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The fall is dramatic. In January, Graubünden’s mountain railway companies lost a whopping 40 percent of their transport sales compared to the previous year due to Crown restrictions. It hurt. And yet: “Keeping the ski areas open and voluntary participation in mass testing by companies prevented the total loss of the Grisons tourism industry,” says Martin Hug, president of Bergbahnen Graubünden.
The number of guests fell 41.4 percent in January. Accumulated to the entire previous winter at 31.1 percent. “The more international the guest structure and the greater the focus on leisure tourism, the greater the decline in the regions,” Hug continues. Therefore, Samnaun GR is seriously affected. The reason: the partner Austrian ski resort was closed for a long time.
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No opportunities to warm up
However, the Grisons ski areas emphasize: “Despite the contrary forecasts, we have not become corona hot spots. Most snow sports enthusiasts behave in a very disciplined, patient and understanding manner. The protection concepts work and are currently complemented by massive voluntary testing in companies. “
And yet the mood among mountain train operators is bad. President Martin Hug: “The restriction on the sale of day tickets and the general request to stay at home have had a great impact on the behavior of the guests.” Furthermore, restrictions on gastronomy and the lack of heating facilities would have hurt the experience and thus led to a reduction in the stay of guests, especially with families.
There is no income from ski camps.
“Also, there are no group businesses with school camps, clubs and companies. Older, snow-loving guests, as a risk group, sometimes even give up the fun of skiing entirely. International guests are staying away and variants of the mutated virus are causing additional uncertainty with the tightening of the lockdown since January 13, ”continues Martin Hug. It’s no wonder mountain railways are under pressure.
