It is now important for a mountain railroad to show optimism and confidence. On the one hand towards the guests, but also towards the employees. After all, the shock of March 14, when the ski resorts in Switzerland effectively had to end the season overnight, is still deep-rooted. "It felt absolutely unnatural," explains Adrian Jordan. They had to close at exactly the time when conditions were at their best in the Engadin. And then a period of fine weather until Easter ensured dream conditions on the mountains. "It felt like a stab in the heart coupled with paralyzing powerlessness. Terrible!" Of the 450 employees, barely a handful were still working within two days.

Everything as planned for the mountain bikers

"In order to counteract the collective depression in Switzerland, it quickly became clear to us that we would do everything we could to tackle the summer of 2020 as planned," says Jordan, looking hopefully towards the reopening. The lift for mountain bikers will continue to operate as in previous years, he announces, especially as they are a key summer target group in the Upper Engadin. With the numerous flow trails in the Corviglia area, mountain bikers are an important element of the offer.

Danger from further regulations

Jordan does not believe that the coronavirus pandemic will lead to long-term and lasting changes to the mountain railroads' offering. "What I can imagine, however, is that overzealous government officials will develop new pandemic regulations that are very likely to overshoot the mark," he says, summing up his fears and adding: "Unfortunately, an event like this will not leave us unscathed in the medium term."

And Jordan is also concerned about the planned start of the season on June 6, 2020 and the subsequent full operation from June 27: "Unless the Federal Council has other intentions." The threat of regulatory restrictions hangs like a sword of Damocles over the Engadin's optimism.