Ski Lift for the Next Generation: Snowmaking Project at Pfannilift Stalls

The small Pfannilift in Neuhaus am Schliersee is supposed to stay open for the next generation of skiers even in low-snow winters – but the planned snowmaking project is not moving forward. While ownership of the lift has been clarified, key questions about the construction, operation and financing of the snowmaking system remain unresolved.

Ownership clarified – project stalled

After months of uncertainty, the legal situation at Pfannilift is now clear: the lift belongs to the Maier family. Both the municipality and potential landowners who might have asserted claims have rejected any such claims, helping to resolve the issue.

Despite this clarity, the planned snowmaking project has stalled. A working group involving two ski clubs has been driving the initiative. According to Martina Pomper, chair of the Schliersee Ski Club, funding does not appear to be the main problem: several supporters, including a generous donor, have pledged their help.

Who builds, who operates – and who bears the risk?

The delays are primarily due to organisational and economic issues. It remains unclear who will construct and operate the snowmaking system and acquire the necessary expertise – particularly in handling the snow groomer. Above all, the question of who will bear the financial risks remains unanswered.

All parties agree that lift ticket prices should remain low. Pfannilift primarily serves beginners and families, many of whom come precisely because of the affordable prices. Depending on the winter season, energy costs for snow production can be substantial.

A comparison with nearby Bayrischzell illustrates the scale: there, operations are only economically viable in a genuinely good season and usually run at a loss. Deficits can quickly reach €30,000, as Mayor Kittenainer (CSU) reported at a public meeting last year. Such a risk cannot be imposed on the Maier family, and they will not accept it, is the prevailing view. Moreover, investing donation funds into a commercial enterprise is not legally straightforward.

Bayrischzell model: municipality as operator

After a larger-group meeting before the summer holidays, a certain degree of disillusionment is palpable. However, Mayor Florian Reinaler (U) has not given up. “We will seek dialogue with Bayrischzell and inform ourselves about the model at Tannerfeld,” he explains.

In Bayrischzell, the slope on the edge of town is operated exclusively by the municipality, which also covers any deficits. Operations are handled by municipal employees, with support from the Hotel Das Bayrischzell when needed. The last season went well, reports Sigrid Stadler, Maier’s deputy mayor and managing director of the Bayrischzell mountain lifts. This was also due to improved snowmaking: the slope has been serviced by two efficient snow cannons since last winter.

Technical hurdles: cooling tower and water temperature

In addition to financial and organisational questions, there are also technical challenges. Besides the snowmaking machines, a cooling tower would also be necessary at Pfannilift. Reason: the water from the drinking water lines, from where it is supposed to come, is around 10 degrees Celsius – too warm for efficient snow production.

“Water for snowmaking should not be warmer than one or two degrees,” says Stadler. Good conditions for snowmaking exist at air temperatures of minus three degrees Celsius and below. A cooling tower would bring the water to the required temperature, but represents an additional investment and another operational factor.

“Better less area, but done properly”

What the interest group in Schliersee can already recommend regarding snowmaking is clear prioritisation: “Better less area, but done properly.” Instead of a large-scale system that only partially functions, a smaller but technically optimal solution could be more sensible.

Lift operator Günther Maier, who will soon turn 82, notes: “There are still many unresolved points.” Nevertheless, the commitment to preserving Pfannilift for the next generation of skiers remains unbroken. “I will continue,” says Maier. Should he himself be unable to operate it in the future, his family would step in.

A regional symbol in the climate era

Pfannilift is a small but important building block for the next generation of skiers in the Schliersee region. In a winter where many smaller lifts in the Alps are under pressure due to low-snow conditions and rising costs, the project exemplifies the challenges faced by many family-run ski operations.

While larger resorts like Arosa are making multi-million-euro investments in new lifts and expanded snowmaking systems, small operations like Pfannilift are grappling with fundamental questions about financing, operation and technical feasibility. The solution may lie in the Bayrischzell model – where the municipality acts as operator and covers deficits from the municipal budget.

Until then, Pfannilift remains a symbol of the determination to promote the next generation of skiers even in low-snow winters – and of the real limits that small operations in the Alpine region are increasingly feeling.