Lift and better snow cannons: Investments in ski resorts
Ahead of the upcoming winter sports season, the lift operators in the Sauerland region are announcing investments in their ski resorts. They also want to show that they believe winter sports have a future in the coming decades despite climate change, as a spokeswoman for the Wintersport Arena, the association of ski resorts in the Sauerland, emphasized. A study commissioned by the operators and presented in the summer showed that it would still be possible to operate the slopes and lifts in the Sauerland economically until 2050, even with the expected rise in winter temperatures.
Accordingly, the operators have decided to expand their technology and facilities in many places. In Altastenberg in Winterberg, for example, a new four-seater chairlift will be available in future. The 4 million euro purchase will replace two old T-bar lifts and extend the descent to 700 meters, the winter sports arena announced on Wednesday. Construction should be completed by Christmas.
Both in Willingen and in the Winterberg ski lift carousel, the operators are also reportedly relying on more energy-efficient snow guns. The technology has developed rapidly. The snow cannons are now twice as efficient as they were twenty years ago.
However, patience is still required until the first lifts are running in the region. According to the spokesperson, the season should start in December. According to the spokesperson, the ski resorts should be able to operate on a larger scale by Christmas at the latest. The first snow cannons could even be switched on in the coming weeks - provided there is a cold snap. The operators use sub-zero temperatures to pre-produce snow in order to be prepared for the start of the season.
The price range for day tickets next year is between 25 and 48 euros, depending on the ski resort, said the spokeswoman. Some ski resorts have moderately adjusted their prices by 1 to 3 euros compared to the previous year to compensate for cost increases, while others have kept prices stable.
Leisure time during Winter will see improvements in altitudes like Winterberg, as a new four-seater chairlift is set to replace two old T-bar lifts, offering an extended descent of 700 meters for avid alpine skiers. Despite climate change, the belief in the enduring popularity of Winter sports, including alpine skiing, remains strong among ski resort operators in the Sauerland region, as demonstrated by their investments in more energy-efficient snow cannons.
Source: www.dpa.com
