Operators had taken out an extra loan – German ski resort insolvent | Regional

In the Homberg ski resort in Winterberg-Züschen (North Rhine-Westphalia), not only the snow but also the coal has melted away. The operators Jan and Nina Homann had to file for bankruptcy. The “Sauerlandkurier” reports on this.

The couple started out in February 2022 with big goals: Not only did the Homanns want to operate the approximately 35-hectare ski area (equivalent to about 50 football fields), they also wanted to inspire holidaymakers with the “Homberg Jause”.

The Homann couple in February 2022: Jan and Nina had a loan and were in good spirits

Photo: Stefano Laura

The dream of happy ski fans between gliding and yeast dumplings has now been shattered. The Arnsberg District Court has opened insolvency proceedings against the “Homberg-Ziegenhelle Sport- und Freizeitgesellschaft” (case number 52 IN 70/24). According to the “Kurier”, a provisional insolvency administrator from Dortmund (North Rhine-Westphalia) has been appointed. The newspaper tried to contact the operators by telephone – without success.

Ski resort insolvent: webcams already switched off

We can only speculate about the reasons for the bankruptcy. It may have been due to the exploding energy prices and the excessively warm weather in the winter months. In addition, the Homanns had to pump money into six older ski lifts.

The enthusiastic skiers’ lifelong dream has been shattered

Photo: Stefano Laura

As BILD reported in 2022, the couple had taken out a loan specifically for the deal. This was the only way Jan and Nina Homann could take over 75 percent of the area. The remaining 25 percent is shared by the ski school, the Züschen Ski Club and a local association, among others.

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Even then, the Homanns saidthemselves enthusiastic skiers, who even got married in an Alpine hut: “We have to make a turnover now, the costs are huge.” Among other things, they had to pay 52 employees, from the cook to the technician.

What will become of them in light of the insolvency is uncertain. It is also unclear whether the ski area can be used at all in the 2024/25 season. The website and some webcams have already been shut down.