Valais municipality of Evolene is temporarily saving its ski lifts with 1.8 million Swiss francs.

The residents of the Swiss municipality of Evolène in Valais have approved a municipal rescue package of 1.8 million Swiss francs for the Télé-Evolène mountain railway company. With a voter turnout of 78%, 63% of those who voted supported the funding.

This averts the company's imminent bankruptcy for the time being. At the same time, the operation of the ski lifts is secured for the next two winter seasons. However, Télé-Evolène must conclude a court-supervised debt restructuring agreement by December 4th to prevent insolvency.

Economic difficulties persist

The company's financial situation remains strained. Despite municipal support of 700,000 Swiss francs in 2025, Télé-Evolène closed the fiscal year with a loss of more than 250,000 Swiss francs. The company has been posting losses for several years.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing criminal proceedings: A former member of the board of directors is suspected of embezzling approximately 545,000 Swiss francs over several years. The investigation is still ongoing.

The 1.8 million francs now approved primarily buy the company time. They do not yet solve the structural economic problems.

• Planned investments of approximately 8 million Swiss francs

• Télé-Evolène presented an investment project this summer with a volume of approximately 8 million Swiss francs. It comprises two main measures:

• Replacement of the feeder chairlift with a gondola lift to modernize the facility and improve its use in summer.

• Renovation of the mountain restaurant to enhance the tourist offerings.

• The gondola lift is intended not only to support winter operations but also to attract hikers and day-trippers. This should allow the region to benefit more from summer and year-round tourism.

The municipality has not yet approved this investment project. It is demanding further development of the project regarding technology, financing, and organization.

A joint strategy for three ski resorts

Another goal of the municipality is closer cooperation between the three ski resorts within the Espace Dent-Blanche network: Evolène, Arolla, La Forclaz.

A joint strategy is to be developed by the end of 2028. The municipality intends to link future municipal subsidies to the active participation of the operating companies in this cooperation process.

The challenge lies in preserving the small, independent ski resorts with their unique character while simultaneously modernizing their sometimes outdated facilities. Since the three ski resorts are not directly connected, this primarily involves organizational and economic cooperation.

Additional impetus for tourism

At the same time, there is private investment in Evolène. Swiss entrepreneur Ernest Zaugg is having historic buildings in the village restored and converted for tourism. Under the name "Le Rucher d'Evolène," the project will include holiday accommodations, a boutique hotel, a restaurant, shops, and cultural facilities. The aim is to preserve the historic character of the village and boost tourism throughout the year.

Details on Télé-Evolène infrastructure projects https://projet-tele-evolene.ch/