Obereggen turns 50 - Happy birthday to us!
A sleepy mountain village in the mountains, just a few visitors in summer, and a handful of young men with a vision – the history of Obereggen is one shaped by ambition, innovation, solidarity and responsibility. This year the resort is celebrating its 50th birthday. Time for a look back!
The eleven founders of Obereggen AG, the company behind the resort, were initially ridiculed for their plans – some were even called megalomaniacs, but remained were determined to make their vision of a ski resort in the Val d’Ega a reality. In 1972 the first lift opened – and was an immediate success. It was followed by further lifts in 1975 and 1977, leading to an increase in the number of visitors and an upswing in the local economy. The resort provided much-needed work for many young people who, until the 1970s, had been forced to leave the valley in search of employment. The new ski area at the foot in the Latemar mountains made Val d’Ega a popular destination for guests in both winter and, increasingly, also in summer.
Fine views and untouched nature
The resort continued to develop, including the introduction of snow-making technology from 1980. Again and again, Obereggen proved itself to be a pioneer in the field of lifts and cable cars. In 1985 it became the first resort in Italy to install an automatic four-person chairlift, followed in 1987 by the country’s first fix-clamped four-person chairlift and in 1990 by the first conveyor-belt lift.
Today Obereggen is known throughout the region and beyond for its perfectly groomed pistes, snowsure conditions and beautiful winter walking trails. Each year in December the Maierl piste hosts Europa Cup races drawing spectators from near and far.
Obereggen‘s accommodation capacity has grown from just 20 beds 50 years ago to over 20 hotels and guesthouses with around 850 beds in total. Yet, despite this growth, Obereggen has managed to retain is original charm and beauty. The local population still holds a deep respect for the nature of Val d‘Ega and is determined to protect these natural treasures going forward so future generations can also enjoy the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the imposing Latemar mountains.
