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Engelberg-Titlis, Melchsee-Frutt and Co: 139 kilometers of slopes promise fun in the snow in the largest ski areas in the canton of Obwalden. But the good mood is gone. The canton of Obwalden has made the decision: There is no permit to operate the ski facilities during the Christmas season. “The risk of accidents will be reduced and therefore an even greater burden on the health system,” explains Maya Büchi-Kaiser, government councilor for the canton of Obwalden.
The hospital occupancy rate is currently very high not only in the canton itself, but throughout Central Switzerland. “An additional charge for ski accidents is currently unreasonable,” he says in a message.
Closed ski areas, mountain railways in operation
For the affected ski areas in the canton of Obwalden, the specific decision means that chair lifts and chair lifts, ski slopes, toboggan runs and other facilities for snow sports such as amusement parks cannot be opened. ‘On the other hand, mountain railways can remain open. Walking trails and cross-country ski trails must continue to be available to the population for outdoor exercise, ”he continues.
BLICK wanted to know, from those in charge of the Engelberg-Titlis mountain railways, if the railways are even worth operating under these circumstances. “From a business perspective, it doesn’t make sense. However, we also have a responsibility to our regular guests and to our Engelberg partners, ”says Urs Egli, marketing manager for mountain trains. “We cannot transport skis and snowboards during this time. Cross-country skis can be carried and winter hiking is still allowed. “
Obwalden Beizen doesn’t have to close
Rail operations will continue in Gerschnialp and Trübsee. “Our railways remain closed on the Trübsee,” says Egli.
The restaurants and bars of the Canton of Obwalden will remain open until December 22. Curfew still: from 10 pm Those responsible want to reassess the situation next Tuesday. “During the closing, we will create a takeaway offer in the grill house on the Trübsee terrace,” continues Egli from the Engelberg-Titlis cable cars.
The Director of Health regrets
“I am very sorry that we were forced to make this decision. Unfortunately, the current development of hospital capacities does not allow any other decision, ”said Health Director Maya Büchi-Kaiser. “Our entire healthcare system, including highly stressed staff, is currently a priority. We must not allow the medical care of our population to cease to be guaranteed. “
St. Gallen and Zurich follow suit
Two cantons will follow suit in Obwalden on Saturday morning: St. Gallen announced at noon that the mountain railways would be temporarily closed. The decision is made by many popular ski areas such as Flumserberg, the Pizol area or Wildhaus.
The canton of Zurich will also close the mountain railways on December 22 indefinitely. Nine ski areas in the canton have applied for a license to operate their facilities. This could not be granted due to the current epidemiological situation, regardless of protection concepts, he said. Ski areas in the canton of Zurich include, for example, Steg im Tösstal, Bäretswil or Fischenthal-Aurüti.
Appenzell Innerrhoden also closes
Other cantons have already decided to close the ski areas: for example, the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. The city council chancellery writes in a statement that the conditions established by the Federal Council for the operation of the ski lifts are not currently met. The canton’s ski area includes Ebenalp-Horn. The decision is valid as of December 22, 2020. The areas will be reopened “as soon as developments allow,” it continues.
The number of new corona infections in an average of 7 days in Appenzell Innerrhoden is well above the Swiss average. The number of views exceeded 1.3 on December 16 and the Swiss average is around 1.15.
Central Switzerland until the end of December
In the cantons of Zug, Lucerne (Sörenberg et al.) And Schwyz (Mythen region, Hoch-Ybrig et al.), The tracks will also be closed from December 22 to 29.
While the canton of Uri (Andermatt) still leaves a decision open, Nidwalden (Klewenalp) will also close its ski and chair lift facilities, as well as ski and toboggan runs over Christmas.
There are exceptions: railways that fulfill a “development function in the sense of public transport” remain open. Hiking and cross-country skiing are allowed.
Valais leaves pubs and ski areas open
Winter sports fans will look at Valais with envy. For the canton, things are working at the moment. This week 48 mountain railway companies received operating permits. The ski areas remain open, this also applies in particular to the ski bars and restaurants.
The Bern government will also not temporarily close the canton’s ski areas. However, unlike Valais, the spots remain locked up.
What is the situation in the holiday canton of Graubünden?
On Monday it will be decided whether the Graubünden ski areas will remain open during the Christmas period. Restaurants will be closed in both directions until December 22. This also applies to stripping in ski areas.
In eastern Switzerland, the decision on the temporary closure of the ski area will be made on Saturday afternoon. The canton of Uri wants to report on Sunday.
