Lift Co's In Forstau and Filzmoos Invest €25mil

Excavators, heavy machinery, and craftsmen are currently working at the Fageralm in Forstau and at the Rossbrand in Filzmoos. The goal is ambitious: the new gondola and reservoir are to be completed by the start of the winter season. The Reiteralm and Filzmoos cable cars are investing a total of around 25 million euros in the modernization of the tourist infrastructure in Pongau.

The two old two-seater chairlifts of the Fageralmbahn are now finally being retired. Starting with the 2025/26 winter season, a gondola lift will transport guests and locals up the mountain. The Reiteralm cable cars are "recycling" a gondola lift from Grossarl. In Filzmoos, construction work on the new reservoir at Rossbrand is in full swing. This will secure the ski area's snowmaking capabilities for the future. Groundbreaking ceremonies for both projects took place yesterday, Tuesday.

Svazek: “Dialogue with those affected.”

"The launch of the project in Forstau demonstrates the importance of clear framework conditions and a reliable legal basis for investment and regional economic development. Dialogue with all stakeholders and transparent communication have contributed significantly to restoring trust in nature conservation processes. Because local value creation is a key concern for us, especially in communities like Forstau, we have actively participated in this dialogue as a political department, mediating," emphasizes Deputy Governor Marlene Svazek, who is responsible for nature conservation.

Schnöll: “Important investments.”

“Both projects in Forstau and Filzmoos are an important step into the future and they are important investments in tourism to secure the locations and thus keep jobs in the region,” says Deputy Governor Stefan Schnöll, who was present at both groundbreaking ceremonies.

Tourism as an economic engine

For the mayor of Forstau, Gregor Schwarz, the new Fageralmbahn cable car is of enormous importance. "The community thrives on tourism. We are therefore pleased that this important project is being realized. The state government supported us in terms of tourism promotion and nature conservation. Especially with regard to the latter, they have initiated a law with common sense and practicality with this amendment." His Filzmoos counterpart, Josef Hofer, adds: "With the Moosleitner family's investment, our popular children's and family ski area can look forward to a bright future. We look forward to the commissioning of the reservoir this winter so that we are optimally positioned for the coming years."

Future-proof ski areas

Matthias Moosleitner is Managing Director of Bergbahnen Filzmoos GmbH, and his heart is in the region. "Therefore, it's important to me that the ski area is optimally prepared for the future. Without the reservoir at Rossbrand, continuing winter operations would no longer be possible," Moosleitner explains. Daniel Berchthaller, Managing Director of Reiteralm Bergbahnen, adds: "The new cable car will strengthen the tourist region and the Enns-Pongau region as a magnet for winter tourism, and above all, it will expand and improve the quality of the ski offerings for children and families."

Facts and figures about the Fageralmbahn

• Investment volume: around 12.5 million euros
• Capacity: 1,160 people per hour
• Difference in altitude: 810 meters
• Travel time: around twelve minutes
• Gondola cabins: 55

Facts and figures about the Rossbrand reservoir

• Investment volume: around 11.8 million euros
• Volume of 125,000 cubic meters
• Reservoir is located at around 1,600 meters above sea level
• Height of the dam crest is 14.5 meters
• Filling the pond takes around three months