Future of the Schetteregg ski area: Does the first snow fail?

Future of the Schetteregg ski area: Does the first snow fail?

The popular family ski area Schetteregg in the Bregenzerwald faces an uncertain future after the Egger Liftgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG filed for bankruptcy in May. The operator, who not only runs the ski area, but also gastronomy and accommodation, has submitted an application to the responsible regional court to open insolvency proceedings. According to the Schetteregg, the financial situation was increasingly precarious, and no sustainable solution for the existing society could be found.

Particularly aggravated that an agreement could not be achieved in the shareholders' meeting on May 17, 2025 through a possible capital increase or a future concept. Managing Director Hannes Waldner is therefore obliged to take this step because all the means are used up. In addition, low -snow winter and difficult weather conditions caused considerable loss of income.

Search for investors

The search for new investors for the Schetteregg ski area is already underway, with the application deadline for potential buyers being extended from the end of July to mid-September 2025. Insolvency administrator Rupert Manhart reports encouraging interest in secure winter operations. Mayor Marc Meusburger is optimistic that ski operations can take place in the coming winter if suitable investors can be found.

However, the potential buyers would have to take over operating systems such as lifts, the "Lifthus" and the parking space to ensure future operation. It was determined that a buyer should be found by mid -October 2025; Otherwise, the lifts could be closed throughout the season.

Challenges in ski tourism

Like numerous regional providers, Schetteregg is not solely standing in the storm of the challenges of climate change and financial difficulties. The current developments in ski tourism show that many ski areas in Europe are facing growing problems. A study in the specialist journal "Nature Climate Change" that artificial snowmaking is not always the solution. For example, various high -aligned ski areas, including in the Sauerland in Germany, had to register bankruptcy, which further increases the concerns about the future of winter sports locations.

Many operators respond to other problems, such as the permanent closure of ski areas due to a lack of snow, by relying on year-round tourism offers or using the latest technology to measure snow depth. Such trends are not reducing the economic pressure on ski areas, including the one in Schetteregg.

The current situation is therefore more than worrying for the future of the Schetteregg family ski area, which is an important retreat for many winter sports enthusiasts and families. The developments in the coming weeks will be crucial whether the ski area will continue to exist after the bankruptcy or whether the chapter finally closes.