New Attempt To Save Flattnitz Ski Area

At the mayors' conference to save the ski operation on the Flattnitz, initiated by the WK district office in St. Veit and chairman Walter Sabitzer, there was agreement: things must continue! A citizens' initiative can consider taking over the ski area.

For months there have been reports of a possible closure of the ski area on the Flattnitz - and not without reason. The concession for the chairlift expires at the end of 2026. In addition, after years of legal disputes with the landowner, a contract stipulates that operations will cease at that time. The two drag lifts would not be affected. The construction of a new connecting lift between the two drag lifts would also be conceivable.

WK and municipalities want to save ski area

The St. Veit WK district office chairman Walter Sabitzer continues to fight for the preservation of the ski area: "We have already provided constructive support for months. Regional concerns and projects such as the skiing operation on the Flattnitz as well as social and political cooperation are particularly important to us as a Chamber of Commerce. The aim is to jointly set up a sustainable concept and we have succeeded in taking a first important step towards this at the mayors' conference. Now it is the turn of those who are interested to take the helm." The political will to save the skiing operation was questioned. All 12 municipalities present were clearly in favor of this. However, the closure of the lifts could take place earlier due to a lack of financial resources. "The annual departure is no longer sustainable," said Mayor Hans Fugger. "The municipality of Glödnitz has always stood behind the Flattnitz ski area and wants to preserve it."

Insolvency not excluded

But without an investor, there is no money, not only for operations and urgently needed investments. The municipality recently appointed Peter Urabl as the new managing director for the lift company, after his predecessor unexpectedly resigned. Avoiding bankruptcy will be difficult, says Urabl: "There is a lack of money and we have a very short deadline until the end of August to raise it. Otherwise, an application will have to be made to the court to open insolvency proceedings. But that does not mean that the ski area cannot continue."

Citizens' initiative interested in takeover

Ulf Six, spokesman for the citizens' initiative, says he represents 10,000 people from the region: "These people have told me their thoughts and fears. But many entrepreneurs also fear losses if the ski area no longer exists. Jobs in the region will be lost. The infrastructure is crucial so that companies stay in the region and jobs are retained." The citizens' initiative can imagine taking over and operating the lift. In addition to private individuals, the citizens' initiative is also backed by numerous entrepreneurs who are also prepared to invest money. The basic requirement, however, is a well-thought-out, economically sensible and sustainable solution.