Munich (dpa / lby) - Bavaria's Interior and Sports Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) has suggested that the winter sports season be postponed. It is now clear that it will be cooler in March than in November, the CSU politician told the "Münchner Merkur" (Wednesday).
Individual associations therefore considered pushing the start of the season into December or into the new year. "That would not only be better in terms of energy management, but also in terms of CO2 emissions. Every winter sports association should deal with it," said Herrmann. "I spoke to the bobsleigh and sled association in Berchtesgaden just last week. They register exactly that it is now cooler in March than in November."
In addition, the CSU politician wants to promote the energetic renovation of sports facilities in view of the energy crisis. "We want to improve the energy efficiency of sports facilities throughout Germany. It's about reducing energy consumption, but many systems would also be ideal for building large photovoltaic systems on the roofs," said Herrmann. First and foremost, this is of course a matter for the clubs. "But the state must now initiate this with appropriate funding programs."
In view of the impending energy crisis, there could be reduced operation in ski areas in Switzerland and Austria in winter. If push comes to shove and the government prescribes consumption restrictions, the mountain railways could save up to 20 percent electricity consumption, said the managing director of the Swiss Mountain Railways Association, Berno Stoffel, on Tuesday the Swiss broadcaster SRF. "We have different options, with the speed, the number of gondolas and the operating times." Austria's cable car operators are also considering appropriate savings measures, said industry spokesman Franz Hörl.
