Austrian Glaciers Set to Kick Off European Winter Ski Season

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, ski resorts across the world closed abruptly in March 2020. Many of the first ski resorts to close were in Europe, and some still haven’t reopened since. By the end of the month, several Austrian ski resorts are set to kick off the winter 20/21 season full steam ahead.

The Austrian ski resorts of Stubai, Pitztal, and Kaunertal are famous for their glacier skiing in the summer. After shutting down in March, many expected the resorts to open for their signature summer glacier riding, however, most missed their normal summer session and are preparing for winter. Other well-known summer glacier resorts such as Zermatt in Switzerland, Cervinia in Italy, and Hintertux in Austria were able to open to limited operations this summer.

At the end of September, Stubai, Pitzal, and Kaunertal are set to begin winter operations. Of course, new guidelines for Covid-19 will be set forth to ensure the health of all ski resort workers and tourists.

Stubai Glacier recently released their guidelines for the winter season ahead:

Queuing areas
Will be organized in such a way that an appropriate distance can be maintained. Moreover, face masks must be worn for the safety of all guests and employees. Notice signs listing the precautionary measures will be installed.

Gondola rides with face masks
The same regulations as for all public transport apply also to gondola rides: Wearing face masks is required. This way the gondolas can be used as specified (e.g. 6-seater gondola for 6 persons). If there are only few guests. we will do our best to keep the capacity utilisation low. The gondolas will be disinfected regularly.

Closed rooms of the lifts (such as valley and mountain stations, shops, ski storage depots, mountain restaurants)
We recommend to wear face masks and to maintain a safety distance of at least one metre. There will be sufficient disinfectant dispensers. Notice signs listing the precautionary measures have been installed.

Self-service restaurants: We recommend wearing a face mask on your way to and from the table, as well as in the self-service area and in the toilet facilities. Sufficient disinfectant dispensers have been installed. Notice signs listing the precautionary measures have been installed. We recommend to visit restaurants outside of peak hours (before 12:00 p.m. and after 1:30 p.m.).

Service restaurant: We recommend wearing a face mask on your way to and from the table and in the toilet facilities. Sufficient disinfectant dispensers have been installed. Notice signs listing the precautionary measures have been installed. We recommend to visit restaurants outside of peak hours (before 12:00 p.m. and after 1:30 p.m.).

Schneekristall Pavillon: During the 2020/21 winter the Schneekristall pavilion will be a day bar with service and seating. We will do without aprés-ski atmosphere. There will be background music.

Attention is paid to sufficient air exchange in the gondolas and buildings and cleaning intervals are reduced.

All employees of the lifts, restaurants, and sports shops on the Stubai Glacier wear face masks and if required gloves.

Employees of the Stubaier Gletscherbahnen are subjected to regular PCR tests.

Ski bus in the valley: We will provide additional ski buses to the scheduled ones in case of increased demand in public transport.

As a guest, what can you do to ensure safety?

• Wear mouth and nose protection in gondolas and closed rooms.

• Maintain a minimum distance of 1 metre to other people.

• Wash and disinfect your hands regularly and properly.

• Sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm or into a handkerchief.

• Refrain from shaking hands when greeting.

• If you suspect an infection and symptoms occur, please stay at home or in your accommodation and call the health number 1450 for further action (24 hours)

• Note the capacity utilization indicator on our website. It shows the current degree of capacity utilization in the ski area.

• Buy your ski pass online. This way you avoid queuing up in the lift ticket office.

• Pay contactless with EC or credit card at the ticket offices, shops and restaurants.

• Demonstrate responsibility for yourself and your family, because with your circumspection you can protect yourself and others.

At the end of the day, being out in the mountain skiing and riding is what truly matters. Let’s all do our part and make sure we can get back out on the slopes this winter as safe and healthy as possible!