Ski camps turn into hiking camps, ski instructors turn into bikes

Spring-like temperatures are affecting snow cover in Switzerland for the second time this winter. Many winter sports facilities are struggling with conditions and are about to close temporarily. What does this mean for many ski camps?

“No school has ever canceled a ski camp,” Ole Rauch, 49, Managing Director of the Swiss Snow Sports Initiative, explains to Blick. later epidemic years The need for camping is great. Alternative activities are sought in places where the amount of snow is insufficient. “We support schools in organizing change programs,” says Rauch.

Instead of skiing, there are hikes or visits to the indoor pool, museum, or track rescue services. Rauch cites the low ski area as an example marbachegg LU: Due to the lack of snow, a quick visit to the Lucerne Transport Museum was organized for a ski camp lesson. In some cases, you also visit a nearby but higher ski area to still be able to go to the ski resort. ski fun to obtain.

All show to be accommodating

Normally, 60 percent of the costs are made before the ski camp. There is now some more work to be done before the final calculation. The snow sports initiative is in contact with the mountain railways. In case of hesitation, they do not charge a weekly ticket, but a maximum daily ticket if necessary.

Sometimes there are special costs for alternative activities. But these are not a problem for schools. “Everyone involved is very adaptable given the situation,” says Rauch.

Similar procedure for ski schools

Creativity is required in ski schools now. “In certain areas, ski instructors ride bikes with the kids,” says Stéphane. kitty (55), director of Swiss Snow Sports.

The alternative program was highly appreciated by the guests. important to kitty just being in nature and doing things. As in ski camps some ski schools with children also go for a walk. “For example, they look for animal tracks and discover something new,” he says. kitty further.

Some ski resorts hire ski instructors all season long. They are more difficult to respond to surprisingly high temperatures. “But there are very few ski schools affected,” he says. kitty. Because deeper ski areas prefer to work with ski instructors on duty. And therefore they are more flexible.

“It’s not a new situation”

The situation is not entirely new. On the one hand, there have been other winters with little snow or ski camps that do not allow normal ski activities due to storms. Therefore, experience is gained in the creation of alternative programs.

“Many teachers are already choosing higher places for their ski camps,” says Rauch. Therefore, problems with the lack of profit can also be managed. Moreover kitty He emphasized that the situation in general is not new. “We are addicted to risky business,” he says. Especially right now the temperatures are extreme.

Source :Blick