Ski season gets off to a promising start with lots of fresh snow

Ski season gets off to a promising start with lots of fresh snow

You can see it from afar: The mountains are white - the snow is here. After Austria, the winter sports season can now also start earlier than usual in some German ski resorts.

The first lifts opened in Baden-Württemberg on Wednesday, the Söllereck near Oberstdorf is set to open on Thursday, followed by Feldberg in the Black Forest and the Zugspitze on Friday.

The ski season also starts unusually early in the Sauerland next weekend. With up to 30 centimetres of natural snow and good conditions for the snow cannons, Winterberg wants to start this Friday. The Altenberg ski and toboggan arena in the Eastern Ore Mountains is also planning to do the same.

On Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, there will be three lifts, compared to just one in the previous two years. According to the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn, the snow depth on the slopes is up to 1.50 meters, off the slopes even up to 1.80 meters, more than in previous years at this time of year. Ms. Holle meant well, according to Oberstdorf. "The abundant snowfall of the last few days, the expected wintry precipitation and the great efforts of the staff have enabled an early start to the season on the Söllereck."

Operators speak of a picture-book start

In the Upper Bavarian Alps Plus in the Spitzingsee area and on Sudelfeld, the first lifts are due to open at the weekend and operators are talking about a picture-book start. Other areas will follow - skiers should be able to make their turns everywhere by Christmas Day.

Today in Munich, the German Cable Car and T-bar Lift Association (VDS) will give an outlook for the season. One thing is already clear: skiing fun will once again be more expensive. According to a survey of ski resorts conducted by Bayerischer Rundfunk in October, it is likely to cost between four and ten percent more, depending on the ski resort. Other media also reported on the higher prices. In Austria, prices are also rising by up to ten percent. According to the operators, the increased prices, particularly for energy and staff, are also having an impact on the lifts.

The snow groomers have been out and about on the 2962-metre-high Zugspitze for a few weeks now. They have been spreading last year's snow, which has been piled up in hollows, on the slopes. "A lot of snow has survived the summer. This is a very good basis for our slopes on the Zugspitzplatt," says Verena Tanzer, spokeswoman for the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn. After two corona years and a winter dominated by the energy crisis, it looks like a normal winter again for the first time.

Day ticket for 62 euros

A day ticket on the Zugspitze and in the Garmisch Classic area costs 62 euros, five euros more than last winter. The ski pass in the border ski region of Oberstdorf and Kleinwalsertal is similarly expensive at 62.90 euros (2022/2023: 57.50 euros). In Austria, with its often more extensive areas, prices are sometimes over 70 euros.

The Alpen-Plus ski resorts Sudelfeld and Brauneck remain just under the 50-euro mark at 49.50 euros. At Jenner in Berchtesgaden, the day pass costs 42 euros, as it does at Großer Arber (previous season: 39 euros).

It is important that skiing remains affordable for families, says Gudrun Hiemerer, spokesperson for the Association of German Cable Cars and T-bar Lifts. That is why there are still discounts for children, young people and families, "It is important to us to get children out on the snow."

Climate change and sustainability remain an issue

Climate change and sustainability remain issues for the lift operators. Only two percent of a winter sports enthusiast's carbon footprint is caused by the activities in the ski resort itself, whereas 78 percent is caused by the journey to the resort and 20 percent by the overnight stay, writes the VDS, citing studies. "The shorter the journey, the better the carbon footprint," says the association, promoting winter sports at home. In addition, many skiing and hiking areas are well connected to public transport.

Klaus Stöttner, President of the Upper Bavaria and Munich Tourism Association, also makes the case for the local mountains. "The most sustainable vacation is when it is taken in the region." In addition, the money stays in the country. Without snowmaking, all of this would be in danger. "Then people would go to Austria, South Tyrol, France or Switzerland. Or they fly to the Caribbean." However, many guests have changed their minds, opting for ski tours and hiking and using public transport to get there. Winter tourism accounts for 40 percent in Bavaria, 60 percent in summer.

Future of winter sports in Bavaria called into question

Environmentalists have long questioned the future of winter sports in Bavaria. They particularly criticize the use of snow cannons. Last season, in view of the energy crisis, they called for artificial snow to be completely abandoned. Critics of snowmaking, including the German Alpine Association, continue to demand that the tax-funded subsidy for snow cannons, which has been extended again in Bavaria, be abandoned.

After all, the lift operators saved on snowmaking in the previous season and dispensed with the heating of chairlift seats and radiant heaters on the terraces of the snack huts.

This year, guests in the Garmisch Classic ski area, for example, will once again be able to ski up the mountain in warm seats. However, snowmaking will strictly follow a step-by-step plan, says spokeswoman Tanzer. "We want to continue to be economical with energy and water."

1. The early start of the winter sports season in German ski resorts is not only limited to Bavaria, as the Zugspitze, known for its Alpine beauty, is expected to open its three lifts on Friday, offering a variety of winter sports activities for tourists seeking leisure time during the seasons.
2. With the abundant snowfall and good conditions for snow cannons, Winterberg aims to kickstart the ski season unusually early, offering a wide array of winter sports areas suitable for both beginners and seasoned winter sports enthusiasts, including those interested in Alpine winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
3. The ski areas of the Upper Bavarian Alps Plus, including Spitzingsee and Sudelfeld, are also set to open shortly, providing a picturesque backdrop for tourists looking to enjoy their leisure time during the winter seasons, offering a diverse range of winter sports activities along with beautiful Alpine scenery.

Source: www.dpa.com