Nobody wants to cover the costs: Popular ski resort will remain closed this year
The popular Aflenzer Bürgeralm ski area will likely go into hibernation this winter. The previous owner had offered it to the municipality for a symbolic euro, but the municipality declined.
"The expansive and avalanche-safe sunny plateau of the Aflenzer Bürgeralm is a real insider tip for children, beginners, snowboarders, nature lovers, and winter hikers. A double chairlift comfortably transports guests to the alpine pasture, where two platter lifts and two kilometers of perfectly groomed natural snow slopes await.
The Schönleiten I and II drag lifts connect the Almboden with the Schönleiten (1810 m)": This is how the portal " Bergflex " advertises the ski area in Austria. This winter, however, there will probably be no skiing at the Aflenzer Bürgeralm, as no one has agreed to cover the costs.
As " ORF Steiermark " reports, the previous owner Stefan Pierer has offered the municipality of Aflenz to lease the ski area for a symbolic euro – including snow groomers and machines worth 90,000 euros
The municipality, however, declined, saying that "conservatively estimated" an annual loss of approximately €100,000 would be expected. Mayor Hubert Lenger stated that he anticipated even higher deficits. Due to declining revenues following fiscal equalization, the municipality could no longer afford the operation. Now, they are looking for new interested parties.
Skiing is an expensive pastime, not only for operators but also for winter sports enthusiasts, who will have to dig deeper into their pockets this season. While a ticket on the Zugspitze cost €66 last year, it's now €69. The slopes of the "Alpenplus" ski pass network (Spitzingsee-Tegernsee, Sudelfeld, Wallberg, and Brauneck-Wegscheid) are also seeing a price increase: a day ticket now costs €51 instead of €49.
In Austria, amateur skiers are having it even worse. Many ski resorts are raising their fares again – especially popular slopes like St. Anton am Arlberg, where a day ticket will cost €81.50. This represents an increase of around 4.5 percent compared to the previous season. Six-day tickets are also becoming more expensive: In the Zillertal, adults now pay €384 for six days during peak season, €359 in Ischgl, and €395 on the Wilder Kaiser.
According to the portal " Ski Nachrichten " there are three main factors responsible:
- Higher energy costs: operating lifts, producing artificial snow and heating buildings
- Inflation and personnel: Rising wages for personnel and materials for maintenance
- Investments in modernization: Millions invested in new, faster lifts, better snowmaking systems and additional services on the mountain
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