Sooner or later it would happen and last Friday (21/7) it happened. The company that runs Gesundaberget filed for bankruptcy at Mora District Court. The last time the cable car ran was in the 20-21 season. Since then, nature has taken over. Weather and wind have worn down properties and equipment. And on the slopes, bushes and trees dominate. It has been too sad to see and hear about the decay.
Gesundaberget is a landmark for Sollerö parish, a source of pride for Gesunda and a tourist attraction for the entire Siljan region that surpasses most in terms of views, nature and activities. Gesundaberget has not only been known for “the best skiing outside the mountains.” It is also well known among cycling enthusiasts with its fast-paced and demanding mountain bike trails. And thermals that make it a paradise for paragliders. (just watch TV4's vignettes)
Now the mountain is for sale. A bankruptcy trustee has been appointed with the task of finding a new owner who can take over, invest and operate the facility. Mora municipality can review its lease agreement and contribute to a good new start.
The facility should be seen as a year-round facility for cycling and skiing. In many places in Sweden, cycling tourism is actually bigger than skiing tourism. Järvsö in Hälsingland is one example. Isaberg in Småland is another.
Cycling is easier to practice and significantly simpler and cheaper to operate. Independent of snow cannons and piste machines.
Getting Gesundaberget up and running again is a matter of concern for Mora Municipality. Now the municipality has the opportunity to make it easier to experience “the world’s best view of Lake Siljan,” offer alpine skiing for clubs, locals and visitors, and advanced trails for the growing sport of mountain biking. Inns and hostels already exist but of course need to be renovated. A new initiative will provide nice revenue for the tourism industry in the municipality, especially now in the current Homestay trend.
Sollerö parish association and Gesunda village association will actively follow the next steps in the development of Gesundaberget.
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