Ischgl focuses on winter sports and cancels opening concert
Even before the introduction of the Austria-wide 2G regulation, strict safety precautions were announced for the winter start in Ischgl from November 25th. However, in view of the current developments, to avoid any risk, the decision has been unanimously made to cancel the traditional Top of the Mountain Opening Concert. The focus around the start of winter will now entirely be on the skiing.
The health of guests, employees and locals takes top priority – this is the principle to which those responsible continue to adhere at the start of this winter season. A comprehensive package of safety and health measures has already been put together in advance for winter 21/22 in Ischgl, which together with the legal requirements ensures the greatest possible safety for guests, employees and locals. In particular, the strictest safety guidelines have also been laid down for the Top of the Mountain Opening Concert. However, due to the worsening pandemic, the opening concert with Il Volo and Alice has been cancelled to avoid any potential danger from the outset.
Alcohol ban in public places and parking bans at night
During the entire winter season there is a ban on alcohol in public places in Ischgl. To ensure compliance with this regulation, the municipality, together with the Paznaun – Ischgl Tourist Association and the Association of Ischgl Tourist Businesses, has commissioned additional security personnel. In addition, a general parking ban from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in all Silvrettaseilbahn AG car parks has been established for this winter. Consequently, coaches must depart by 7:30 p.m. at the latest. A local police decree also prohibits the serving of alcohol, the installation of barbecue stations, or party-like gatherings in the area of the four car parks of the Silvrettaseilbahn AG.
Uniform measures in the Silvretta Arena
After intensive coordination, the partner companies Silvrettaseilbahn AG and Bergbahnen Samnaun AG have also agreed in an act of solidarity on joint COVID 19 measures in the cross-border Silvretta Arena ski area. This means that ski passes for the Silvretta Arena may in principle only be issued to vaccinated or recovered persons. The 2G rule thus applies from the start of the season in the cross-border ski operations of the Silvretta Arena. In addition to the current official requirements, Silvrettaseilbahn AG also recommends wearing an FFP2 mask or mouth/nose protection in the feeder lifts and at list ticket sales points.
Comprehensive safety measures for the entire winter season
Those responsible at Silvrettaseilbahn AG have already spared no effort before the season to ensure the safest possible start to the winter and have invested around 700,000 euros in safety and hygiene measures. For example, new camera and software systems are being used to optimise the queuing areas on the three feeder lifts from resort. This means that waiting times can be passed on to guests in real time as valuable information via the iSki Ischgl app. Extensive disinfection measures are also being taken – all cable car cabins are regularly disinfected using cold fogging equipment. The same method is used daily in the ski buses as well as in sports stores, ski depots, WC facilities, elevator cabins and the first aid stations. Cleaning and disinfection activities are also intensified in the mountain restaurants. This applies, for example, to the cleaning or disinfection of tables and bar areas as well as handrails, door handles and sanitary facilities. In addition, the intervals between filter cleaning in ventilation systems have been shortened and new partitions have been installed in the seating areas of the restaurants in the ski area. This comprehensive safety package, as well as strict control and compliance with the legal framework, is intended to ensure a maximally safe and relaxed winter experience.
Further information on the safety and hygiene measures currently in force for the Silvretta Arena: here.
