The southerly Swiss ski centre of San Bernardino has begun operating again after more than a decade out of action.
The re-opening of the ski resort is thanks to investor Stefano Artioli who reportedly plans to invest CHF300 million ($360 million) under the business name San Bernardino Swiss Alps, working with the local the Moesano Tourist Board and the Municipality of Mesocco.
Known as the Confin ski area, San Bernardino's slopes last fully operated in 2012, with only a few nursery slopes operating in the village in the interim. Now re-christened the San Bernardino Sport Arena, Mr Artioli's company is working to renovate the old lifts and bring them back into service, with the longer term view of replacing them with newer models.
Initially a gondola lift, a chairlift and a ski lift have been brought back to life, with the new operator intending to get at least two more of the centre's dozen mothballed lifts ready to operate before the season start in December 2024. The centre has 45km of slopes reaching up to 2515m and a strong snowfall record, but its not clear how many of these slopes will be open this winter.
Mr Artioli says his aim is to turn San Bernardino into a top year-round mountain resort, with a five-star hotel, public spa and wellness area. In addition, several existing hotels are being renovated and reopened.
