The Bergbahn Camp 2024 in Andermatt brought together leading experts, managers, and winter sports enthusiasts to discuss the future of the industry. The focus was on the theme "People in the Mountains," which explored the needs and expectations of guests, employees, and managers, both in the present and the future. Organized by Wolfgang Eder (Mountain Excellence) and Gerald Winfried Pichlmair (Seilbahnen International Verlag GmbH), the event offered a dynamic platform for discussions and the exchange of innovative ideas.
Opening Talk: The Future of Skiing
A particular highlight of the camp was the opening talk with ski legend Bernhard Russi and Martin Dolezal, President of the Snowsports Academy. Together with Wolfgang Eder, they discussed the challenges and opportunities for skiing in the coming years. Topics such as the development of ski resorts and innovative concepts like snow experience worlds were at the forefront. Russi shared nostalgic memories of his early days in skiing in Andermatt, while Dolezal spoke about his first attempts on the hills of Vienna. These stories highlighted how the passion for skiing connects all participants, regardless of their geographical origins.
Engaging Expert Talks on Challenges in Winter Sports
The camp also provided a stage for in-depth presentations addressing the current challenges in winter sports. Martin Dolezal emphasized in his talk, “The Economic Importance of Ski Instructors,” that ski instructors play a crucial role not only in guest satisfaction but also in the economic success of winter sports regions. They serve as a vital link between tourists and regional offerings and contribute significantly to guest retention.
Johann Reisenberger spoke about “The Challenge of Ski Instructor Training” and highlighted the growing demands that ski instructors face today. Their role goes far beyond traditional teaching: they are responsible not only for technical training but also serve as safety guarantors, opinion leaders, and influencers. Additionally, they must understand and respond sensitively to the diverse cultural backgrounds of their guests. The trainers at the Snowsports Academy regularly face similar challenges, including climate change, the increasing internationalization of participants, language barriers, digitalization, and rising guest expectations.
The Future of Andermatt: A Conversation with Ignaz Zopp
Another highlight of the camp was the conversation with Ignaz Zopp, Managing Director of Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG. He discussed Andermatt’s impressive transformation into one of Switzerland’s most sought-after winter sports destinations, offering fascinating insights into the challenges and successes of this development. Zopp's outlook on future projects in the region underscored Andermatt's potential to continue playing a key role in alpine tourism.
An Inspiring Camp Full of Ideas and Visions
Bergbahn Camp 2024 was not only a platform for professional discussions but also for personal exchanges about the love of skiing and a shared passion for the mountains. Every discussion and presentation highlighted how strongly winter sports shape both the culture and economy of mountain regions. The event clearly demonstrated the vital role this industry plays in the future of alpine destinations.
A big thank you to everyone who made this inspiring event possible. We are already looking forward to the next Bergbahn Camp and more exciting insights into the future of winter sports!
Here’s the link to the podcast “Bergdialoge” with Bernhard Russi, the “Picasso of Skiing”: https://www.simagazin.com/si-magazin/der-picasso-des-skisports/
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