All three municipalities are clearly behind the takeover of the infrastructure on the mountain
The takeover of the tourist infrastructure on the Weißen Arena mountain by the three municipalities of Flims, Laax and Falera comes about. In Flims, too, with 85.48 percent, the voters said very clearly YES to a corresponding turnout. The community-owned Finanz Infra AG will now take over the railways, lifts, buildings and pipeline networks on the mountain from Weißen Arena Bergbahnen AG. The White Arena will then lease and continue to operate it.
Joint media release by the municipalities of Flims, Laax and Falera with the Weisse Arena Group dated October 26, 2025
More than two thirds of all voters went to the polls in Flims and, with more than 85 percent, said YES to a loan of two million francs. At the community meetings in Falera and Laax, approval was even higher at over 93 percent. Weisse Arena Bergbahnen AG will now sell its mountain infrastructure to Finanz Infra AG, lease it back as a “sale and leaseback” and continue to operate it for at least 30 years.
Two thirds of Finanz Infra AG are now owned by the three municipalities, but are now completely taken over by them. “The results in all three municipalities are a huge pleasure!” , says Christoph Schmidt, mayor of Flims. “The project was discussed controversial and brought a great number of voters to municipal meetings and to the polls. It has now been adopted with clarity that leaves no questions unanswered. The further development of our tourism requires cooperation between the public sector, companies and the population.”
Franz Gschwend, president of Laax, is very pleased: “The significant results are a clear vote of confidence in the work of those responsible for the project and the three municipal boards. Together with the Weisse Arena Group, the municipalities have negotiated a balanced deal, which has now received very clear approval. At the same time, however, the Weisse Arena Group has also received a vote of confidence: It has been working with the region as a fair partner for decades.”
Young voters have got involved
“I am overwhelmed that there is such a high level of support and that so many younger voters have committed themselves to the project,” says Norbert Good, the mayor of Falera. “The boys were already very present at the two community meetings in Falera and Laax and have now also voted in favour of the project at the ballot in Flims. It is an important development step for future generations.”
For Reto Gurtner, President and Delegate of the Board of Directors of the White Arena Group, the result is also a great satisfaction: “The White Arena has made a large part of the region's prosperity possible and today provides more than two thirds of the tourist jobs in the destination. This success story was only possible because our company and the communities have worked together in partnership for more than half a century. The bundling of infrastructure in the local Finanz Infra AG is a further step in this cooperation.”
Adrian Wolf, who pushed the project forward as project manager, is also relieved: “20 years ago, the municipalities and the White Arena broke new ground with the founding of Finanz Infra AG. The model works very successfully and has been copied several times. With the approval of the three municipalities, we can now expand the successful model from snow-making systems to the entire infrastructure on the mountain. I am convinced that this step will also set an example for other destinations in the Alps.”
As Communications Officer, Christian Gartmann supported the municipalities of Flims, Laax and Falera and the Weisse Arena Group with regard to the referendums. He prepared presentation material and background information, wrote media releases and conducted two media orientations, in which up to 20 editorial offices took part.