Ski Resort on Fichtelberg Passes Private Hands
Historic Fichtelberg ski area's swing track, a significant landmark, is offered for sale by Oberwiesenthal, along with the entire skiing facility.
June 25th, 2025, 11:39 AM
By our website SACHSEN
The largest alpine ski area in Saxony's Fichtelberg is being sold to the private investor, Glaess family. The town council of Oberwiesenthal reached this decision during a meeting on Tuesday evening, agreeing on a purchase price of 10.4 million euros.
Mayor Embraces Sale, Seeks Modernization
Oberwiesenthal's mayor, Jens Benedict (independent), welcomed the sale, hoping for a modernization of the ski area. The spa town can only secure limited funding for such improvements, making this move crucial for the region's future.
Former ski jumping Olympic champion and CDU councilor Jens Weißflog also supported the sale. However, the Left party criticized the decision before the sale. Saxon state parliamentarian Rico Gebhardt called it reckless to rely on a single family's investment, provocatively asking, "When will the Fichtelberg be renamed 'Glaessberg'?"
Audio: Saxony's Only Alpine Ski Area in Private Hands
[Link to the audio]
(Copyright: MITTELDEUTSCHER RUNDFUNK)
Construction Begins on Lift and New Family Adventure Trail
Investor and CEO Constantin Glaess stated that the need for new lifts is paramount. Two chairlifts have already been approved, one for the Himmelsleiter and the other for the main slope. The upcoming summer will see a family adventure trail with play areas and a marble run construction. The Himmelsleiter lift's construction will initiate first, with an estimated two-year period, allowing families to use the adventure trail as early as 2026. Despite several requests, Glaess has not disclosed the amount of investment.
Regarding the criticism regarding the Glaess family's considerable influence on the Fichtelberg, Glaess responded, "The state hasn't invested anything in the past 20 years either. There's no alternative. If we don't invest, resorts like the Fichtelberghaus and ski areas risk closure because they can no longer be operated without funding."
Accessibility
You can find an Easy-to-Read version of this news story here.
Audio: This Topic in the News from our website SACHSEN
[our website SACHSEN News | 24.06.2025 | 9:00 PM]
(our website SACHSEN - Das Sachsenradio)
More on the Topic
The ski resort of Oberwiesenthal has experienced a decline in visitors, but a private investor aims to bring a boost with modernized lift facilities.
[our website AKTUELL - Das Nachrichtenradio]
Saxony's Ski President Heiko Krause: "Create infrastructure to ensure WM-readiness"
For more information on this topic and developments in winter sports areas across Saxony, consult the following resources:
- Decision in county council: Erzgebirgskreis sells Fichtelberghaus
- Entrepreneurial family wants to invest millions in Fichtelberg
- Oberwiesenthal: Jens Weißflog supports sale of Fichtelberg cable car
- Oberwiesenthal city council appeals: Do not sell all areas on Fichtelberg
New Section: Further Reading
- With the recent sale, the Glaess family adds the Fichtelberg ski area to their existing properties, which include a hotel, a chairlift, and an all-weather toboggan run on the Fichtelberg. Our queried sources did not reveal much information directly pertaining to the Glaess family's history of investment in this ski area. To gain insights into their specific involvement and learn more about the Glaess family, research local business registries, historical records, and relevant economic development databases associated with Saxony’s tourism and ski infrastructure.
- The Glaess family, with their investment, aims to modernize the alpine ski area in Saxony's Fichtelberg, where the recent sale was finalized.
- Beyond their acquisition of the Fichtelberg ski area, the Glaess family also possesses a hotel, a chairlift, and an all-weather toboggan run on the Fichtelberg, hinting at their significant involvement in the region's tourism and ski infrastructure.
