As in Switzerland, the domestic winter tourism industry is also thinking about how to start the coming season in view of rising energy prices. “Of course we think about it,” said cable car spokesman Abg. Franz Hörl (ÖVP) of the APA. It is possible, for example, that “snowmaking saves ten percent of the piste, only hangs a part of the gondolas or stops night skiing,” he said. In addition, there will probably be higher ticket prices.
But you first have to take a very close look at everything and “work seriously,” emphasized Hörl. In Tyrol, the ski areas have more or less guaranteed prices after the Tiwag contracts would run until December 2023. From the company’s point of view, it is nevertheless important to consider a few options. According to Hörl, ski areas are not the big power guzzlers – cable cars only need 1.3 percent of the electricity that is consumed in Austria. Even with the gas you need “almost nothing”.
Increase is up to the companies
The rise in prices will also have an impact on ski passes, Hörl admitted. However, it is up to the companies how high the increases will be. “But the local prices will be reserved,” said the cable car operator.
The managing director of the Swiss Mountain Railways Association, Berno Stoffel, announced on Tuesday that there could be reduced operations in Swiss ski areas. The mountain railways could save up to 20 percent in electricity consumption through measures in the areas of speed, number of gondolas and operating times. They also want to limit themselves when it comes to comfort – such as only offering cold water and heating less.