Several scenarios

Heiligenblut: operations to cease at the end of March

A new owner is being sought for the Großglockner Heiligenblut ski resort.

(Bild: Peter Maier)

Because the current owners want the state of Carinthia to pay for the losses of the Heiligenblut ski resort, the state and municipality are looking for buyers.

A decision has now been made that the cable cars should cease operations at the end of March. This means that things are not looking good for the future of the company at the moment. "We held talks with Provincial Councillor Schuschnig and the municipality today, but unfortunately no result was achieved," explains Franz Xaver Gruber, spokesman for the owners.

"Closure is one of the options on the table. This is a horror scenario, but it requires advance warning, hence the public information. It's also about safety for the employees," says Gruber. "Basically, it has to be said that the Heiligenblut ski resort is a wonderful place and the ski resort can have a future. However, the general conditions have deteriorated recently."

Together with the municipality of Heiligenblut, the state of Carinthia is demanding that the current owners Schröcksnadel and Schmidl sell their shares for a symbolic euro. All obligations and debts would also be assumed in return. "We will now discuss internally how to proceed and inform the public about the next steps in the course of next week," Gruber continued.

Schuschnig calls for a sense of responsibility
"For me as Provincial Councillor for Tourism, it would be a worst-case scenario if Heiligenblut were to close, which is why I very much hope that everyone involved will be aware of their responsibilities," emphasizes Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig. "At the end of the day, it's not about personal sensitivities, it's about Heiligenblut."

There is already a group of investors interested in the ski resort. "We want to take over 100 percent of the shares for a transfer price of one euro and in return, of course, all obligations, liabilities and loans. But only those relating to the Heiligenblut region," confirms lawyer Ferdinand Lanker, spokesman for the investors, who do not wish to be named.