were closed and the weather conditions were characterized by snow, cold and little sun. A year-on-year comparison is therefore only of limited significance.
• A long-term comparison gives a more reliable picture. The number of guests increased by 10.8% in January 2022 compared to the 5-year average and the transport turnover by 28.3%.
• As of January 31, 2022, the cumulative values ​​of guests and transport sales were around 40% higher than in the previous year. Compared to the 5-year average, the increase in guests is 16.2% and in transport turnover 21.7%. This means that the development of the 2021/22 winter season so far is roughly at the level of the 2019/20 winter season (before Corona).
• In a regional 5-year comparison, the Davos region grew disproportionately in winter 2021/22, both in terms of guests and transport turnover. This can be explained primarily by the cancellation of the WEF and the resulting change in focus on winter sports. This is despite the fact that not all bed capacities could be fully utilized due to the short-term nature.
• The disproportionate increases in the Lower Engadine region compared to the previous year must be put into perspective. The Lower Engadine also lost disproportionately due to the partial closure of the Ischgl ski area last year. A comparison with the 5- and 10-year averages also shows that the Lower Engadine continues to develop below average compared to the other regions in winter 2021/22. This is primarily due to the cross-border cooperation and the associated Covid restrictions in the Silvretta Arena Samnaun Ischgl.
• When making comparisons in the Surselva region, it must be taken into account that the Andermatt-Sedrun ski area connection has been in operation since winter 2018/19 and that more restrictive measures were imposed in the canton of Uri during the corona pandemic

Conclusion

• The development of guest numbers and transport sales in January 2022 are very pleasing. The trend towards a good winter season 2021/22 continues. Bergbahnen Graubünden attributes this primarily to the following reasons:
• Good winter sports conditions despite little fresh snow, but with above-average, sunny weather.
• Virtually no lost days due to wind/storm and snowfall/avalanche.
• A strong domestic demand for winter sports: loyal Swiss guests; Covid-related uncertainties led to holidays/excursions in Switzerland.
• Partial return of guests from the EU area, especially from Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. The "milder" Covid measures and the "Swiss way" could have had an influence here (not based on facts).
• The image and importance of leisure activities in the snow, especially skiing, are in demand. Exercise in nature, in the fresh air under orderly, controlled and proportionate Covid protection concepts (mouth and nose protection in closed vehicles instead of 2G) have proven themselves and meet the needs of guests
• Open catering establishments in combination with a certain "pent-up demand", which was reflected in the form of consumer spending and willingness to pay. It could have been a little bit more.

The excellent winter sports conditions, the snowfall of the last few days, the weather forecast, consumer sentiment and the development of the Covid pandemic mean that the Bündner Bergbahnen can look forward to the important winter sports weeks in February with confidence. However, euphoria is not the order of the day, because the industry knows from experience that "billing is only done at the end of the season".