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Even in Austria, skiing is allowed despite the crown crisis. The weekend rush now has consequences.
Some ski areas in Austria are fine-tuning their safety concepts after the large weekend crowd. This included an additional limitation of parking spaces, more space for guests when queuing and more security personnel, the state of Upper Austria announced.
In the ski areas there was a lot of rush on Sunday due to the good weather. “In terms of personal responsibility, I also appeal to skiers to come to the ski areas as far away as possible from noon, because many guests are on their way home since morning and the slopes can be reached. so convenient and jam-free way. », Recommended the Minister of Economy of Upper Austria, Markus Achleitner.
At the beginning of the first corona wave, Austria made the negative headlines due to the late closing at Ischgl. Now images are circulating again on social media of crowds in front of mountain train stations.
The fact that this can be returned to is due to the enormous importance of winter sports in Austria, says SRF correspondent Peter Balzli.
When there is snow, the Austrians can no longer brake.
Winter tourism in Austria is a multi-billion dollar business: “Tourism’s share of gross domestic product is three times higher than in Switzerland.” And the pressure to let the tracks run is correspondingly great. Also, Austrians can no longer stop when there is snow.
Quarantine and FFP2 masks are required
Many ski areas are open in Austria, but practically only for locals. A ten-day quarantine obligation applies to those arriving from abroad. In addition, the particularly effective FFP2 masks are mandatory for all skiers over 14 years of age using gondolas or chair lifts.
Other ski areas are closed. “In view of the new variant of the mutated virus, it is understandable that politicians are now pulling the emergency brake. The situation is too uncertain at the moment, ”says Balzli. “Everything is still a balancing act, a kind of blind flight with an uncertain outcome.” Much now depends on whether and how quickly the new mutation of the virus spreads. Politicians must act accordingly.
