New 2G-plus rule for the Zugspitze makes conditions difficult on the Bavarian side.
The ski operation is "massively endangered" and "not feasible in the long term," says BZB chairman Matthias Strauch.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Last Friday, skiing started on the Zugspitze - at least for those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered.
The tightened 2G-plus regulation has been in effect there since yesterday.
Lift operators fear that this will drive skiers to Austria.
"The 2G-plus rule is a massive threat to ski operations, it cannot be implemented in the long term," complains Matthias Stauch.
The chairman of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG (BZB) criticizes the restrictions imposed by the Infection Protection Measures Ordinance.
That was "like a lockdown through the back door".
"The vaccination incentive to be allowed to ski with 2G is nullified by 2G plus."
Matthias Stauch, chairman of the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn
In Austria, despite lockdown in the mountains, the looser 2G regulation applies, skiing is allowed.
The lift operators in German ski areas see themselves clearly at a disadvantage.
"In the long term, the 2G-plus control cannot be implemented organisationally or economically," criticizes Stauch.
With regard to 2G, the BZB is currently working on digital solutions to avoid having to manually check every guest.
The new rule nullifies all of these approaches.
In addition, he sees another disadvantage: "The vaccination incentive to be allowed to ski with 2G is nullified by 2G plus."
Bayerische Zugspitzbahn tried to reach many guests as quickly as possible
It was late on Tuesday evening when the Bavarian state government announced the new regulations. "Of course we tried to reach as many guests as possible via all channels - website, newsletter, social media, email and telephone", says Verena Altenhofen. In fact, yesterday morning there were hundreds of guests without a quick test certificate in ski gear at the valley station who had to be turned away. "Frustrating for everyone involved," regrets the BZB spokeswoman. The BZB observed with concern that long queues formed at all test centers and pharmacies in town. Some guests did not get test appointments. "Of course we are currently doing everything we can to keep the ski going, but the 2G-plus regulation is pushing us to the limits of what is possible."
Altenhofen appeals to the guests: their understandable frustration and anger about the 2G-plus regulation affects the BZB employees who are in direct contact with guests - and who cannot help it.
"We would therefore like to emphasize that we give everything - and that we have no choice but to implement the regulations."