Consorzio Funivia Leads Effort to Reactivate Prada and Novezza Ski Lifts
An expanded consortium led by the Consorzio Funivia di Malcesine, followed by the Province, the Chamber of Commerce, the Comunità Montana del Baldo, the Comunità del Garda, and municipalities from the inland and lakeside areas, is under consideration as a solution to address the issues concerning the Novezza and Costabella ski lifts in Prada, which are still closed at the start of the winter season. “We are studying the situation together with the Province and the Chamber of Commerce to find the most appropriate approach, and establishing a dedicated consortium for Prada and Novezza seems to be the most feasible,” explains Giuseppe Venturini, president of the Consorzio Funivia di Malcesine. “It is essential to reactivate both facilities, as they serve rural tourism and much of the lake area. The main obstacles are the costs of acquisition, which are estimated to be in the billions, and the investments needed for reactivation. A final plan might be ready by the end of the year, but bureaucratic delays are to be expected. The funding will need to be divided among involved entities, and the Comunità Montana is reportedly planning a request to the European Union. We hope 2001 brings good fortune to Monte Baldo.”
State and prospects of the Novezza and Costabella ski lifts
“Novezza is the more urgent issue to resolve, but we are also considering Costabella,” says Stefano Zaninelli, president of the Commissione Provinciale Trasporti e Turismo. “The plan is to develop a financial strategy for purchasing the two lifts. However, we expect that, for Novezza, the owner will at least open two of the ski lifts for this season. Keeping them closed another year would diminish their value.”
On the other hand, Flavio Zardini, co-owner of the Silmec company managing the ski lifts, has a different opinion: “We are not yet sure if the ski slopes will open this year. We sent a letter to the Municipality last week, and we are waiting to see their response.”
The issue with Novezza emerged several years ago during previous administrations, when Silmec requested the Municipality to transfer ownership of the mountain hut above the ski slopes. In exchange, the Zardinis had offered to build a service building and carry out maintenance work to improve the station. However, this route proved legally unfeasible because the Municipality cannot transfer its own assets in exchange for works that would ultimately benefit a private owner.
Unable to reach an agreement, the lifts have remained closed since last year. Officially, Silmec justified this decision by noting that the 30-year operating permits for two structures had expired, requiring a complete overhaul at costs that shareholders, given the situation, did not feel prepared to bear. Regarding Sit Costabella, declared bankrupt last year, an inventory of movable and immovable assets has been compiled, and by the end of the month, a valuation report should be filed with the court. Subsequently, the designated judge will decide on the method of sale to liquidate creditors. The most probable option would be a public auction.
Meanwhile, the closure of the two ski stations is impacting local tourism. This summer, operators in the San Zeno and Prada areas suffered from the absence of the cable car and chairlift that brought tourists to the summit of Baldo at 1850 meters. “The mountain huts have remained virtually isolated, and the number of visitors has decreased,” comments a hotel owner. “Elderly people and families with children cannot hike the trail from Prada to the Telegrafo or the Fiori of Baldo, which was once part of our mountain’s history. The biggest concern is that continuing shutdowns might cause people to lose interest and stop visiting this part of the mountain. This is beginning to affect local tourism adversely.”
Antonella Traina