Last year was a miserable year for the ski industry in Austria, but also other major skiing destinations in Europe were affected. With the cold weather already present over Austria, the season seems to take a drift into the right direction.
Slopes in the higher regions of the Austrian Alps have already opened their portals for the highly anticipated ski pilgrims. Many of them arrive at the popular resorts of Kitzbühel, Saalbach Hinterglemm, Sölden and Bad Ischgl. Residents of these regions are full of hope, that this season will bring back the profits they so depend on. But until then, much more snow is needed to cover the pists like a white blanket. But as the season seems to take its proper swing the tourists will follow in matter of a few eye blinks.
Confident residents
The owners of hotels, B&B’s and hostels can step into the upcoming winter season very relaxed and with confidence. Snow has been predicted and as the days go by, the weathermen will most probably be praised rather than blamed.
No snow
Last year, ski resorts had to fight for their existence after snow was nowhere to be seen. World renowned ski equipment producers like Head, Fischer, Atomic, Blizzard and Kneissl were not able to sell their products and now as the new season started the companies were forced to lower the prices to sell last season’s leftovers. Huge losses were announced for last year. Redundancies were inevitable. Therefore many companies ask themselves if this season will be the better. As an Austrian I hope that last year was only a freak accident of a season.
Competitions get go-ahead
Last years competitive skiing events had to be moved to different days, sometimes different places, due to the lack of snow. But now it looks very healthy as to the inauguration of the World Cup ski races. The games can begin, Sölden is traditionally the first ski race of the season.
Good Luck to Team Austria!!!! Defend your medals!!!!
