Films, Switzerland — After rumors last year of an American takeover, the local municipalities of a large ski resort in Switzerland have come together to buy the infrastructure.
In September, it was announced that the municipalities of Flims, Laax, and Falera are finalizing a purchase of the infrastructure of the Weisse Arena Bergbahnen AG. The nearly $100 million CHF ($123.83 million) transaction includes the lifts, buildings, and snowmaking infrastructure of Films Laax (also known as Films-Laax-Falera). This was made possible by the municipalities’ voters, who overwhelmingly approved the acquisition of the ski resort in October. According to Swiss Info, the transaction is expected to be finalized in the months ahead.
Why Did They Buy The Ski Resort?
Locals were concerned about a corporate takeover from across the pond. In 2024, Blick reported that Vail Resorts was in talks to acquire Laax. These negotiations reportedly lasted over a year. To keep it out of foreign investors’ hands, the municipalities moved forward with buying the infrastructure.
Risks To Municipal Ownership
There are risks to a pricey transaction like this. Debt is expected to be taken on for this transaction, and its recent EBITDA (24%) isn’t sufficient to support consistent funding. This means that taxpayers will be footing part of the bill, potentially around CHF 120 million ($148.57 million USD). However, a benefit of the purchase will be a discounted pass for locals.
It’s a similar risk the Town of Nederland faces in its plan to purchase Eldora (although taxpayers won’t be on the hook for that transaction), so we’ll see if local government ownership is the right ownership structure for Films Laax Falera.
Image/Video Credits: Jörg Angeli, Films Laax
