Styrian ski areas invest in snowmaking and raise prices

Several ski areas in Styria are investing in snowmaking ahead of the new season, ORF reported. Kreischberg will also build a new chairlift, while Planai-Hochwurzen and Reiteralm are expanding their water and snowmaking infrastructure.

Planai-Hochwurzen is rebuilding the Bruckmoos storage pond, increasing its capacity from 80,000 to 200,000 cubic metres. Managing director Peter Weichbold said the investment followed two years with very little precipitation, which showed that snow cannons alone were not enough and that water had to be carefully managed and planned.

At neighbouring Reiteralm, two new pump stations will enable water to be drawn from the Preuneggbach stream. The ski area has also bought almost 20 additional snowmaking machines to make better use of suitable temperature windows during winter.

Kreischberg is investing almost 2 million euros in snowmaking. Its largest project, however, is a new eight-seat chairlift to Rosenkranz, costing 18 million euros. As a result, ticket prices will rise by about 5 per cent, Kreischberg managing director Karl Fussi said.

Planai and Reiteralm will also increase ticket prices by about 3 per cent. Both ski areas plan to focus on season tickets and various packages.