– There will be guaranteed less snow production than normal, that goes without saying. And less snow means a shorter season. Lasse Liestøl is the general manager at Bortelid ski center in Åseral in Agder. He is worried about operations this winter. Especially if there is little snow. During cold periods beyond autumn and early winter, many ski centers focus on producing artificial snow, among other things to attract keen skiers as early as possible. – The artificial snow lays the foundation for a longer season. But the high electricity prices may now affect the possibilities for skiing during both the Christmas and Easter holidays, says Liestøl. Less artificial snow is guaranteed to be produced ahead of this year’s season, says Lasse Liestøl. He is the general manager at Bortelid ski centre. Photo: Tom-Richard Hanssen Olsen / news Several people are considering cutting Artificial snow is important to be able to open the ski resorts as early as possible, especially when there is little regular snow. As it is more durable than natural snow, it also helps to extend the season at the other end. Gunvor Ljosland runs the ski center at Ljosland, also in Åseral. She says that it is now very demanding to plan for the winter. – I have never experienced anything like this. We are considering cutting snow production completely this season. Then we risk losing an early start. The skiing opportunities at both Christmas and Easter can be hit here at Bortelid ski centre. Photo: Lasse Liestøl Hoping for electricity support The ski centers at both Bortelid and in Ljosland are now hoping to get some electricity support from Åseral municipality, as they did last year. But this is probably not enough to prevent cuts in snow production. Gautefall ski center in Telemark is also noticing the unfamiliar situation. But general manager Bjørn Halvor Roalstad says they are trying to plan as normal. At Gautefall, the ski center depends on artificial snow. Last year, the snow cannons went full blast before electricity prices rose. Photo: Bjørn Halvor Roalstad – It is a difficult situation. Last year, fortunately, we were able to make most of the artificial snow before the rise in electricity prices hit in full force in November and December. The industry organization Norske Alpinanlegg has 220 members. Together, these had a turnover of NOK 1.4 billion last year. There were 7.5 million paid ski days. General secretary Camilla Sylling Clausen says uncertainty about what it will cost to keep the snow cannons and operations going this winter strongly affects the members. – Some people think of alpine skiing as a kind of luxury. But we must remember that it often concerns cornerstone companies. We are talking about many jobs. It is also the leisure time offered to many children and young people. Secretary General Camilla Sylling Clausen of the industry organization Norwegian Alpine Resorts is concerned. Many alpine resorts are cornerstone businesses and there is an important leisure offer for children and young people. Photo: Alpinalleggenes Landsforbund She tells about ski centers that previously had approx. NOK 800,000 in annual electricity costs. Now the sum can be 8 million in one season. Aimed at children and young people, Vegårshei Ski Center is one of the most coastal ski resorts in Southern Norway. The facility is operated on a not-for-profit basis. The location makes it extra dependent on self-produced snow. – We have applied for electricity support from the Norwegian Lottery and Foundations Authority. But in the worst case, we could risk keeping the ski center closed this winter, says general manager Kristine Simonstad. The ski season can be shortened at both ends if the use of snow cannons is reduced. Photo: Halvard Alvik / NTB The tiny ski slope in Vegårshei is so close to the coast that it is used by many children and young people in the coastal towns. For the strongly growing Arendal Slalom Club, Vegårshei is the home arena for the low-threshold offer they run. – A closure would be fatal for the alpine activity for our over 250 members, most of whom are aged 5-16. That’s what the manager of the club, Jørund Moseid, says. He has spent countless hours on the ground with children and young people. And for the alpine centre, which is largely run on a voluntary basis, even a shorter ski season will be painful. – The training opportunities for most of our children and young people will disappear or be drastically reduced if we become dependent on natural snowfall. Big differences But despite the fact that some ski centers are now considering silencing the snow cannons, there are other facilities that are in a completely different situation. This applies, among other things, to the Sirdal ski centre. – We are very lucky and thank and bow to the fact that we have a generous municipality behind us that provides cheap power. That’s what general manager Øystein Tjørhom says at the ski centre. Øystein Tjørhom, manager at Sirdal ski center, rejoices at the favorable electricity agreement with the municipality. There are big differences in the kind of power support the various ski resorts receive. Photo: Erik Waage / news He tells about a fixed price agreement for electricity at 28 øre per kilowatt hours. The background is an agreement between Sira-Kvina power company and Sirdal municipality. Also at Hovden, the alpine center has more lowered shoulders. There they plan for a normal year. – We are confident that there will be state or local arrangements that ensure reasonable conditions for business. That’s what CEO Ann-Torill Briksdal says at Hovden Alpin Resort. The government is now working on an electricity support scheme for businesses which will be ready during October. What it means and whether it will help the ski centers is currently uncertain.
ttn-69
The power crisis can shorten the ski season – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
