70 centimeters of snow on the slopes, clear visibility and temperatures around zero degrees. “If the conditions are as good as on Saturday, we might start every five years,” says Helmut Holzinger, managing director of Bergbahnen Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm. The day before yesterday, 2,300 skiers were drawn to the Höss for the start of the season. On Sunday, 1,600 people were out on the slopes despite snowfall.
“Desire to ski”
Holzinger is satisfied with the result: “It was the first time that we used our 2G concept in practice, and it worked out really well.” Around 70 percent would have used the opportunity to register their 2G proof when purchasing tickets online. The rest could show the Green Pass at the cash desk. There were no cases in which someone had to be rejected for lack of a valid certificate.
Also in the Dachstein West ski region, where operations started on the Zwieselalm the day before yesterday, the around 2000 ski guests reacted well to the measures. “We didn’t have to turn anyone away. The people were disciplined and well informed,” says Dietmar Tröbinger, managing director of the Upper Austrian cable car holding.
Last week’s snowfall made many people want to do winter sports. “The advance booking of season tickets has increased significantly again. This year people have a lot of fun going skiing, that makes us confident,” says Tröbinger.
Queues in Schladming
In contrast, the start of the season in Schladming was less smooth. There on Saturday around 1000 people stormed the cash registers at the same time, so that the street in front of the Planai had to be closed. The staff assigned to the 2G controls was increased for yesterday. There was also a great rush at Hauser Kaibling. “The 2G checks take a little longer at the till because we are very precise here,” says managing director Klaus Hofstätter. But there is still “need for optimization” in the controls, he admits. (vaba)
Source: Nachrichten
