LAAX (dpa-AFX) – Due to concerns about a foreign takeover, three winter sports resorts in Switzerland have decided to buy the local ski infrastructure. The “White Arena” facilities will in future belong to the municipalities of Flims, Laax and Falera in Graubünden.
The residents of Flims were the last to approve the deal in a vote with a good 85 percent, as the municipality reported. The municipalities have to spend 94.5 million francs (a good 102 million euros) for around 30 lifts and other facilities, 20 restaurants, ski schools, hotels and bars.
The previous operator, the Weiße Arena Group, then wants to lease the facilities and continue business as before. The ski area with over 200 kilometers of slopes has made a name for itself primarily as a freestyle destination. Depending on the season and the season, the ski passes can cost around 90 francs per day.
The communities were worried that the systems could be bought by investors from abroad. This has already happened in Crans-Montana and in Andermatt-Sedrun, where the global US company Vail Resorts won the contract./oe/DP/he