From Summer 2026, Pizolbahnen to Operate the Furt Mountain Hotel
31.03.2026 | from Pizolbahnen AG
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Image rights: Pizolbahnen AG
31.03.2026, After 37 years, Artho Meli steps down as owner and host at the end of the current winter season and hands over the traditional Furt establishment to new management. At the start of the summer season, Pizolbahnen will operate the Furt Hotel independently, thus expanding their gastronomic offerings with an attractive establishment.
A House with a Lot of Tradition in a Prime Location
The construction of the mountain hotel began in 1961, and it first opened its doors in February 1962. With a lot of dedication and passion, the Meli family, followed by Artho Meli, made the Furt the top address on the mountain over the years. The Furt includes a restaurant with about 100 seats, a small and a large hall, a terrace with about 150 seats, a bar, a bowling alley, and 18 rooms with a total of 41 beds. Three smaller dormitories complete the accommodation offer.
Strategic Development
The Furt fits perfectly into the Pizolbahnen's gastronomy strategy and ideally complements the existing establishments (Panorama Restaurant Edelweiss, Berggasthaus Zanuz, Group House Pardiel, Pizol Shelter, and the Gaffia Mountain Hotel). Christian Kubli, CEO of Pizolbahnen: "On the one hand, Pizolbahnen were not represented on the Furt until now, on the other hand, this opens up completely new options for product development. The unique location and easy accessibility will offer us opportunities to further develop the Pizol and ensure the needed warm beds and a diverse gastronomic offer." Pizol Gastro und Sport AG, a 100% subsidiary of Pizolbahnen AG, has now signed a long-term lease agreement for the property starting from the summer season 2026.
Pizolbahnen Say 'THANK YOU!'
"The Furt Mountain Hotel is not just a building, but an actual institution that has significantly shaped the development of the Pizol. Countless encounters, friendships, and pleasurable hours – and of course Artho’s legendary cream slice – will remain in the best memory of all guests and partners. "Accordingly, the footsteps that Artho leaves behind are large," adds Markus Oppliger, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pizolbahnen. Pizolbahnen sincerely thank Artho Meli for the wonderful times together and wish him all the best in retirement. For Artho Meli, "Pizolbahnen are strategically the preferred successor for continuing the mountain hotels, and I am glad to be able to entrust the responsibility for the wonderful house to Pizolbahnen."
Pizolbahnen AG
Loisstrasse 50
7310 Bad Ragaz
Tel: +41 (0)81 300 48 30
medien@pizol.com; www.pizol.com
Contact: Christian Kubli / CEO
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Pizolbahnen AG
Conclusion of this article: « From Summer 2026, Pizolbahnen to Operate the Furt Mountain Hotel »
Pizolbahnen AG
Between Bad Ragaz and Wangs, the Pizol majestically rises to 2,844 metres. Around the summit, a unique natural landscape opens up with breathtaking panoramic views over the alpine landscape of Eastern Switzerland and Vorarlberg, extending to Lake Constance.
The valley stations in Bad Ragaz and Wangs can be reached in less than an hour from Zurich and the Lake Constance region, and they are only five minutes away from the motorway exit. From there, two modern 8-seater gondola lifts transport guests in just minutes into the versatile skiing and hiking area.
The range of slopes offers suitable descents for every requirement. Broad, gently sloping hills for pleasure-seekers alternate with passages for the more athletically ambitious. Overall, there are 12 modern facilities, which distribute winter sports enthusiasts over 43 km of ski runs. Also, off the ski slopes, the Pizol area offers something for everyone: sledging, winter and snowshoe hiking, ski touring, etc.
Pizolbahnen opens up over 120 km of hiking trails: from the family-friendly Heidipath to the Pizol Panorama High Trail with a fascinating 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain scenery to the challenging 5-Lake hike – the selection leaves nothing to be desired. However, Pizol is also a popular "territory" for trail runners, sport climbers, paragliders, mountain bikers, and sport fishermen.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: Pizolbahnen AG, Press release
Original article published on: Ab Sommer 2026 betreiben die Pizolbahnen das Berghotel Furt