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Lucerne, Schwyz, Nidwalden, Zug, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Zurich, St. Gallen, Uri: more and more cantons are closing their tracks. But the big ski areas of Bern, Valais and Graubünden remain open.
“If the epidemiological situation does not get worse over the weekend, I am sure the ski operation can be approved,” says Grisons economic director Marcus Caduff (47). “At the beginning of December we ordered strict measures. Today we are the only canton with a positivity rate below 5 percent. “Of the 22 beds in the intensive care units, twelve are occupied, says Caduff.” And regional hospitals currently have enough space for patients with injuries. most common skiing “.
Mask in Klosters and Davos
To obtain a ski permit, tourist communities must present comprehensive protection concepts to the canton. Now it is clear that they are not afraid of harsh interventions. Since yesterday the motto throughout the town center of Klosters: Put on your mask!
The concept of protection that Davos will publish next Tuesday is even more rigorous: mask requirements apply throughout the city center and around Lake Davos. Davos Tourism Director Reto Branschi (61), a member of the municipal crisis team, emphasizes: “The concept of protection is strict. It is our contribution to enable a permit for the ski areas “.
Other tourist communities are likely to follow suit. “There is likely to be a domino effect,” says Martin Vincenz (57), director of Graubünden Ferien. “Because Switzerland is now looking very closely at the open ski areas. The pressure is enormous. “
Zurich’s governing council is calling for elevators to be stopped in Switzerland: stubborn mountain cantons increased the risk of infections and accidents. But Vincenz contradicts: “We are not stupid Gauls. In Graubünden we are guided by epidemiological facts. “For the director of Graubünden Ferien it is clear:” If the stable situation continues during the weekend, the tracks will remain open. “
Restaurants remain closed
However: the Graubünden ski areas are not filled with joy. “We have 20 restaurants closed on the mountain,” says Vidal Schertenleib (33), director of Davos Klosters Bergbahnen. “And the Federal Council’s request to stay at home scares more visitors.”
Currently there are 30 percent fewer skiers on the Grisons slopes than in the previous year; winter destinations are still crowded: “Tourists and vacation rental owners are here,” says Caduff. “When we close the tracks, more people will crowd into town.”
Or look for alternatives: Sports stores report a sharp increase in demand for snowshoes and touring skis. This trend also speaks against stopping an elevator, says Caduff: “If inexperienced people move in unfamiliar terrain, the risk of accidents increases enormously, and with it the risk of overloading intensive care units.”
