Upper Austria approves up to 17 million euros for Kasberg

Upper Austria’s state parliament has approved a financial framework of up to 17 million euros for the future of the Kasberg ski area in Grünau im Almtal, in the Gmunden district, ORF reported on Thursday. The funding is intended to support a planned takeover, ongoing operations and other obligations.

Up to 10 million euros can be used for the takeover, operating costs and necessary replacement investments. A further seven million euros has been approved for staff costs, decommissioning and land restoration obligations. The money will be released only for costs that are actually incurred and documented.

The funding cooperative Lebenswertes Almtal said the planned takeover of Almtal Bergbahnen by Traunsee Touristik GmbH is nearing completion. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Oberösterreichische Seilbahnholding. Cooperative board members Karl Drack and Michael Stadler said they would approve the purchase agreement following the state parliament’s decision.

They also said questions remain about a planned new snowmaking system and a group circulation lift. Although a new snowmaking plan is included in the financial framework, there is no guarantee that a modern full snowmaking system will be built. The cooperative said greater certainty was needed to attract investors to the Almtal.

Upper Austria’s economy and tourism councillor, Markus Achleitner, said work would begin on a sustainable snowmaking plan, with further investment decisions to follow. In the meantime, operating shortfalls will be covered within the approved funding limit. Governor Thomas Stelzer said the ski area is important to families, schools and clubs in the region.