Beckenried-Emmetten: A new beginning

13/August/2026

The Beckenried-Emmetten AG mountain railway company is at a strategic turning point. The planned projects will make the Klewenalp-Stockhütte more attractive and competitive, improve added value, and reduce external risks.

Beckenried-Emmetten AG mountain railways have undergone targeted organizational and operational development in recent years. Today, the company presents itself as a stable, professionally structured organization with a clear strategic direction. Based on this foundation, management is pursuing consistent further development.

With efficient snowmaking, a modern connection between Stockhütte and Klewenalp, and new attractive accommodation options and a restaurant, we are promoting a vibrant experience area.

Securing competitiveness

Tourist destinations that fail to invest in development risk losing guests to more innovative destinations. Experience shows that a lack of good restaurants and accommodation options can lead to a decline in attractiveness and fewer visitors in the long run.

Solid financing across multiple pillars

The projects undertaken by BBE AG – snowmaking (CHF 13.3 million), expansion of the snow groomer depot (CHF 1.8 million), and a chairlift (CHF 10.5 million) – cost a total of approximately CHF 25.6 million. They are financed through a share capital increase, the company's own funds, contributions from patrons, and debt financing from municipalities, corporations, banks, private individuals, and the canton within the framework of the federal government's New Regional Policy (NRP). According to the plan, the debt financing will be reduced from CHF 18 million (2028) to CHF 3 million by 2043.

Technical snowmaking – the core of the investments

This investment has an immediate risk-reducing and stabilizing effect on the revenue base. Artificial snowmaking is the central foundation for the future economic stability of the destination. Winter is and will remain the financial backbone of the business.

Winter tourism accounts for roughly 65 percent of our business. It is therefore the foundation of BBE AG – and thus a central pillar for hotels, restaurants, ski schools, and businesses in Beckenried, Emmetten, and the surrounding region. This very pillar is increasingly threatened by climate change. For the long-term and sustainable survival of BBE AG, 100 days of ski operations are essential.

Reducing the "Winter" Risk:

Artificial snowmaking secures the economic future of the mountain railway. It not only reduces the financial concentration risk of "winter" but also the dependence on natural snowfall. The meteorological conditions (cold) for a 3-day snow cover of the designated area on the Klewenalp have always been easily met over the past 20 years.

Creating planning certainty:

Artificial snowmaking is not a luxury, but rather insurance against the weather. It ensures that ski operations start on time and remain open even during milder periods. This creates planning certainty – for guests and for all businesses that depend on reliable seasons.

Only 3 days for snowmaking.

Important to know: The goal is not to produce snow continuously throughout the winter. The aim is a solid snow base at the start of the season – the so-called snowmaking. Three days with the right temperatures are sufficient for the planned 200,000 square meters. Modern snowmaking systems can produce snow even at minus two degrees Celsius, and meteorological data from the last 20 years clearly shows that such conditions occur regularly and reliably on the Klewenalp (1600 to 2000 meters above sea level). Furthermore, artificial snow is denser and more robust than natural snow – it lasts longer, even during warmer periods.

The snowmaking system does not "consume" the water.

The main slopes Klewenboden, Ergglen, Junior, and Klewenstock, along with the new training slope and the connecting path to the Ängi Valley, are covered with artificial snow. The water comes from the "Napf" balancing reservoir, which is fed by the Lielibach, Mühlebach, and Ischenstollen streams. The system does not consume the water – in spring, the snow melts and flows back into the natural water cycle.

Timeline / Milestones:

Submit building application to the municipality of Beckenried: Q2 2026;
Secure financing: Q4 2026
; Approval (forecast): Q4 2026;
Planned start of construction: Q2 2027;
Commissioning of partial area: Q4 2027

Investments

CHF 13.3 million - Technical snowmaking (Klewenalp)
CHF 1.8 million - Expansion of vehicle and infrastructure hall (Klewenalp)
Chairlift – for the cohesion of two sub-areas

Basis for a consistently attractive experiential space

The facility lays the foundation for a modern, efficient, and year-round usable infrastructure. The connection between Stockhütte, Twäregg, and Ängi is crucial for a cohesive ski and adventure area and directs guests to the entire range of offerings.

Modernization with the potential for year-round use:

The Emmetten-Stockhütte gondola lift serves as a central access point, distributing arrivals across the entire ski and hiking area along two routes, thus preventing bottlenecks at the Beckenried cable car. The lift increases capacity, reduces waiting times, and replaces two ski lifts. A chairlift ensures a continuous, attractive experience and simultaneously forms the basis for potential year-round use (e.g., for bikers and hikers).

Timeline / Milestones

Feasibility study (Garaventa): Q3.2026
Securing financing: Q4.2026
Preliminary project with technical concept: Q4.2026
Submission of building permit application: Q2.2027
Construction start: Q2.2028

Investment

CHF 10.5 million - Chairlift (Stockhütte-Twäregg-Ängi)
Food, drink, accommodation – a project with a magnetic pull

Those who stay longer experience more

The secured financing of this project will provide a concrete and visible boost to the development of the entire destination. New and attractive hospitality infrastructure will include a Wikkelhouse Village with 13 units and 52 beds, twelve holiday apartments with 40 beds, a sports shop, a bistro, and a modular restaurant with 80 to 100 seats.

Increasing attractiveness and added value:

The modern and unique Wikkel houses and the apartments designed for tourist use appeal to new target groups and enhance the quality and length of stay. Contemporary infrastructure contributes to strengthening both winter and summer tourism in the region. The destination becomes more attractive for families, groups, and individual travelers.

New offers, new guests.

The attractive infrastructure forms the basis for numerous new, contemporary experiences such as themed, nature-based, culinary, and family-oriented activities, and many others. This will also attract new guests to Klewenalp, such as tour groups, companies, wedding parties, seminars, etc.

Timeline / Milestones