The Engadin and the South Valleys of Graubünden have so far received around 40 percent fewer guests over the holidays than in the previous year. The protection concepts of mountain railways and tourism companies work well. Sports accidents have fallen by half, but the cold is particularly affecting children.
Press release from the “Corona II Engadin” task force
The Christmas days and the following weekend brought numerous guests to the Engadin and the southern valleys of Graubünden, but there was no overcrowding. This was the result of a quick survey by the “Corona II Engadin” task force among tourism and healthcare providers.
After the weeks leading up to the holidays had started very well, the declines in hotel bookings for Christmas and the week of the old year are between 25 and 70 percent, depending on the hotel business. By contrast, the holiday apartments are as well utilized as in the previous year.
Protection concepts work
From December 19 to Sunday, the mountain railways recorded a total of around 40% fewer first-time entries than in the previous year. The sale of day tickets only had to be suspended at short notice for the Corviglia region on December 26. Overall, however, this day also remained 10 percent below the record set for this winter.
The authorities carried out several checks on the protection concepts of various mountain railways every day. This showed that the concepts were consistently implemented by rail operators, work well and were very well received by guests.
The mountain railways use numerous additional employees to inform and inform guests of the regulations.
Significantly fewer skiing accidents
As a result of the lower number of visitors in the snow sports regions, the number of accidents is also lower than in the previous year. The number of accidents handled by mountain railways fell by half. Hospitals in the region also report fewer sports injuries than in the previous year. The centers in Scuol and Samedan and the Gut Clinic in St. Moritz were able to cope well with the resulting injuries.
The high number of skiers who contact SOS services due to cold problems is remarkable. The good weather days with a tendency to bite brought cold temperatures, which bothers guests in particular because they have nowhere to warm up due to the closed mountain restaurants. Children in particular suffer from the consequences of the cold.
The cross-country skiing offers are popular: There are many runners on the extensive network of trails in the main valleys and the numerous side valleys and the cross-country skiing schools and rentals are very popular. Numerous guests also use the walking and winter hiking trails.
Queries
Corona II Engadin Task Force
Jan Steiner, brand manager in Engadin: 081 830 08 11
Christian Gartmann, Project Manager Taskforce: 079 355 78 78
Christian Gartmann is the initiator and head of the “Corona II Engadin” task force, which brings together tourism and healthcare providers. He also coordinates cooperation with the municipalities of Südbünden.