Ischgl relies on even more safety for the start of winter
Last updated on 20.10.2020
Already in August, Ischgl presented details regarding comprehensive health and safety standards for the coming winter season. Before the start of winter, the region invests further in the latest technology for a holiday experience with a maximum of safety.
“The lessons learned last winter determine our actions for the future. The health of our guests, staff and locals has the highest priority. That’s why the rely on measures which go significantly beyond the official requirements“, stress TVB-board members Alexander von der Thannen, Arnold Tschiderer and Michael Zangerl, as well as Markus Walser and Günther Zangerl, the two board members of the Silvrettaseilbahn AG.
Silvrettaseilbahn AG invests €700,000 in hygiene and safety standards
Thus, the Silvrettaseilbahn AG invested a total of about €700,000 in new health and safety standards in recent weeks. For the first time, a newly developed camera system will be used at the queueing areas of the three feeder lifts. “With this we aim to organise the sensitive areas in such a way that we can react quickly to groups of persons standing close together and thus prevent these if possible. The system further forecasts waiting times at the feeder lifts and we can share this information, which is of great value especially in times like these, in real-time with our guests”, explains Günther Zangerl. For regular disinfection, the Silvrettaseilbahn AG will be using cold fogging devices in the coming season, which eliminate 99.99% of viruses, bacteria and spores, such as in the cable car cabins. The new standards also include providing a free tube scarf which can be used as FFP when buying a ski ticket as well as a comprehensive signage and information concept.
Expansion of local testing capacities and new APP
The Tourism Association Paznaun – Ischgl together with the ski areas has developed a new APP for each location in Paznaun, which also includes the option to record guests in restaurants. Furthermore, the use of the official, nationwide Stopp-Corona-App is also supported.
Currently, the Tourism Association Paznaun – Ischgl is putting much focus on training sessions in the lodging establishments, but also on the expansion of the testing system, which is available locally to guests, staff and locals all throughout winter. Already in August, those responsible got behind the nationwide measures for early detection of potential infections. “These continuous sewage tests can be attributed to an initiative by the state of Tirol together with the University of Innsbruck and aim to allow the early detection of clusters with a high degree of precision. This bundle of measures confirms our aspiration to be one of the safest destinations in the Alpine region“, stresses Alexander von der Thannen.
Ischgl kicks off winter without events
The first day of skiing in Ischgl is planned for 26 November, with Galtür following on 5 December, Kappl and See on 18 December. “Unlike in recent years there will not be an opening concert, but also no alternative event. And there won’t be any après-ski in its familiar form either this winter. There are strict restrictions and that changes the form and offer“, Alexander von der Thannen clarifies. Both in the indoor as well as outdoor area, food and drink may only be consumed sitting down.
Alcohol ban in public places in the pipeline
“Party tourism” is also expected to be contained with an eye to further high-quality development of the winter sports options around one of the biggest ski areas in the Alpine region. An alcohol ban in public places is in the pipeline, which will apply both on village streets as well as on the grounds of the Silvrettaseilbahn AG. The Tourism Association Paznaun – Ischgl and the Silvrettaseilbahn AG welcome the municipality’s initiative. “We have learnt from experience. We are putting our unique ski area stretching all the way into Swiss Samnaun and the quality of our offer at centre stage“, Alexander von der Thannen and Markus Walser agree.