Despite heavy snowfall: This is why many ski areas cannot yet be fully opened

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Swiss people are in the winter mood! Snow is now on the doorstep even in the plains, boosting rental business at sports shops. Towards the slopes, you think. Some ski areas have already opened their season in the past weeks. Are other mountain railways now bringing forward the start of the season and ramping up all their operations? Blick asked.

Some ski areas have responded to recent snowfall and are at least partially operational. «Last weekend we successfully started the winter season 23/34 in the Saanersloch-Hornberg ski area. This weekend around 4,000 guests had the opportunity to ski on perfectly groomed slopes and under a blue sky, said marketing manager Sarah Göschel when asked by Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad BE. From mid-November, if there is sufficient snowfall, the ski area will be ready to open the core of the ski slopes on weekends. The slope range will then be continuously expanded until full operation in mid-December.

detailed preparation

Just turn the knob and go into full operation, but for mountain railways this is unlikely. All the planning before winter operations is very complex. Ski areas must contract seasonal staff by the deadline. Snowmaking and slope preparation take a lot of time. Therefore, the season in Gstaad starts on December 16 as planned.

The Klewenalp-Stockhütte mountain railway in Nidwalden was unable to offer any entertainment on the slopes despite the good weather last weekend. “Revision and preparatory work needs to be completed in earnest, and restaurateurs also need time to prepare,” says general manager Heinz Rutishauser (61). The time will come starting on Friday. A week earlier than planned.

Weekdays are not snowy yet

Those who choose to start the season early should be prepared for possible early snowfall. There is always a risk that skiers will only be able to hit the slopes on the official date. “Destination planning started three years ago with the determination of the seasons. “The start of the season is set for Saturday, December 16, with the option of offering weekends in advance,” explains Daniel Dommann (60), managing director of sports railways Melchsee-Frutt. This will now take place next weekend with a slightly limited offer.

However, a general opening on weekdays is not recommended for logistical and economic reasons, as demand on weekdays is very low compared to operating costs. In most cases, the risks in preparing mountain railways for possible earlier full operation are too great.

Dommann points out that until last Friday, it had been raining at higher elevations instead of snow. “Final preparation of the tracks was out of the question. The major snowfall started on Saturday afternoon and resulted in good snow cover, but there was also some snow drift and serious avalanche risk,” explains the cable car boss.

Preparation, avalanche blowing and ensuring piste safety are tasks that can be done several weeks before the start of the season. Good preparation for the season is also of central importance for ski areas throughout the season. Dommann: “The better the slope structure is guaranteed, the longer we can provide professional service to guests.”

Source :Blick