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Zinkenlifte Hallein on the brink: losses of millions and an uncertain future!
Hallein's Zinkenlifte ski area is struggling with financial problems. Mayor seeks support as new mountain bike trails are planned.
Zinkenlifte Hallein on the brink: losses of millions and an uncertain future!
In Hallein, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, the Zinken lifts face an uncertain fate. The ski area's financial situation is tense, as well Mercury reports. Between 2020 and 2024, the losses add up to an impressive 3.8 million euros. The reason for this is not only operational deficiencies, but also the consequences of climate change, which are noticeable in milder winters and fewer snow days.
Last winter the chairlift remained completely silent - not a single day of operation. This has a serious impact on the ski area's income. Mayor Alexander Stangassinger (SPÖ) made it clear that the municipality cannot afford the necessary costs for a technical overhaul that would be necessary to extend the concession. According to estimates, the necessary investments could amount to up to five million euros. This massive sum could prove to be an insurmountable obstacle as the concession expires in 2026 and the pressure is growing.
Summer offers as a lifeline?
In order to attract new visitors, Hallein is planning to expand its summer offerings with mountain bike trails. These projects are primarily located on federal forest land, which avoids legal problems with private property owners. But the high rental rates for the areas used do little to ease the financial situation. If the ski area actually has to close in 2027, the popular summer toboggan run, which attracts many tourists to the region, would also be affected.
Without support from the state of Salzburg or private investors, the closure of the tine lifts by 2027 becomes looming realistic. Six other ski resorts in the region have already had to close due to similar difficulties, increasing concerns about the loss of further leisure opportunities for the population. The project is crucial not only for the local economy, but also for the region's identity.
Climate factors and the future of winter sports
A look into the future shows that the challenges for winter sports will not abate. As the expert forum “Klima.Sport.Schnee” explains in its reports, the climate in the Alps has warmed noticeably in recent decades . This warming is 3.1 °C in Austria and has already led to a reduction in the natural snow cover at low and medium altitudes. Future winter sports conditions could become even more difficult due to lower rainfall.
Stangassinger's suggestions to look for new ways, for example by attracting investors, are therefore crucial for the future of tine lifts. There is a lot at stake for the community and the wider community will be closely monitoring developments. The fate of the tine lifts could be closely linked to climate changes and efforts to find sustainable solutions.