License is expiring

The next ski area in Vorderwald is threatened with closure

(Bild: Emanuel Sutterluety)

The double chairlift in the popular family ski resort of Schetteregg is permitted to operate until 2028. By then at the latest, the operators will have to dig deep into their pockets to make the necessary investments. But they lack the necessary funds to do so. 

The venerable single-seat chairlift in Alberschwende was shut down a few years ago. In Andelsbuch, the dilapidated double chairlift has been out of service since a fatal accident in the summer of 2023. And in Schetteregg, too, the lift operators are fighting for the survival of the small family ski resort. Like those in charge of the lifts in Alberschwende and Andelsbuch, they are struggling with climate change. Fewer and fewer days of snow over the past few winters have led to a significant loss in the final tally.

As reported by the Wirtschaftspresseagentur (wpa), the concession for the double chairlift will also expire in 2028. Managing Director Hannes Waldner therefore expects costs of around two million euros. However, that money is not currently available. To cover the costs, the 150 shareholders would have to inject new funds or sell their shares to a private investor who would then raise the necessary capital.

Egg’s mayor, Paul Sutterlüty—whose municipality is the largest co-owner with a 12 percent stake—insists on economic viability and a corresponding business plan. As a first step, Sutterlüty advocates acquiring 75 percent of the shares and seeking external investors. However, continued operation by the municipality is not the goal. The good news: entrepreneur Jürgen Sutterlüty has apparently already expressed interest as a potential investor.