Glarus cantonal council approves a contribution to the "Futuro" project of Sportbahnen Elm AG.

The district council has approved a contribution to the "Futuro" project of Sportbahnen Elm AG as part of the public co-financing of core tourism infrastructure.

The continued existence of the ski lifts in Elm is currently at risk. Fundamental measures are needed to preserve the winter sports area and ensure its attractiveness in the summer as well. This is important on several levels for Elm and the Sernftal valley, for Glarus Süd, and for the entire Glarus region.

The development of the Elm ski area on the Schabell mountain for tourism, as well as the use of the Alp Wichlen as a tank training ground, brought economic growth to Elm. This also involved the construction of the bypass road and the development of agricultural properties.

Today, the Elm ski resort, with its numerous ski lifts and trails, provides over 130 jobs during the winter season. However, declining revenues due to winters with little snow are negatively impacting the shoulder seasons. The board of directors is planning investments in energy-efficient snowmaking systems to better market these periods.

For a mountain destination today, it is essential to consider both winter and summer operations. The share of summer revenue in total revenue is trending upwards. The area boasts a total of 50 kilometers of hiking trails, bike routes, attractive activities such as the Giant Forest Adventure Trail, scooter and mountain cart rides, and the Ämpächli children's paradise. The Sardona Tectonic Arena, with its view of the famous Martinsloch (Martin's Hole), is also a popular destination in the summer.

The resolution includes the following points:

• A conditionally repayable contribution of 10 million Swiss francs will be granted to the «Futuro» project of Sportbahnen Elm AG.

• The contribution will be made to a newly founded subsidiary of Sportbahnen Elm AG.

• The conditionally refundable contribution is reduced annually by 5 percent of the total amount, with April 30th serving as the cut-off date each year. The contribution will be reduced for the first time on April 30, 2028.

The obligation to repay the remaining amount is triggered when:

• Sportbahnen Elm AG permanently ceases its operational activities;

• the Sportbahnen Elm AG or its newly founded subsidiary violates the contract regarding the payment of the conditionally repayable contribution.

To secure the conditional repayment obligation, Sportbahnen Elm AG is to be obliged to pledge 80 percent of the shares of its newly founded subsidiary to the Canton of Glarus and 20 percent of the shares of its newly founded subsidiary to the municipality of Glarus Süd.

The government council is obliged to commission a specialized lawyer to draft the contract for the granting of a conditionally repayable contribution and any other necessary contracts.

The decision is made subject to the condition that the financial participation of the municipality of Glarus Süd in the project amounting to 2.5 million Swiss francs and the external financing necessary for the realization of the "Futuro" project are secured;

Klaus Jenny has formally committed that his previous financial commitment to Sportbahnen Elm AG and its newly founded subsidiary will be continued under the existing conditions for at least five years after his death;

• The contributions will only be paid out after all necessary contracts have been concluded.

• A supplementary credit of 10 million francs will be granted for the 2026 budget.

The government council is tasked with the implementation.

The Elm ski lifts generate 85 to 90 percent of their total revenue during the winter season. Elm is well-known as a winter sports resort, particularly outside the canton. This reputation is due not only to the skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and winter hiking opportunities on the mountain, but also to the skiing successes of Vreni Schneider and the siblings Jürg, Tobias, and Corina Grünenfelder. Winter and snow sports remain a key part of Elm's future tourism strategy, extending well beyond 2030.

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