In terms of people flows and revenue, this season is similar to the previous one - ski slopes

RIGA - Taking into account the changeable weather conditions, this ski season is similar to the winter season of 2021/2022 in terms of people flows and revenue, the interviewed representatives of the industry admitted to LETA.

The chairman of the board of the Ozolkalns ski slopes Girts Kalkis told LETA that it will be possible to talk about exact profit figures only in the spring, but in general November and December were more successful than the previous year. At the same time, forecasts for January's financial results suggest that it could be worse than the same month a year ago, which was largely affected by the thaw.

"We count profits in the spring, because some thaws or the return of a snowy winter can significantly change the demand," added Kalkis.

He explained that despite the increase in costs, for example for electricity, the company decided not to raise ticket prices this ski season, but to focus on the efficient use of funds. Among other things, the snow is blown thinly on the tracks, and the activity of the ski hills is concentrated on weekends, when the largest number of people visit Ozolkalns.

Before visiting the ski slopes, Kalkis recommends visiting the company's website or social media pages to confirm its working hours.

The co-owner of the Riekstu Kalns ski slopes Evija Blusa told LETA that they follow the weather forecast not only by days, but by hours and minutes. Due to changing weather conditions, including occasional thaws and Riekstu Kalns also sometimes has to close the ski slopes, although the artificially blown snow on the mountain is still in sufficient quantity.

She also stated that, in general, this season is very similar to the previous one, both in terms of visitor flows and revenue. Riekstu Kalns has noticed that this year, interested parties visit the ski slopes specifically during the weekends, which Blusa explains by the fact that many have returned to work in offices full time, and schools and kindergartens are also operating in full mode.

Ieva Rasa a spokeswoman of the Milzkalns ski slopes, stated that there are days when the ski hills are closed due to the weather in order not to melt the snow on the tracks.

"The snow does not disappear from the tracks, even if we are closed. The snow layer on the tracks is very thick and very dense," noted Rasa.

She also found that demand this ski season is mainly on weekends and sunny days. In terms of people flows and revenue, Milzkalns this season is working equally as last year.