Mild winter

Salzburg’s tourism experts draw a mixed balance

In Salzburg, numerous white ribbons stretched from the mountain to the valley this winter

(Bild: sos)

Tourism and cable car operators got off lightly last winter. Overnight stays were extremely satisfactory until February, but the lack of snow was a challenge - experts agree: "We will get used to white ribbons down into the valley."

Despite the adverse conditions in a season that was far too mild, Salzburg's ski winter 2023/24 was a satisfactory one: There were 11.6 million overnight stays from November to February. This is an increase of 2.7 percent compared to the pre-corona season 2018/19.

But then came the big break. Winter came much too early - it rained cats and dogs up to high altitudes. "The season was split in two - two months of winter and two months of early spring," says Salzburg's top cable car operator Erich Egger. The grooming crews had to make sure that the slopes didn't float away.

In Austria, lots of snow and fun in the huts will no longer be a matter of course in the future

(Bild: Pail Sepp)

Optimistic forecast for the future despite everything
Some ski resorts at lower altitudes had to close earlier. At higher altitudes, however, the conditions have remained excellent, as is emphasized. According to Egger, there has been no slump in the mood of holidaymakers. Germans and Austrians remained the largest group this year. Ecological alternatives for travel are becoming more important. However, the airport is still coping with an onslaught from further afield - above all from England.

The roadworks on the A10 caused a shift in the number of day visitors. Overall, however, it was less problematic than feared.

Erich Egger, Schmittenhöhe-Vorstand und Seilbahnen-Obmann

But how optimistic can we be about the future after this winter? "We are focusing on the issue of lack of snow," says the cable car operator. But there have also been outliers in the past. Egger "In 1989/90, we had the warmest winter in history on the Schmittenhöhe."

Further price increases for tickets
Tourism experts want to make adjustments to the packages on offer in future. Possible alternative: Cycling in the valley and enjoying the winter mountain world at altitude. "You will have to get used to white ribbons down into the valley," is the general consensus.

Price increases for ski passes should no longer be so painful in future: "We are expecting moderate adjustments," says Egger. Skiing should not become too elitist, they say. Despite the prices, there was even an increase in Superskicards.