Pizolbahnen Looks Back On Winter

The 2020/21 winter season for has ended Pizolbahnen AG. Thanks to the beautiful weather and the good slope conditions, the Easter days once again attracted numerous guests. “This means we can record a positive end to the season,” said Klaus Nussbaumer, CEO,.

Guest admissions similar to last winter

First of all: The guest admissions are comparable to the pre-winter 2019/2020. According to those responsible, this is very gratifying. And this despite the restrictions due to the current corona situation. According to Nussbaumer, however, the 2020/21 winter season is down by twelve percent on a five-year average. This inevitably leads to a loss in a fixed-cost business like mountain lifts. "Compared to other areas or the neighboring countries, we get away with it with a black eye," says Nussbaumer.

Closed Christmas days hurt

Of course, one thing was particularly painful: The fact that operations came to a standstill between December 22 and 30, 2020 due to official orders. “These nine high-turnover Christmas days are very important,” adds Nussbaumer. In addition, the catering was closed afterwards and only a take-away offer could be offered. Especially in the cold January, this fact prevented many guests from going on a day of skiing. A decrease of around 50 percent therefore had to be recorded in the Pizolbahnen restaurants. "The take-away offer was very well received by the guests, but it is impossible to replace a fully functional restaurant." said Klaus Nussbaumer.

Higher costs through protective measures

The protective measures prescribed by the federal government and the canton resulted in additional work: additional employees, signs, control measures, disinfectants and much more. This created a further financial burden.

Pizolbahnen expect a loss

Nussbaumer cannot yet draw an exact balance of the 2020/21 financial year, as several accounts are still open. "It is gratifying that we have already received hardship payments from the canton for the catering sector," he says. According to Nussbaumer, a hardship application was also submitted for the Pizolbahnen. "The application has been made. Whether we will receive money and in what amount is still open,” he says. However, he is confident that those who would have ordered the closure of the Pizolbahnen will also ensure appropriate compensation in an appropriate amount. According to Nussbaumer, how well the mountain railway company ultimately does depends heavily on the hardship benefits. "With and without this money we have to reckon with a loss in the annual result."

Advance sales with around 15% plus

Despite all the difficulties, the whole Pizol team mastered the 2020/21 season well. “Advance subscription sales for the coming season show that we are on the right track. The annual pass (summer 2021 and winter 2021/22) in particular was once again sold very well. " reports Nussbaumer. "We see this as confirmation of a convincing offer on the Pizol and would like to thank the guests for their trust."

But now the employees of the Pizolbahnen can first take a short, well-deserved break. Before the summer season starts again on May 8th, 2021 with the operation of the Bad Ragaz gondola lift. From July 3rd, 2021, all summer systems will be in operation again.