Read the video transcript here
The sun is shining and fresh snow has recently fallen.
The Tyrolean ski mecca Ischgl opens the ski season.
However, it is still relatively empty on the slopes.
Günther Zangerl, CEO of the Silvrettaseilbahn:
“We don't expect a rush of visitors now, because only guests come who actually go home on the same day. That means we don't have overnight guests to 100 percent. And it will certainly be the case that some will want to see it. That some might say that I would like to ski in Ischgl when it is less busy. But we certainly won't be honored by thousands of guests in the ski area over the weekend. "
With the start of the global pandemic in early 2020, Ischgl became known as the European Corona hotspot.
Thousands were infected at that time, especially when partying off the slopes.
Just in time, one week before the season opens, the Innsbruck public prosecutor has now closed the investigation in Ischgl.
There is no evidence that someone acted negligently in the resort at the time, it said.
This season, strict security measures are to prevent corona outbreaks.
Only those who have been vaccinated or have recovered are allowed to go on the slopes, the evidence is double-checked.
Hotel stays and après-ski are also taboo.
This also applies to German guests; the Federal Foreign Office is currently advising against unnecessary tourist trips to the neighboring country.
With the measures, the industry wants to save at least part of the ski season - despite a nationwide lockdown in Austria.
The winter sports guests are happy.
Quotes:
»Use snow. Not many people. No vacationers. Day tourism. That fits. We have something to eat with us. We're here to ski, not to party. "
“Bread with you. Capri Sun. Like in old times."
Ischgl lives from tourism, like many other winter sports locations in Austria.
The industry now hopes that the season does not have to be interrupted again.
And that, despite the corona rules, many guests come to Ischgl.
Arnold Tschiderer, Schlosshotel Ischgl:
“Of course, many guests are a little unsettled. But I'm very optimistic about that. Ischgl has a lot of fans. When they know we're getting started, then they all look forward to coming. I am convinced of it. "
The first ski areas have also already opened in Germany.
Here, 2G and 2G-Plus rules are mostly used to keep the coronavirus away from slopes and lifts.