Ischgl Cancels Traditional Opening Concert as Covid Cases in Austria Soar

16th November 2021

Last modified on November 19th, 2021

New rules have come into place across Austria this week with unvaccinated people ordered into lockdown. Ischgl will open for skiing as planned at the end of November but the concert is off.

“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,” said the resort in a statement.

“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 we have reported on earlier on PlanetSKI:

Ischgl issues its Covid-19 safety measures for next season

We have also covered the rise in cases across Austria and new regulations with unvaccinated people being put into lockdown:

Unvaccinated people in Austria locked down

The Top of the Mountain Opening Concert was due to have seen the Italian artists, Il Volo and Alice, perform.

The resort has also instigated its own rules and regulations that go beyond national and regional requirements

Ischgl has an alcohol ban in public places.

There is a parking ban at night.

During the entire winter season there is a ban on alcohol in public places in Ischgl.

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.

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 the lift company also recommends wearing an FFP2 mask or mouth/nose protection in the feeder lifts, plus at lift ticket sales points.

The resort has spent €700,000 on the additional measures.

Ischgl has been seen as one of the resorts in the Alps that acted as a super-spreader of Covid-19 back in March 2020.

It became the focus of international media attention for its contribution to the spreading of coronavirus.

Many other ski resorts played a similar role and Ischgl has been trying to restore its reputation.

Ischgl sets out to rebuild image and reputation after Covid-19

Image © TVB Paznaun – Ischgl

Ski resorts are looking closely at the developments and the spread of Covid-19 in Austria as the winter season approaches.

The resorts in Austria are beginning to open with several resorts already offering skiing on their glaciers and high altitude areas.

They include Hintertux, Soelden, Pitztal, Stubai, Kaunertal, Kaprun and Kitzbuhel.

Other resorts such as Obergurgl open towards the end of November, with more following suit in December.

Ski areas now open in Europe with some deep in snow

Hintertux. Image c/o Tirol Tourust Board.

Hintertux. Image c/o Tirol Tourist Board.

In Ischgl new camera and software systems are being used to optimise the queuing areas on the three feeder lifts from resort.

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 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,” said the resort.