Garmisch-Partenkirchen: The return of the skiers

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Get on your skis and hit the slopes.

Most passionate winter sports enthusiasts will say: That was neglected in the past few years.

Because especially during the winter season, the corona numbers are high and the restrictions are strict.

Many a ski holiday has therefore been canceled, most recently due to the lockdown in Austria.

It started now in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, subject to 2G requirements.

Susanne Seiler, guest:

»I'm doing very well.

This is my first day of skiing this season and the 2G is totally fine.

I think you've got used to it. "

Thomas Seiler, guest:

Raley Bowns, guest:

»And now from the front door to the slopes in 20 minutes is great, of course.

I'm really looking forward to it like everyone else. "

Verena Altenhofen, spokeswoman for the Garmisch Classic ski area:

“So the start of the season is a huge pleasure, I believe not only for the guests, the locals, who have waited so long, but also for the entire company, for all employees, all colleagues . "

Originally, the ski season was supposed to start under 2G-Plus conditions.

But the Bavarian cabinet has toned down the rules.

The extra control of the tests would have increased the personnel costs and waiting times, and probably reduced the number of visitors.

A profitable operation would hardly have been possible.

So now 2G.

Jan Schauerte, guest:

»I think that from a purely organizational point of view it would have been really difficult with 2G + and, accordingly, it might have been completely out of order.

And somehow everyone, whether it's gastronomy or the ski areas, is a bit shaken from last year and that's why I think that's good. "

But even the relaxed rules mean an organizational challenge.

Verena Altenhofen, spokeswoman for the Garmisch Classic ski area:

“Well, the security companies are external companies that we really need because we cannot manage to set up these checkpoints with our own staff.

That means, especially in the valley at the cash registers, the securities support that guests do not queue at the wrong line, but only queue after they have already brought the 2G proof.

The same is true in gastronomy.

You just have to look at all access points, is this a ski guest who has already proven in the valley?

Or is it, for example, a hiker, bobsledder, tobogganist, ski tourer and so on.

That means that they support us where it is needed. "

And even up on the slopes it doesn't look the same everywhere as it used to.

Because 2G is not the only Corona requirement.

Verena Altenhofen, spokeswoman for the Garmisch Classic ski area:

»In addition to the 2G proof, which is clear in the valley, it is (it) very, very important to have an FFP2 mask with you.

This is necessary in all queuing areas, in all closed cabins and wherever he cannot keep the minimum distance.

That means in the entry areas.

Staff are there to help, to point people out.

But appeal to everyone to really participate, only then can you get through the season well. "

But: Here in the ski area, too, a lot depends on the number of infections.

And with a view to the impending omicron wave, nobody can seriously rule out the possibility that it will only be a very short season again.