Funding cooperative backs Upper Austria’s Kasberg takeover

A funding cooperative has approved the purchase contract for Upper Austria’s planned takeover of the Kasberg ski area, clearing a key formal hurdle, ORF reported.

The contract is due to be notarised at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, according to the state. The property transactions commission is scheduled to meet afterwards.

Upper Austria Governor Thomas Stelzer of the ÖVP called the approval an “important step” for the ski area’s future. He said the state wanted to provide clarity quickly and give Kasberg a long-term outlook, with a future for families, schools and clubs.

The planned takeover has been disputed. The ski area’s operators have called for binding commitments on investment and long-term operations, warning that the deal could otherwise fail. The state has strongly rejected their account.

On Thursday, the Upper Austrian parliament approved a funding framework of up to 10 million euros for the takeover, ongoing operations, necessary replacement investments and planning for future snowmaking. A further 7 million euros is available for personnel, dismantling and restoration obligations. The state says the money will be released only as actual, documented needs arise.

The state also plans to prepare a new snowmaking concept, hold talks with landowners and pursue the necessary regulatory procedures.