EUR25,000 Reward Offered for Sabotage of Bavarian Ski Lift

Oberstdorf, Bavaria - A shocking incident unfolded in the Oberstdorf/Kleinwalsertal ski area, affecting approximately 2,000 skiers in both Bavaria and Austria. On Sunday morning, the Söllereckbahn, a vital ski lift, failed to operate at its scheduled opening time of 8:30 AM, amidst ideal skiing conditions. Soon, it was revealed that the lift had been sabotaged.

Eyewitnesses reported that the ski area came to a standstill as technicians worked to diagnose the problem. It was found that an individual had tampered with the lift's critical electronic infrastructure, which serves about 380,000 guests annually. The disruption left many skiers waiting at the base of the mountain while technicians scrambled to locate and fix the issue. The lift was back in service by 9:45 AM after repairs were made and a safety check was conducted.

According to Henrik Volpert, the head of the ski lift company, the perpetrator climbed a support structure, broke into an electrical box, and damaged cables and circuit boards. While some visitors were frustrated by the delays, many expressed understanding toward the situation. However, a significant number of guests chose to leave the queue in irritation.

The ski lift operators extended their apologies for the disruption and are increasing security measures in light of this incident. This sabotage is part of a troubling trend, as the ski resort has faced repeated acts of vandalism in recent years, including punctured tires, damaged power generators, and defaced parking machines. Incidents of hostility towards employees have also been reported, with staff members subjected to verbal abuse and even physical spitting.

In one notable case from 2024, a young man in his twenties was sentenced to a suspended prison term for similar acts of vandalism, which included a defamatory smear against a ski lift employee. Law enforcement has publicly clarified that the claims made by the perpetrator were false.

In response to this recent sabotage, Volpert has called upon local authorities and law enforcement to expedite the identification and apprehension of the responsible party. In a bid to encourage tips from the public, a reward of EUR25,000 has been announced for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible for this incident. Volpert emphasized the seriousness of these vandalism acts, noting their potential to harm the region's reputation and the safety of both guests and staff.

The ski lift operator's urgent plea reflects a deep concern for the well-being of their visitors, who have their vacations significantly affected by such reckless actions. The unsettling possibility of injury resulting from such sabotage weighs heavily on the management as they strive to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all.