Waiting for a New Lift at Fichtelberg — Investor Sets a Date

In the battle over the modernization of Saxony’s largest ski resort, the investor is pressing for the establishment of a new operating company in partnership with the city of Oberwiesenthal. The goal is to begin major construction on the new ski lift on September 1, 2027, and to put it into operation in December 2028, explained Constantin Gläß, managing director of Liftgesellschaft Oberwiesenthal (LGO). But this is about much more than just a new lift; it’s about the overall development of the Fichtelberg, including year-round tourism.

To this end, the LGO has now submitted an action plan to the city. It is said to contain detailed expert reports, including on issues such as funding, liability, and risks. When asked about this, however, Gläß did not provide any details. The documents are being kept under wraps from the public.

“Project of the Century” with Risks for the Municipality

“This is a project of the century,” said investor Gläß. A small company like the LGO cannot handle this on its own. This would require a joint operating company with the city—similar to other projects of this scale. His lift company, for example, would contribute the existing infrastructure. The municipality would not have to contribute any funds, he said. The sticking point is apparently potential liability issues.

For years, there has been a struggle over the modernization of the Fichtelberg ski resort. Because the equipment there is outdated and barely meets today’s standards, many winter sports enthusiasts have been turning to the neighboring Keilberg in the Czech Republic for skiing and snowboarding. 

New six-person chairlift planned for the “Himmelsleiter”

The municipal operator lacked the funds and the prospect of subsidies for the necessary multi-million investment. That is why Fichtelberg Schwebebahn GmbH was sold last year to the Gläß family of entrepreneurs. They already operate the mountain’s only chairlift, the hotel at the summit, and attractions such as the all-weather toboggan run “Othal Coaster” and a so-called Flyline. The Fichtelberghaus has been undergoing a complete renovation since March and is scheduled to reopen on December 1. It was reported that LGO has invested around 20 million euros in the Fichtelberg to date.

The modernization of the ski resort will initially focus on the construction of a six-person chairlift on the “Himmelsleiter” slope, complete with a snowmaking system and a reservoir. The costs are said to be in the double-digit millions. Construction was scheduled to begin at the end of 2025, but nothing further has happened since then. City council members will have the opportunity to discuss the proposed concept for the joint operating company as early as this Tuesday—when they convene for their next meeting.