Thousands of tourists and locals have flocked to the Swiss mountains for their holidays; Swiss ski resorts have benefited from stunning weather and the fact that tourists don't need a COVID certificate to ski.
Over the weekend, Swiss ski resorts reported that thousands were queueing to get up to the slopes as early as 9am. Marketing manager for Lenk Bergbahnen, Matthias Werren, said that the resort expected 25.000 visitors a day over the weekend, comparable to the peak days seen before the COVID pandemic. Excellent weather conditions on Saturday and Sunday were the main driver for the rise in numbers.
“You can see it in the parking lots,” noted Klaus Nussbaumer, CEO of Pizolbahnen, alluding to the fact more and more tourists from Germany and Austria are driving across the border to ski. Switzerland Tourism (also known as My Switzerland) found in a recent survey that five times more guests from neighbouring countries have come to Swiss ski resorts over the last few months.
Spokesperson for Switzerland Tourism, Markus Berger, claimed that guests have “stated many times that the less stringent restrictions on COVID-19 were the reason for their trips to Switzerland." Currently, Swiss ski resorts do not require a COVID certificate, with the exception of restaurants. Masks are only required in restaurants and gondolas and terraces are open for outdoor dining.
Speaking to 20 Minuten, Werren said he did not believe the current policies will lead to a large number of infections and that resorts will always comply with the official guidance. He said, “The experience from last season also shows that everything worked well with the protective measures.” It is hoped the good weather will mean more adrenaline seekers will flock to the alpine nation.