San Bernardino Ski Area Reopens
The long-awaited reopening of the Confin ski area in San Bernardino has finally become a reality. Together with the administration of the Pian Cales ski resort and the numerous activities offered in the San Bernardino region, the San Bernardino Sports Arena is born: a series of content and activities thanks to the collaboration between the Administration of the Swiss Alps San Bernardino, the Tourism Association Moesano and the municipality of Mesocco come to life.
San Bernardino Swiss Alps announced the reopening of the ski lifts in the Confin ski area on December 22nd. After years of closure, the lifts, purchased in August 2023, have been completely renovated and will be operational on Wednesday, December 27th, opening a new chapter in the history of skiing in the region. "Our teams have worked hard to transform what already exists in San Bernardino and to offer residents of the area and tourists a range of options that can appeal to the widest possible target audience. The facilities in Confin have been renovated and modernized and received the approval of the Authorities we would like to thank for their helpfulness. This is a first step that will allow San Bernardino to enter a new phase of development. The opening and renovation of Confin's infrastructure will allow a young and ambitious team to move as quickly as possible to gain the necessary experience," said Flavio Petraglio, Delegate of the Board of Directors of San Bernardino Swiss Alps.
The Fracch-Confin Bas valley station and cabins have a new, modern design and are ready to welcome ski enthusiasts in the new season. In this first phase, the Fracch-Confin gondola lift, the Pan de Zucher chairlift and the Lares ski lift will be reactivated and two new connecting conveyor belts will be built in the Confin Bas area. The Tre Omen ski lift will be reactivated during the season, while the Rotondo ski lift will be operational again next year. The Confin ski area will be added to the Pian Cales ski area after years and offers a total of around 45 kilometers of slopes that meet the needs of skiers of all levels. The existing lifts will ensure functionality while awaiting the development of the general master plan, which is currently being discussed with the relevant authorities and is expected to see the light of day in the coming years.
The San Bernardino Sport Arena team, an integral part of the San Bernardino Swiss Alps, will manage the facilities. Ski courses and the possibility of renting all the necessary equipment on site are offered. In the heart of the village, the San Bernardino Sport Arena will house a well-equipped gym with a workout room and a weight room. Another novelty is the rental of electric bikes for trips in the snow. For families looking for comfort and fun, there is also a children's area with games and babysitting services. There is also an events calendar that allows for excursions in the area, activities for children and wonderful moments with family and friends.
"The agreements with the Municipality of Mesocco envisaged the reopening of Confin from the 2024/25 winter season. We have decided to go ahead of schedule and launch the concept of the San Bernardino Sport Arena already this year. The facilities have been renovated and we have installed a number of modern facilities. Of course we are talking about systems that have been around for a few years now. It is important that everyone is prepared and knows that it will take a few more years until everything is new and the maximum performance is achieved. The San Bernardino ski area has so much to offer and the close collaboration with the Municipality of Mesocco and the Moesano Regional Tourist Board, which will continue the excellent management of cross-country skiing and other sports activities, will allow the San Bernardino to benefit from the most comprehensive offer possible". says Niccolò Meroni, operations manager and marketing director of San Bernardino Swiss Alps.
As for the gastronomic offer, two restaurants will be available along the Confin slopes: the Capanna Confin, located at the arrival of the cable car, with self-service and a served area, and the Baita Motton with its terrace at 2,200 meters . In Pian Cales, the igloo inaugurated last year will offer drinks and snacks together with the Buvette Acubona in the baby area, while in the village center the renovated restaurant and bar of the Hotel Brocco&Posta will offer a new culinary alternative. The rooms of the Hotel Brocco&Posta, which will be completely renovated from spring 2024, and those of the Brocco&Posta Lodge will complement the accommodation offer of the San Bernardino village this winter. "A first dream has come true. A major effort that, together with the existing construction sites in the village center, has borne fruit in the last few months. The reopening of Confin this season is a first step towards the San Bernardino of the future. Goal is to consolidate the position of San Bernardino as an attractive tourist destination. To this end, further activities are being developed to enrich the offer and offer visitors a complete experience. With the reopening of the ski area and the creation of the Sport Arena, the "San Bernardino aims to become a top destination for sports enthusiasts, offering not only a skiing experience but also a comprehensive range of activities for the whole family." said Stefano Artioli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of San Bernardino Swiss Alps.
www.sanbernardino-sportarena.com