DAMÜLS – MELLAU JOIN FORCES

In the summer of 2008 construction started to lift-link the two ski areas of Damüls and Mellau. In the 2009/10 winter season skiers will have even more slopes to choose from!

The first steps were taken in the 2007/08 winter season with the construction of the 6-seater chairlifts to Elsenkopf and Hohe Wacht in Damüls. Thanks to the perseverance and commitment of the Damüls Lift Company, construction of the 8-seater cable car to the peak was started as early as spring 2009. These three feeder ski lifts cost a total of Euro 23 million, of which 60% are financed by the Damüls Lift Company and 40% by the Mellau Lift Company.

The construction of the Ragaz 6-person chairlift is the last step in this project to link Damüls and Mellau. For this last phase Damüls has to invest another Euro 6 million. The chairlift is scheduled to be finished in the 2010/11 winter season, and will give access to an additional 10 kilometers of slopes. The entire investment volume for this project, which includes the ski lifts, the Uga reservoir and new snow-making facilities, will reach Euro 22 millions. In times like these, with the economy down, this investment is a strong impulse for Vorarlberg.

20 years have passed between the first inquiries and the final approval to link the two resorts. Two development studies plus four feasibility and environmental studies of over 400 pages were required in order to get the permit. It took a lot of visionary people, volunteered time and commitment to make this project happen and create a first-class ski area for both, locals and guests.