Germany: Snow Dome Bispingen to Reopen Soon

Lower-Saxony, Germany’s Snow Dome Bispingen had to stop operations and close due to urgently required renovation works at the end of March (we reported on this in EAP issue 3/2013). First discussions about the creation of a cost evaluation for the renovation of the facility between the management and the operator as well as political representatives left room for hope. The worst appears to have passed: Following an intensive conception phase, the owners of the indoor ski dome now decided to reopen the facility in autumn/winter 2013 under the leadership of José Fernandes. The new concept includes new opening hours, the installation of a new and more efficient cooling system and a corresponding improved snow quality as well as the generation of electricity through the use of a small combined heat and power unit. Furthermore, the lifts of the hall have been dismantled and are being renovated now with the support of the Doppelmayr company. In addition to this, plans and discussions with local power companies about the construction of a photovoltaic system and/or wind system are in progress. (eap)