Schmittenhohebahn AG Presents Figures For 2022/23 Financial Year
At the 96th Annual General Meeting of Schmittenhöhebahn AG on May 23, 2024 in the Ferry Porsche Congress Center, the company looked back on the past financial year 2022/23.
Despite the persistently difficult macroeconomic situation, mainly due to increased financing, wage and energy costs as well as a problematic labor market, the overall balance was positive. In the financial year, 1,082,046 guests (previous year: 961,134 guests) visited the Schmittenhöhe ski and hiking area, a number that almost reached the level before the pandemic (2018/19: 1,143,892).
The issue of sustainability has been strategically anchored in the organization for years. The ecological, economic and social goals were once again the focus: Since 2011, Schmittenhöhebahn AG has voluntarily participated in the European environmental management system EMAS, making it the only certified cable car company in Europe. For the eighth time, the annual general meeting was held as an official green event in accordance with the Austrian Ecolabel, which is characterized by increased energy efficiency, waste avoidance and environmentally friendly arrival and departure of guests.
Encouraging increase in the number of guests in the 2022/2023 winter season
The start of the winter season was characterized by mild temperatures, with December and January in particular seeing little precipitation. Thanks to the experienced staff and the efficient snowmaking systems, the season was nevertheless able to start as planned on December 8, 2022 with very well-groomed slopes. 868,254 guest entries were recorded by the end of the season on April 10, 2023, an increase of 18.1% compared to the 734,977 guest entries in the previous year. However, the number of guests remained below the level of the 2018/19 winter (929,959 guest entries in the winter before Corona).
Despite construction work, positive level reached in summer 2023
The existing Sonnkogelbahn was replaced by a new combination cable car during the summer months, and the Sonnkogel Restaurant was completely renovated and expanded. The Schmittenhöhebahn AG team ensured that the construction site could be bypassed using attractive hiking trails. Despite the construction work, the company recorded a very pleasing number of guests, with 213,792 entries (compared to 226,157 entries in the previous year). Sales revenue from mountain restaurants fell slightly, which is due to the loss of the Sonnkogel Restaurant. Boat trips on Lake Zell recorded an increase of 10.1% compared to the previous year. This allows a satisfied look back at the summer season and the very well-attended attractions on the lake and on the mountain.
Sustainability report as part of the annual report
From the 2025 reporting year, Schmittenhöhebahn AG will be required to disclose information about risks and opportunities arising from ecological and social issues, as well as the impact of its activities on people and the environment. Since the topic of sustainability has been strategically anchored in the company for years, the environmental statement will be integrated into the annual report this year.
Biodiversity and Schmitten honey
Biodiversity on the Schmittenhöhe has been documented in several studies. The mix of lean meadows and forests is the ideal habitat for bees. The extensively managed habitat on the mountain is significantly more valuable for wild and honey bees than the rich meadows found in the valleys. 34 different species of wild bees have been identified. Beekeeper Peter Hofer, who works as a machinist at Schmittenhöhebahn AG, will bring a total of 15 beehives to the Schmitten in June 2024. The bee colonies spend two months on the mountain. Ten kilograms of honey are harvested per colony. Samples of Schmitten honey were distributed at the 96th Annual General Meeting.
Personnel changes in the Supervisory Board
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, who has been a member of the Supervisory Board since 2009 and thus for 15 years, is retiring from this position. His son, Felix Porsche, BA, was elected to the Supervisory Board as his successor by the 96th Annual General Meeting. The Chairman Dr. Hans Peter Schützinger and his deputy KR Heinrich Spängler as well as Dr. Hans Michel Piëch will continue to be available to the Supervisory Board of the company, while the Works Council delegates Works Council Chairman Christian Bernsteiner and Andreas Koll.
Outlook for the 2023/24 financial year
The attractions on the mountain will be expanded in summer 2024 with the new "Kaiserblick" panoramic platform. The viewing platform, which will be partly equipped with a glass floor, offers unique views and depths and is a new highlight directly at the summit of the Schmittenhöhe.
With the takeover of the Berghotel Schmittenhöhe in May 2024, the company is also running an accommodation business for the first time. The takeover marks a milestone in the history of the Schmitten. The breathtaking natural scenery of the Schmittenhöhe is combined with the comfort and hospitality of the hotel.
Schmittenhöhebahn AG at a glance
Schmittenhöhebahn AG employs around 420 people in the winter season, making it one of the leading companies and most important employers in the Zell am See-Kaprun region. 27 lifts and cable cars on the Schmittenhöhe, as well as boat trips on Lake Zell, are among the main tourist attractions in Zell am See-Kaprun in winter and summer.
