In the struggle to modernize Saxony’s largest alpine ski resort on the Fichtelberg, a sale of the municipal operating company is being considered. The Oberwiesenthal town council is to decide on this on Tuesday. It remains to be seen whether the sale will be put out to tender across Europe, thus securing the town’s influence for the future, for example with regard to investment obligations and an expansion of the offer. Alternatively, a direct sale to a private bidder would be possible, according to the draft resolution. The Oberwiesenthal lift company (LGO), which already operates a chairlift up to the Fichtelberg, has already submitted an offer.
The LGO is backed by the family of Rainer Gläß from Vogtland, who has made a fortune with a software company. LGO is also the leaseholder of the Fichtelberghaus on Saxony’s highest peak. This is also up for sale. As the owner, the Erzgebirgskreis had launched a bidding process. Not only the hotel and restaurant are being sold, but also the entire associated property on the plateau. The move was justified by the high level of investment required, which the district does not want to shoulder itself.
Ski resort needs to be modernized
The ski resort also needs investment. Fichtelberg Schwebebahn GmbH (FSB) not only owns the historic suspension lift, but also the T-bar lifts for skiers on the main slope, the Himmelsleiter and the Kleiner Fichtelberg. However, these are considered outdated and no longer up to date. The water reservoir for artificial snowmaking on the ski slopes is also limited. The construction of a new chairlift on the Himmelsleiter has been in preparation for years. Although approval has been granted, the town and FSB cannot afford the investment. There is talk of around 21 million euros. In the current structure, it is difficult to obtain funding, the draft resolution argues.
This is why a merger of the two lift companies has been under discussion for some time. According to the city, a sale and transfer of the FSB’s shares would improve the prospects of receiving funding. If the city council votes in favor of a direct sale to LGO, the exact value will be determined by an expert opinion. Negotiations on the purchase agreement are expected to take three to four months. Once this is available, the city council will decide again. “Only then will the actual purchase price be finalized.” According to the information provided, a Europe-wide tender would take significantly longer, at least twelve months – and would also be more expensive at around 200,000 euros.
