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03.09.2022, 07:47

Although the number of visitors and the turnover of Swiss ski resorts reached record levels last season, Berno Stoffel, director of the Swiss mountain railways, expects a difficult winter.

For the first time since the 2012/2013 season, ski resorts recorded more than 25 million skier days last season. This is revealed from the balance sheet published by Swiss Mountain Railways on their website.

At CHF 828 million, sales also rose to their highest level since the 2010/2011 season. Despite uncertainties related to the Covid pandemic, the ski lifts were heavily used, Stoffel told the French-speaking Swiss dailies “La Liberte” and “Le Nouvelliste” (Saturday editions).

Lots of foreign guests

High altitude ski areas with a large international presence were able to benefit above average from good frequency. Early snowfall allowed ski resorts to open their doors earlier. It also had a positive impact on subscription.

Covid restrictions still in place in neighboring countries such as France have led to an increase in the number of foreign visitors to Switzerland. These guests accounted for only a quarter of the guests in the Valais in the 2020/2021 season, compared to almost half of the skiers last season.

Before the difficult winter

However, Stoffel warned that these customers could again avoid Swiss ski resorts in the coming 2022/2023 ski season. He expects a difficult winter. “Switzerland will no longer have the advantage of being one of the few countries in the region where ski areas are open or accessible without restrictions”.

Inflation in Europe is also having a negative impact on Swiss ski areas. Declining purchasing power and high prices in Switzerland can discourage foreign tourists. On the other hand, Swiss guests are more likely to stay in the country. The director of the Swiss mountain railway said that the absence of Russians and Chinese would not affect business.