Plenty of snow just in time for the start of winter and plenty of sunshine, especially in March: the ski season is coming to an end with a positive balance after the lifts were closed due to Corona last winter. Most of the cable car companies are very satisfied, there was a large number of visitors, reported the Association of German Cable Cars and Drag Lifts (VDS). “The joy and enthusiasm of the guests to finally be able to go back on the slopes was huge.”
Especially at the beginning of winter there were concerns that Corona could ruin another season. According to preliminary estimates, the number of guests will probably almost reach the level before Corona, i.e. the 2019/20 season, it said. The board of directors of the cable car association and the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn, Matthias Stauch, spoke of a “turbulent but still satisfying season” https://www.sueddeutsche.de/bayern/ ski resorts.”
Many ski areas have already closed, for example in the Classic area in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the ski lifts ran for the last time on Sunday. In higher areas such as the Nebelhorn and the Zugspitze, skiers will probably be able to make their turns until May 1st. The conditions there are still very good, especially since snow is coming again, explained the VDS. This means that fresh snow skiing with powder was again popular last month, according to the Zugspitzbahn.
Almost the entire season until March, only vaccinated and recovered guests were allowed to use the lifts. The ski operation with the 2-G rule and the controls of the mask requirement led to additional personnel expenses. For the mountain railways, this was a feat of strength in terms of personnel and economics, especially since the employees were also absent due to illness, explained the VDS. In addition, after the lost previous season without any lift operation, high energy prices are now burdening the lift operators. Depending on the contract, the costs have increased by at least 50 percent.