Davos GR, Zermatt VS, Lenzerheide GR and Gstaad BE. It is among the most popular ski areas in Switzerland. But there is no skiing without snow. Over the weekend, the long-awaited load of fresh snow has finally arrived.
But enthusiasm in the mountains is still limited, for example with Philipp Holenstein (59), managing director of Arosa Bergbahnen. “There has been very little snow in Arosa Lenzerheide in the last two months,” he says.
Sub-zero temperatures help snowballs
The snowy weekend helps, but doesn’t make up for the past few weeks. After all, low temperatures are good for mountain rail operators. Snow machines work more efficiently when temperatures are below freezing and humidity is low.
“Each year, the goal is to complete technical snowmaking by Christmas, or by the end of December at the latest,” explains Holenstein. Artificial snow currently produced should last until April. In this way, mountain rail operators also avoid any power outages that will likely only become severe in the new year.
Although less snow falls in early winter than in other years, Holenstein is overall happy with the start of the season. The Arosa Lenzerheide ski area has been open non-stop since 3 December. The visitor numbers are good, according to Holenstein: “We realize that people want to go uphill. Covid has tended to increase demand. We also had many young people who rediscovered snow sports.”
Season postponed due to lack of snow
The start of the season at Davos Klosters GR had to be postponed this year – there was no snow. Ski resort spokeswoman Martina Walsoe is optimistic: “The weekend numbers were good, so we were able to register around 10,000 first-time visitors on Saturday and Sunday.”
The fact that it was snowing on the plains attracted many more visitors. Thanks to fresh snow and low temperatures, snow can now also fall on the valley slopes in Davos Klosters, which will be open from next weekend.
Cable cars Switzerland comes to a positive conclusion
The Swiss Cable Car Association (SBS) is in close contact with the ski areas. “The season started pretty much everywhere. “Most of the ski areas are satisfied so far, especially after cold days and snow that provide good slope conditions,” said Raoul Steiger, responsible for data and statistics at Seilbahnen Schweiz.
However, snow sports cannot be done today without snow. Even during an energy crisis. However, Steiger emphasizes that great progress has been made in technical profit making in recent years. Today balls still need 50 percent of the energy for the same amount of profit as they did 20 years ago. “SBS raises awareness in the industry with more than 90 energy saving measures implemented individually by ski areas.” For example, reducing the speed of a chairlift can save electricity. A longer lunch break or just having cold water in the toilet can also be considered.