Unterageri, 04.12.2020

Aegeri on Ice: construction temporarily stopped by snow

The construction work for the Aegeri on Ice is entering its final phase. The restaurant operations will remain closed this year, however, due to coronal factors.

Good news for all those who are looking forward to skating about in the Aegeri valley: The construction work for the ice rink in Birkenwäldli has been carrying on again since Wednesday – following Monday’s snowfall. The Aegeri on Ice is scheduled to open on 18th December, although guests will have to accept the pandemic-related innovations. This year, for example, Aegeri on Ice is an open-air event, and the closed areas have been completely eliminated. That's why there is no Aegeristübli or Andermattstübli (Aegeri and Andermatt lounges) this year, but only an open Chnusperhüüsli (crispy snacks house), as can be read on the website.

Why has it been decided to do without the restaurant area in enclosed spaces? Daniel Schärer, the managing director of the organising company Zug Sports, replies: "Our Fonduestübli (fondue house) was not corona compliant, and we couldn’t guarantee the safety of the visitors there." That’s why the focus has been placed on ice skating. "We also hope to support the local gastronomy, which is already suffering enough," he adds.

Positive feedback is an incentive
According to the organisers, there was also a discussion about cancelling the Aegeri on Ice – and this could become an issue again if the framework conditions change. Nevertheless it has been decided to hold the popular event, at least for the time being. The decisive factor for this was that one wanted to "get people involved" and bring about some winter magic. The feedback from the visitors from the past years, the support of the partners and the Aegeri communities had also helped the decision to host the event. Daniel Schärer is therefore not disappointed that the programme will be leaner this year. He says:

"The joy of being able to carry out the event clearly prevails. We have always operated the gastronomy in order to finance the ice field, not the other way around."

There was still fresh snow was on the ice field on Tuesday,, and work has been ongoing since Wednesday.
Photo: Maria Schmid (Unterägeri, 1 December 2020)

 

The aim of Zug Sports and the Aegeri on Ice is to promote movement and joie de vivre. "In this respect, the adapted concept is even more consistent with our vision."

According to Daniel Schärer, it’s challenging to evaluate the possible scenarios in the current situation, and to react to the changes. How many people will be allowed to enter the ice field at the same time is to be decided based n the requirements of the canton and the federal government, and will be communicated on an ongoing and continuous manner. As the situation could change at any time, it’s also difficult to estimate how many visitors will actually turn up. Bur we will be pleased to see those who come along within the limits of what is permitted, says Daniel Schärer.

Up-to-date information about the Aegeri on Ice can be found here  .