Wednesday, February 28, 2001

Ski profits melting Despite recent snowfalls, resorts fear heavy losses By Leah Bower Callers to the information center at Zelezna Ruda's ski resort in the Sumava mountains are getting some unusual advice this winter. "If we speak to people before they come, we recommend they bring swimming suits," said Milena Bobrova. "At some points we did not have any snow at all and grass was showing." Odd sights aside, the city-run resort, like many around the country, is struggling in the face of one of the gentlest winters in recent history. Despite recent heavy snowfalls, the overall shortfall has left ski slopes and beer halls, equipment shops and restaurants in nearby towns watching their profits melt. Potential skiers and snowboarders are as scarce as the powdery surfaces they crave. "We have six ski lifts, and right now only one is functioning," laments Otakar Stika, chief of the Bozi Dar ski resort in the Krusne Hory mountains. "This year's revenue is four times less than last year because there is no snow." Zelezna Ruda's projected revenues are down as well, Bobrova said, which also means less tax money for the town. Clay and stones dotted the usually pristine blanket of white on the slopes of the Krusne Hory for many days this winter, creating ski hazards, damaging equipment, closing lifts and driving away skiers. It was the same story at many of the 20 or so other ski areas scattered around the country. "Last year we had almost two meters of snow and this year it is about 20 centimeters," said Rudolf Chlad, chief of the mountains' rescue service. There was insufficient snow to open the slopes until December this year, 90 days later than last year. Even with recent snowfalls, Bobrova says "we won't be able to catch up with the lost two or three weeks ... we will in no way have the revenues we had last year." The country's weather has been unstable for a year. Farmers saw more than 10.7 billion Kc ($279 million) worth of their crops destroyed this spring by the largest drought in 50 years. That was followed by one of the rainiest Julys in the last decade, which damaged Prague's outdoor, tourist-related businesses. Now the weather is hurting the snow crowd. Still, meteorologists say this year's total snowfall is only slightly below average, currently measuring 50-100 centimeters (20-40 inches) of packing. The Sumava and Krusne Hory mountains, two of the largest ski areas, were the hardest hit by an unexplained delay in the flow of snow-heavy northwesterly weather patterns, said Milos Dvorak, a meteorologist with the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Dvorak said he expected the recent cold and snowy weather to continue into March. Some ski resorts, like Zelezna Ruda, are making do by laying artificial snow on top of nature's meager deposits, but they've still only been able to keep three of their 30 ski lifts running. Jarmila Trpicova, of the Spindleruv Mlyn resort in the Krkonose mountains, looks at the bright side. She said recent snowfalls are bringing cover up to almost normal levels, which may extend the ski season. Most operators say they'll make it through the bleak year, since revenue still trickles in from people who have already purchased tickets, or those who are coming to the slopes to hike, enjoy rocky skiing or just to relax away from the city. "People who purchased travel or ski tickets in advance have just had to make do with what's available -- or not -- on the slopes," said Melanie Tomanova, a saleswoman at SportTurist travel agency. Bobrova said that even with increased snow and alternative entertainment there is no way this year's revenues will even approach last year's. "Of course when they come to ski, they are angry, but those who are flexible come to the information center and ask if there are some other activities," she said. "When there is no snow, customers can go for walks or visit a museum or go swimming. There are lots of nice aqua parks around here." Leah Bower's e-mail address is lbower@praguepost.cz More business stories War of wills Long-standing fight between Lauder and Zelezny over TV Nova switches into high gear Former U.S. fugitive has local ties Marc Rich pardon at center of latest Clinton controversy 'Big Bang' or just a big bust? Gregr's plan to jump-start industry assailed Unhappy foreign investors discourage others Following Lauder's lead, others protest Next stop: new way to reach customers Usti nad Labem finds new source of revenue by letting businesses buy bus stops Movers & Shakers Auditing leaders add chiefs