Swiss ski resorts face crisis as snow drought shuts down slopes
Ski resorts across the Swiss canton of Grisons are struggling due to unusually low snowfall. Six tourism businesses have applied for short-time work compensation in December, with around 100 employees affected. Many slopes remain closed, leaving winter sports enthusiasts with limited options.
The lack of snow has forced multiple ski areas to scale back operations. In Flims Laax Falera, only 107 of the usual 216 kilometres of pistes are open. Obersaxen Mundaun is even more restricted, with just 12 of its 45 runs available. Savognin, which normally offers 25 slopes, now has about a dozen in use.
The Brambrüesch cable car above Chur delayed its opening by nearly a month, finally starting on January 13. Many slopes in the Surselva and Mittelbünden regions remain shut, hitting local businesses hard. Gastronomy establishments on the ski slopes have been the worst affected. The Canton of Graubünden recorded 13 approved pre-notifications for short-time work in December 2022 and early 2023—the highest in recent years. No such applications were made during the previous winter, showing how severe the current conditions are. Around 100 workers are now impacted by reduced hours, as businesses adjust to fewer visitors.
The situation highlights the financial strain on tourism-dependent businesses in Grisons. With fewer slopes open and delayed operations, the region faces challenges in attracting winter sports visitors. Short-time work measures aim to ease the pressure on affected employees and companies.
