Paznaun - Ischgl: Successful Winter Season 22/23
With the Top of the Mountain Closing Concert by Eros Ramazzotti, this year's winter season in Paznaun in Tyrol ended on April 30th. The evaluations of the tourist winter show a very pleasing course of the season. Between November 22 and April 23, more than 2.2 million overnight stays were recorded in the Paznaun villages - in the cross-border ski area of Ischgl/Samnaun, an average of 12,000 guests were counted per day and a total of over 500,000 ski passes were sold.
The start of the 22/23 winter season was marked by challenging omens due to the energy crisis and massive inflation. Ultimately, however, all of this was not reflected in the booking behavior. "In Paznaun we were able to record an increase in overnight stays of around 28.8 percent compared to the previous season 21/22 - compared to the pre-crisis level in the 18/19 season, the difference is only around 4.7 percent. In Ischgl in particular, we didn't feel anything of a 'January slump' this year - with more than 290,000 overnight stays we were in second place in Tyrol," sums up Alexander von der Thannen, chairman of the Paznaun - Ischgl tourism association.
“We didn't expect such a successful overall result given the starting conditions in November. Our expectations were exceeded. Our guests continue to enjoy our extensive range of winter sports and established series of events such as 'Spring Blanc' have been well received,” says Thomas Köhle, Managing Director of the Paznaun - Ischgl Tourist Association.
Silvrettaseilbahn AG with record sales
The winter season was just as pleasing for the Silvretta Arena Ischgl/Samnaun. "Right from the start we were able to record extremely strong ski days with over 20,000 winter sports enthusiasts in the Silvretta Arena this year. In addition, with over 500,000 ski passes sold this winter season, we have come close to the pre-crisis level," sums up Günther Zangerl, CEO of Silvrettaseilbahn AG. Board colleague Markus Walser adds: "In terms of first-time entries and average daily entries, we are almost back to the pre-crisis level with 1.9 million or a daily average of more than 12,000 guests."
In terms of sales, the company, which employs almost 700 people at peak times, can point to a new record of EUR 90 million.
Successful expansion of the year-round offer
“The Silvretta Therme, which only opened on December 8, 22, also had a remarkable 75,000 visitors in its first winter season. We are pleased that this important investment in the year-round tourist offer was so well received by guests from all over the world as well as by the local population," said the two board members of the Silvrettaseilbahn AG. In addition, around 100 new jobs were created for the region with the investment. In the next few weeks, taking into account the first months of operating experience, minor structural adjustments will be made so that you can start the summer season well prepared with the thermal baths.
Outlook summer season 2023
After winter is before summer. With this in mind, preparations for the upcoming summer season are already in full swing. Event highlights, which have been very popular and have had a large number of participants in recent years, will be continued and further developed this summer. For example, the Culinary Way of St. James, the Ischgl Ironbike, the E-Bike World Championships for everyone and the Silvrettarun 3000. And in autumn, guests can expect a colorful program with various sporting events and regional events as part of the Golden Summits event series. Further innovations in the tourist offer will be communicated shortly.
The Silvrettaseilbahn AG is also pleased to be among the "Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways" at the beginning of summer 2023. The seal of quality awarded is a promise of quality to guests and the region and guarantees carefree nature experiences on the mountain. For the first time this year, the operating hours of the Ischgl/Samnaun cable cars will be extended until October 15th. All of these efforts are aimed at further establishing Paznaun as a year-round destination.
