International Ski Area Test: Crystal Awards And Summer Quality Seals Awarded
On October 29, the Pinzgablick mountain restaurant on the Resterhöhe in Mittersill (Kitzski) hosted the awarding of the summer awards and the awarding of the summer quality seal of the international ski area test. Ski area test president Klaus Hönigsberger was on the road with his ski area test team in the European Alpine region during the summer season and tested the participating tourist destinations according to the comprehensive ski area test categories.
The results of the summer season were announced in the uniquely rustic ambience of the mountain restaurant. Guests from the cable car and tourism industry, including the guests of honor, chairman of the Austrian cable car association Franz Hörl, specialist group manager Mag. Brigitta Pallauf, Olympic and World Champion Fritz Strobl, Managing Director of Mittersill plus Tourismus Mag. Michael Sinnhuber, Mayor of Kitzbühel Dr. Klaus Winkler, Mayor of Jochberg Günther Resch, Mayor of Niedernsill Ing.Günther Brennsteiner, Mayor of Uttendorf Hannes Lerchbaumer and Mayor of Uderns Ing.Josef Bucher accepted the invitation from Klaus Hönigsberger and his vice-presidents.
"Test winner" of the summer season 2021
The representatives of Snow Space Salzburg were delighted to receive the coveted “Ski Area Test Winner Summer 2021” GOLD award. Snow Space Salzburg is a true paradise for sports enthusiasts and those looking for relaxation - there is something for everyone. The award for “friendliest railway staff”, “best children's offer” GOLD and “ideas and implementation” GOLD for the KUHbidu family adventure trail was also presented to the successful company.
Swiss "test winner"
The Säntis suspension railway was awarded the “Ski Area Test Winner Summer 2021” GOLD as well as the “Friendliest cashier team”. The train in St. Gallen, Switzerland, offers guests a special experience as soon as they drive up. From the summit there is a phenomenal view of six different countries - Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Säntisgipfel and Säntis restaurants - the hotel received the awards “Most Popular Mountain Restaurant” GOLD and “Most Popular Alpine Hotel” GOLD. Bruno Vattioni, Managing Director of the Säntis suspension railway, will be leaving for his well-deserved retirement in May 2022 and was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his exemplary company management.
"Newcomer of the year"
The representatives of Bergbahn Kitzbühel were delighted to receive the “Newcomers of the year 2021” award from the “Summer Mountain Railways in the Alps” as well as “friendliest railway staff” and the special award “PR and public relations”. Andreas Hochwimmer was named "Operations Manager of the Decade" for his work.
"Adventure & Family Mountain 2021"
The Gemmibahn in the Valais community of Leukerbad in the Bernese Alps was named GOLD “Adventure and Family Mountain 2021”. Various attractions are offered to visitors there - from guided hiking routes, a viewing platform with a unique view to the only adventure via ferrata in Switzerland, the Gemmiwand, which was awarded the "Fun and Action" award DOUBLE GOLD. The “friendliest cashier team” award went to the representatives of the Gemmi lifts, and director Wolfgang Loretan was honored as “cable car operator of the year”. The Gemmi Lodge 2350 received the GOLD “Most Popular Alpine Hotel” award.
Awards for the catering industry
Of course, the catering establishments were also carefully checked during the ski area test in summer. The Oberforsthofalm in St. Johann im Pongau was awarded TRIPLEGOLD as the "most popular ski hut". The Pinzgablick mountain restaurant on the Resterhöhe / Mittersill in the Kitzski ski area secured the award for the “most popular mountain restaurant”.
Summer seal of approval
The international ski area test has been awarding the summer seal of approval since summer 2017 and this year also the "snowshoe hiking seal of approval". This was awarded to the Rax cable car - the first cable car in Austria - which was able to score with further prizes.
"Special Award"
This year, these special awards were given to Rupert Müller, for decades of commitment to the cable car industry, to Hakon Hirzenberger, director of the Steudltenn team and to Michael Unger, TVB chairman and managing director of Drachental-Wildschönau, as tourism expert of the year.
"Art and culture"
The "Art and Culture Trophy" TRIPLEGOLD was presented to the Steudltenn team for their theater festival this summer. The Riesneralm received the award for the avalanches [gallery].
"Children's Land Trophy"
This GOLD award this year went to the Annaberger Lifte for their interactive and entertaining tour “Nikis Alm-Abenteuer” as well as to Pronatour for the development and implementation of the “Mooraculum” in Sörenberg, Switzerland. The “Children's Land Trophy” was also presented to the representatives of the Drachental in Wildschönau.
"Ideas and implementation"
This award was given to the Erste Ferienregion Zillertal Fügen-Kaltenbach and the company Gartenbau Kerschdorfer for their Hubertus Wildlife Path / Hochzillertal.
"Architecture Trophy"
The municipality of Kitzbühel and Michael Egger, von Egger Architects, were awarded the “Architecture Trophy” this year for the planning and construction of the Starthaus Streif.
Winter Awards
At this award ceremony, the Winter Awards were subsequently presented to the owners of the Kope / Slovenia ski area.
Ski Area Test President Klaus Hönigsberger successfully led through the award ceremony and ensured satisfied guests and happy award winners. The “Starken Mander” provided musical accompaniment to the award ceremony.
The international ski area test (27 years old) will also be on the road anonymously with its experienced testers (223) for the cable car and tourism industry in the coming winter season 2021/22 and check the constant further development of quality, safety and offers in alpine tourism.
