Riezlern, June 26, 2017: The OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN have been undergoing a sustained process of change for over two years: starting with the establishment of the ski lift company on the left bank of the Breitach, the initiated investment process with a complete redevelopment of the Ifen's railway technology and gastronomy, and culminating in the new brand identity. "Our realignment is the foundation for further tourism development. But behind it all are the people, our management, and our employees. They are facing this process of change in addition to their daily work. We are therefore very pleased that, despite all the company-wide changes, Kleinwalsertaler Bergbahn AG has managed to increase its pre-tax profit compared to the previous year," explains Michael Lucke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kleinwalsertaler Bergbahn AG, the figures from the 2015/2016 Annual Report.

Positive development benefits from weather and good bookings

The 2015/2016 financial year was very positive for Kleinwalsertaler Bergbahn AG. Past investments, such as the significantly improved valley run, are having a very positive impact. Despite a late onset of winter, the modern snowmaking systems at Kanzelwand and Fellhorn enabled a timely start to the winter season. Supported by longer periods of good weather in the winter and good bookings in the summer – both in the valley and in Oberstdorf – passenger numbers on the Kanzelwandbahn alone increased by 9.6%. "Sales at the Kanzelwand increased by 4.5% compared to the previous year. The company's total sales revenue in the 2015/2016 fiscal year amounted to approximately €7.4 million. Earnings before taxes amounted to €1,082,000, approximately €300,000 higher than the previous year," explains CEO Augustin Kröll, highlighting the key figures from the annual report. However, a comparison of passenger and sales figures with the previous year is not permitted. With the establishment of Skiliftgesellschaft links der Breitach GmbH & Co KG, the sales and income from the operation of the Ifen and Walmendingerhorn will be included in the balance sheet of the new company.

Partnership links der Breitach: A model for success

In keeping with the motto "What belongs together grows together," CEO Andreas Gapp draws a very positive initial assessment of the collaboration between Kleinwalsertaler Bergbahn AG and the Haller family. "The merger completed in the 2015/2016 financial year lays the foundation for the sustainable development of the mountain railway offerings in Kleinwalsertal, as we are currently experiencing at Ifen. This new unit also creates a new overall experience for guests: one brand perception, one ticket, one company as a partner. For me, this merger is a true success story – for the mountain railways as well as for Kleinwalsertal," explains Gapp.

New Ifen Construction Almost on Schedule

With the construction of the Olympiabahn cable car and the snowmaking system in summer 2016, the first step towards a new skiing experience was created at Ifen. With a travel speed of 6 m/s, local skiers and guests alike enjoy Vorarlberg's fastest chairlift. The winter passenger numbers on the Olympiabahn cable car prove that it has struck a chord with skiers. This summer, what is probably the slowest lift, with a travel speed of 1.8 m/s, will have to make way for a modern two-section lift system. The restaurant at the mountain station will also shine in new splendor and boast a new dining concept. "In terms of size and complexity, the construction site surpasses anything I've ever done before. The entire team is working diligently to implement the project," explains board member Augustin Kröll.

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For further information:

Jörn Homburg
Public Relations

Fellhornbahn GmbH, Faistenoy 10, D-87561 Oberstdorf

Nebelhornbahn-AG, Nebelhornstraße 67, D-87561 Oberstdorf

Kleinwalsertaler Bergbahn AG, Walserstraße 77, A-6991 Riezlern

Skiliftgesellschaft links der Breitach GmbH & Co KG,

Walserstr. 77, A-6991 Riezlern

Email j.homburg@ok-bergbahnen.com
Telephone (D): +49 (0) 8322 / 9600-3310
(A): +43 (0) 5517 / 5274-3310