Swiss Ski Lift Co's - Difficult Start To The Winter Season

Normally the cSwiss ski lifts generate around 30% of the total turnover of the winter season over the holidays. Due to the pandemic, there was great uncertainty in the regions as to whether and how the Christmas season would take place. Fortunately, more than three quarters of the ski areas were allowed to start or maintain their operations. However, the vast majority of them recorded a noticeable decline in both sales (-26% compared to the previous year) and the number of guests (-15% first-time entries since November compared to the previous year). 

The start of the winter season was exceptional in several respects for the ski areas. The start of the winter season was marked by a lack of planning security and considerable additional effort to implement the protection concepts. From December 22, 2020, the protection concepts had to be approved by the cantons in accordance with a Federal Council resolution. Closed means of transport, such as gondolas and cabins, could now be occupied by a maximum of two thirds with guests. The cantons were only allowed to issue a permit if the necessary health care capacities were available and the epidemiological situation in the canton permitted an opening. The ski areas in Central and Eastern Switzerland were closed or operating licenses were not issued.

Very heterogeneous picture in the Swiss ski areas 

The largest internationally oriented ski areas, especially in the cantons of Valais, Graubünden and Bern, suffered very high sales losses of between 40-60 percent. But also areas with traditionally many day tourists recorded noticeable losses. The increasing stigmatization of skiing and the sub-optimal weather conditions contributed significantly to this. Only the Vaudois and Freiburg Alps were able to benefit from the much better snow conditions compared to the previous year. Also of the fact that most of the mountain restaurants in French-speaking Switzerland have remained open. However, thanks to the mild and beautiful weather, the increase in the number of guests in November by a third was by no means able to compensate for the decrease in guests in December. 

Protection concepts have passed the test 

The protection concepts of Swiss Cableways, which were plausible by the BAG, were put to the test and have proven themselves. The financial and human investments in these concepts were considerable. The mountain railways are very satisfied that the safety of the guests could be guaranteed. The guests' acceptance of the protective measures was high, and in most cases the behavior was exemplary. The proof could be provided that winter sports are also possible in Corona times. The Swiss Cable Car Association is convinced that skiing will continue to be possible during the winter. The most important weeks in February / March during the sports holidays are crucial, as 50% of the income is generated in this period.