Canton of Ticino helps its ski resorts

The five ski resorts of Airolo, Bosco Gurin, Carì, Nara and Campo Blenio in the canton of Ticino are receiving another government subsidy of 4.5 million Swiss francs (approx. 3 million euros). The decision was made by the parliament of the canton of Ticino, although around a quarter of the representatives opposed the financial aid. The subsidy was made conditional on the money being used exclusively for the maintenance and upkeep of the lifts and cable cars at the ski resorts of Airolo, Bosco Gurin, Carì, Nara and Campo Blenio.

The lifts and cable cars were built back in the 1970s and have cost Ticino around 70 million Swiss francs (46 million euros) since then, which is why subsidies for the aforementioned ski resorts in the Swiss Alps were actually supposed to be paid for the last time last year. The representatives have changed their minds mainly because of the condition that only maintenance and upkeep costs will now be covered. Nevertheless, the Green and Leva parliamentarians in Ticino could not be persuaded to agree.

In Airolo and Carì, however, the future of the ski resorts there remains in the balance even after Ticino's financial commitment. The companies operating the lifts and cable cars in Airolo and Carì are reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy. The season is due to start at all five ski resorts by Christmas at the latest; otherwise, the government subsidies will be frozen and not paid out. The ski resorts face fewer problems with the hotels in Ticino, which are up to date in terms of facilities and service and are already looking forward to the start of the ski season.