Sensitive zone in Tyrol

Mutters-Axams ski merger still has hurdles to overcome

A ski route leads from the Muttereralm ski area to the Birgitzköpfl, where the conditions are often fantastic.

(Bild: LUA Tirol)

Traffic congestion in the affected villages, the habitat of rare animals and possible avalanche hazards stand in the way of the planned Tyrolean ski merger in the western low mountain range. The "Krone" knows the details.

"There are still a few hurdles to overcome with this project," says Walter Tschon, deputy provincial environmental lawyer, about the plans outlined in the "Krone" for a merger of the Muttereralm and Axamer Lizum ski areas. As reported, a connecting lift is planned from the Mutterer Alm ski area with an intermediate station in the Birgitzköpfl area.

This 10-passenger gondola lift will then continue from this intermediate station to the Axamer Lizum valley station. The old two-seater chairlift has thus become obsolete.

Deputy Provincial Environmental Advocate Walter Tschon

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

The question of sense must be asked
It is legitimate that people are now seriously considering a merger, explains Tschon. "But the overriding question is whether skiing at this altitude and the associated investments still make sense.

The fact is that even now, the descent to the valley station of the Götzner Bahn is only possible without skiers on a few winter days."

Too little water for snowmaking
This has only been possible in recent years by using a lot of water and energy. Officially, the provincial environmental lawyer is not yet involved, "only after all current project documents and the expert opinions provided in the investigation procedure" will a position be taken on this.

According to experts, the risk of avalanches in the Götzner Grube should not be underestimated.

(Bild: LUA Tirol)

Kalkkögel quiet area must not be affected
However, in the course of the 2021 takeover of the Muttereralmbahn by the tourism group Tatry Mountain Resorts, Tschon already emphasized that no parts of the project may be located within the Kalkkögel nature reserve. "In addition, no areas of high natural value such as wetlands may be affected.

Obviously, there should be habitat for black grouse and capercaillie in the vicinity of the planned project area. Any planned slope connections in this area are therefore not supported. The risk of avalanches in the Götzner Grube should also not be ignored."