The Business Result
A record-high traffic income formed the basis for the very good overall result. For the second time in the history of Pizolbahnen, the operating income exceeded 10 million Swiss francs, with approximately 11.6 million Swiss francs, even 0.7 million Swiss francs above the previous record from the previous year. A 3.7% higher operating expense of 7.7 million Swiss francs led to an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of 3.9 million Swiss francs, or 0.4 million Swiss francs more than the previous year.
The strongest cost increases were recorded in personnel, maintenance and repair costs, as well as in marketing. However, the increase in revenue significantly exceeded the cost increases. High investments led to higher depreciation. These increased from 2.8 million to 3.0 million Swiss francs. After the financial and extraordinary result as well as the tax expenses, a net profit of CHF 827,223 was finally achieved.
Disappointing Summer Season
Business at Pizol was overall disappointing in the summer of 2024. Although a modest start to the season was followed by an excellent August, the months of September and October were marked by extremely bad weather. Wind, rain, and even snow had a very negative impact on visitor numbers. Declines of 50% compared to average September and October values clouded the outlook. Even three beautiful November weekends were not nearly able to compensate for the deficit. In the end, there were shortfalls compared to the previous year amounting to TCHF 438. However, the realized TCHF 2,358 is still 10% above the 10-year average, which impressively demonstrates the potential of the mountain summer at Pizol.
An Exceptional Winter
The winter of 2024/25 was unique from beginning to end. An early season start brought many guests to the mountain in December. The fantastic Christmas and New Year business was followed by many beautiful weekends, during which guests could enjoy excellent weather, snow, and slope conditions. Although there was little natural snow on the mountain, thanks to the snow-making system, perfect slopes could consistently be offered. It is with great satisfaction that it can be stated that the winter of 2024/25 would not have been nearly as positive without the technical snowmaking. The major investment paid off in the very first winter of use. As in the winter of 2024/25, Pizolbahnen will also be heavily reliant on technical snowmaking in the coming winters and will thus sustainably benefit from this investment.
Gastronomy
The many guests also had an impact on the gastro revenue. With the five establishments (Panorama Restaurant Edelweiss, Berggasthaus Zanuz, Gruppenhaus Pardiel, Bergrestaurant Pizolhütte, and Berghotel Gaffia), which are operated by Pizol Gastro und Sport AG (Pizol Gastro), a revenue increase of approximately 11% compared to the previous year was achieved. After various optimizations in the management and processes of the establishments, an encouragingly positive operating result was achieved. This despite the fact that in the summer, only the Edelweiss and the Pizolhütte are open among the five establishments. The operations make an important contribution to the overall experience at Pizol with their offerings and enable synergies in offer development. Last but not least, every overnight guest generates additional ticket sales, which benefit the overall result. The Board of Directors and Management are convinced that the expansion and development of the gastronomy is strategically correct and important. Pizolbahnen will consistently pursue their further development.
For further information, please contact:
Pizolbahnen AG
Loisstrasse 50
7310 Bad Ragaz
Tel: +41 (0)81 300 48 30
medien@pizol.com; www.pizol.com
Contact Person:
Christian Kubli / CEO