Flumserberg and Pizol defying Corona
Flumserberg and Pizol defying Corona
Caused by the Corona pandemic, many people in the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region have cancelled their planned holidays abroad. As an alternative, they go on excursions in Switzerland. Hikers and visitors are especially attracted to the mountain area, as request from Flumserberg and Pizol cableways shows. According to this, the summer season is going very successfully so far. Although there are fewer guests from abroad, there are even more guests from Switzerland.
Hiking and biking are very fashionable
"The whole mountain is on demand," says Pizolbahnen director Klaus Nussbaumer, " whether it's the Heidipfad, the Wasserwald or the MounTeens hiking trail for families, through to the wonderful walks around the Bettlerweg, 2-lake hike and the Pizol-Panorama-Höhenweg. The highlight is and will always be the 5-lake hike, which everyone must have done at least once in a lifetime!
At Flumserberg there is a new "Bergjet", a modern 8-seater cableway lift, which connects Tannboden with the Maschgenkamm. "Apart from Corona, this novelty is certainly also a reason for the increase in visitors, explains the Flumserberg cable car manager Heinrich Michel. "Hikers are our strongest guest segment. But also the bike trails are used more and more. Absolute highlights for families and groups are the Floomzer sledding run and the CliiMBER climbing tower. These fun magnets attract lots of people to the Flumserberg.
Autumn season and safety concept
Both managing directors agree: The strong rise in summer definitely compensates the late start. They expect that business will continue to be good in autumn. "If the weather cooperates, the coming weeks are traditionally even the busiest hiking and alpine weeks of the summer season", explains Heinrich Michel, "People like to enjoy autumn with hiking, biking, culinary specialities and fresh air - without fog!
On Flumserberg and Pizol, smaller events will be organised again in compliance with a safety concept. According to the two managing directors, the implementation of the measures should not be underestimated. In many cases they would mean more personnel than financial expenditure, says Pizolbahnen director Klaus Nussbaumer. The obligation to wear masks in the cable cars is well observed in both mountain areas.
Careful preparation for winter
The summer season is not over yet. Nevertheless, preparations for winter are already in progress. "The extended snow-cannon system is in preparation, the snow fences have been put up. We are currently working on the protective measures for winter," says Klaus Nussbaumer.
The Flumser Bergbahnen also plan with respect, as Managing Director Heinrich Michel says: "Our planning is based on the now known and valid restrictions and regulations. These can be easily implemented outdoors, but it will be more difficult in the restaurants". Therefore, more outdoor stations and additional catering infrastructure for schools and groups will be created. „Indeed, we assume that the need for mountains, sun, sport and fresh air will be great in winter too!"
