The ski lifts in Ischgl have been quiet for three quarters of a year.The place was considered a center for the spread of the coronavirus iNow there is a fresh start. Some came from far away – even without après-ski.
Ischgl – a few skiers make their last turns. The sun is sinking behind the mountains. Now would be the time for après-ski.
But where people used to toast each other in ski clothing and let the day of skiing come to a wet and happy end: locked doors. Empty streets. The bars tight. The hotels dark.
All bars and restaurants closed
The Austrian winter sports resort Ischgl, from whose après-ski scene the corona virus spread across Austria’s borders at the beginning of 2020, is showing an unfamiliar face at the restart of the ski season in corona times. There is a lockdown in Austria. There is no hospitality or overnight stay. But mountain railways are allowed to run.
Around 2,500 winter sports enthusiasts came to the “soft opening” – as the Paznaun – Ischgl tourism association calls the somewhat different start on Friday. In the main season there could be almost ten times as many on nice days before Corona. The cross-border ski arena that connects Ischgl with the Swiss town of Samnaun had attracted an international audience before Corona with 239 kilometers of slopes.
For the new start, Germans have not shied away from the long journey – although Austria and, since Friday, Switzerland have been considered high-risk areas. It was heard that some were on the road for three, three and a half and even five hours. Many had the snack in their backpacks – as in the past. Because: “It’s worth coming here.”
Ban on alcohol in public places
The ski lifts in Ischgl stood still for three quarters of a year. Skiing and nature should now move more into the foreground. “We want guests who use all the equipment,” says Mayor Werner Kurz. “Skiing, eating – and then maybe having a drink.” But not like in the past. Some wandered through the streets with alcohol in hand. “That is no longer allowed.” There is a ban on alcohol in public places.
The fact that the mountain farming town of Ischgl has fallen into disrepute during the Corona crisis because of its après-ski scene frustrates locals. It is not correct that Ischgl still has an unattractive image and that the place is even held responsible for the spread of the virus throughout Europe.
The number of infections in Austria is currently high, and the clinics here too are full. In Ischgl, however, one hopes for an end to the lockdown on December 12th. “In Switzerland all ski areas are open, in South Tyrol it works, in Germany there is no lockdown either,” says Mayor Kurz.
There should no longer be “party buses”
The “Kitzloch” après-ski bar, which was in the limelight at the beginning of 2020 because of the infections, is also ready to open. At that time, the virus was detected in a bartender, employees and holidaymakers were infected. Tablecloths are now ready, glasses are on the counter. As soon as possible, host Bernhard Zangerl wants to open, probably under the 2G rule. He defends himself against the bad reputation of après-ski. “We are not ashamed of what we do,” says Zangerl. Guests expected there to be entertainment after skiing. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves.
However, the community does not want any more “party buses” in the parking lots. “They arrived early, had a party and drove away in the evening,” says Mayor Kurz.
At the cable car, Anna Kurz, junior manager of “Fire and Ice”, has opened a kiosk instead of a restaurant and bar – to-go sales are allowed. “I open up so that I have a job, and also because it is good for the soul to be able to work at least something.” Before the lockdown, her family’s hotel was almost fully booked. “We have a lot of regular guests.” Now there are also cancellations.
Many fear that guests will move to Switzerland, where hotels are open and not even 2G applies at the lifts. On the German side, on the other hand, cable car operators fear that skiers will migrate to Austria or Switzerland. In Bavaria – for example at the Zugspitze – vaccinated and convalescent people are only allowed to climb into lifts if they also present a negative test. Extra effort.
In Austria, too, the season is by no means certain. “There is a great deal of uncertainty with the new variant,” says Günther Zangerl, CEO of the Silvrettaseilbahn. Without an overnight stay there were no guests. “You can safely say that we will not cover the costs for the first time.” It is also a test run for the security measures: control of 2G, disinfection, mask requirement. Should Austria’s lockdown continue, one will have to consult. dpa
