Change of management at the Planai-Hochwurzen

Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen GmbH has seen a change in management: Peter Weichbold has taken over as Managing Director from Georg Bliem, who is handing over the reins after many successful years. Following a multi-stage selection process and hearings, the decision to appoint Peter Weichbold as the new Managing Director was made in September 2025. He officially assumed the role in February, and there will be a three-month transition period until the end of April.

Georg Bliem took over as managing director in 2012 during a challenging period surrounding preparations for the 2013 Alpine Ski World Championships. In the following years, he significantly shaped the development of the Planai-Hochwurzen cable cars. Between 2012 and 2025, approximately €210 million was invested in infrastructure, quality, and new services, positioning Planai as one of Austria's leading cable car companies.

“The Planai-Hochwurzen cable cars have always been a passion project for me. Crucial to their success was the strong team that enabled the company to be consistently developed further. I am convinced that Peter Weichbold will continue this path with competence and innovative strength,” said Georg Bliem.

“I look back with great respect on Georg Bliem’s many years of successful service as Managing Director of the Planai-Hochwurzen cable cars. Since 2012, he has led the company with great dedication and expertise, positioning one of Styria’s leading companies for a sustainable future. In numerous personal conversations, meetings, and events, I have greatly appreciated his calm, objective, and forward-looking approach. He has provided innovative and economic impetus for the Schladming-Dachstein region and beyond. I sincerely thank Georg Bliem for his work and hope that he will continue to offer his advice to Styrian tourism in the future. I am confident that his successor, the experienced cable car operator Peter Weichbold, will continue the successful path already taken by the Planai-Hochwurzen cable cars,” said Governor Mario Kunasek.

Peter Weichbold, a long-time associate and proven industry expert, is taking over as Managing Director. He has been with Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen since 2004 and has been responsible for Finance and Controlling from the outset. In 2011, he also assumed the role of Managing Director of Galsterbergalm Bahnen GmbH & Co KG. Since 2019, Peter Weichbold has held sole power of attorney for Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen and knows the company and the region inside and out. "With the decision to appoint Peter Weichbold as the new Managing Director, we are consciously opting for sustainable continuity from within the region," said Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Michael Krainer.

“I sincerely thank Georg Bliem for his work and foresight over the past years. What has been built during this time is a great strength and, at the same time, a great opportunity for the company. It opens up scope for action, enabling us to act proactively and actively shape developments. My goal is to build on this solid foundation, preserve what has proven successful, and introduce new initiatives where they are sensible and forward-looking. I am very much looking forward to this shared journey and to what lies ahead,” explains Peter Weichbold.

The Planai-Hochwurzen cable cars are among the largest cable car companies in Austria and a significant economic driver for the region. With over 430 employees in winter and millions of visitors annually, they