In December 2019, the new Schrattenwang 6-seater chairlift officially opened. Now, this first successful step in the quality initiative is set to be followed by the next. In order to make the best possible use of the time during the coronavirus crisis, the local cable cars have brought forward the construction of the new Söllereckbahn cable car by two months. With the early start of construction, work is expected to be completed in time for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

Special drive and vision for the region
The decision to start construction early is particularly pleasing to the regional construction companies, who are happy about the contracts. "We are very pleased that the cable cars are relying on us as a local construction company and are thinking about regional economics. This encourages us and makes us optimistic for the future," says Gerd-Heinz Buchelt of the Allgäu Landscape Conservation Association. The early reconstruction of the Söllereckbahn cable car is also supported by the Bavarian state government. "Tourism is an important and supporting economic pillar for Bavaria – and this obviously includes the mountain railways. Only if they invest in modernization and an attractive offering will guests continue to come after the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, the Free State of Bavaria is supporting the mountain railways' project, as it will have a lasting impact on the economy," says Alexander Hold, Vice President of the Bavarian State Parliament, supporting the construction work on the Söllereck.

Using the time wisely
By 2022, the Söllereck is to be gradually transformed into the most modern year-round family mountain in the Allgäu. With the start of construction of the Söllereckbahn cable car in April, the mountain railways are taking a big step closer to this plan. "I believe in the attractiveness of the Söllereck and am convinced that it is necessary to make the best possible use of the time now. This drive on the part of the mountain railways demonstrates their strong will to make the best of the situation and, at the same time, sustainably strengthen the entire region," says Uwe Behr, who, as a major private shareholder in Oberstdorf Bergbahn-AG, has also contributed his own capital to the project.

Forward-looking action
Especially now, during the crisis, the OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN are once again committed to their vision of the Söllereck: "We believe in tourism and the post-coronavirus era, which is why we are prepared to invest in the future, even in the current situation. We are taking advantage of the time imposed by the official closure and prioritizing infrastructure improvements – because now we have the opportunity to build without restrictions for guests and locals," says Henrik Volpert, CEO of OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN. "The Söllereck offers a lot of variety for families. This great potential will now be further optimized by the cable cars. We are curious to see how the restrictions for our region develop – but with the investments made by the cable cars, we can already look forward to the opportunities in the mountains after COVID-19," says Mayor and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Laurent O. Mies.

If there are any relaxations for outdoor leisure activities and mountain railway operations, this will mean, conversely, restrictions on the operation of Söllis Kugelrennen and the Schönblickweg at Söllereck for the 2020 summer season. However, house guests and groups have the option of using a shuttle service between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to Schönblick, the climbing forest or the Berghaus am Söller with advance registration. These can also be reached via the Freibergsee and Hochleite hiking trails. The Allgäu Coaster and the climbing forest will return to normal operation with official permission.

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