On September 13, 2018, the Weisse Arena Group held its Annual General Meeting at La Fermata in Falera. With a total of 506 shareholders in attendance, 78% of all shareholders were present – more than ever before! Adrian Wolf, Head of Finance at the Weisse Arena Group, presented the figures for a successful financial year. This was followed by a presentation by Reto Gurtner, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, on the history, present, and future of a company that has always wanted more!
The 2017/2018 financial year was successfully concluded. Visitor numbers on the mountain – in summer and winter – and at Lake Cauma increased once again. Net sales amounted to CHF 86.4 million, which is 1.2 percent more than in 2016/17. At CHF 21.1 million, cash flow was five percent below the previous year's level, but is considered positive in relation to sales (24.5 percent). The Group's net profit amounted to CHF 2.1 million, compared with CHF 4.5 million in the previous year. In accordance with the shareholders' resolution, the retained earnings of CHF 20 million will be carried forward to the new account; CHF 2.2 million will be distributed from reserves.
In his presentation, Reto Gurtner outlined several plans by the Weisse Arena Group. Among other things, he discussed the first stage of the connection to Cassons. An information session for the municipality of Flims is scheduled for the fall, and a vote could take place in spring 2019. If this schedule can be adhered to, Gurtner believes it is conceivable that the cable car could be in place by 2021. He also explained a possible connection from the Vorab Glacier directly to Elm in just 35 minutes. However, this would require the connection from Laax to the Vorab Glacier to be renewed and the new route to be built directly over Crap Masegn. Falera could also get a new cable car: the plan is to move the valley station to the current parking lot location and build a 10-person gondola lift.
