Pizolbahnen takes over Hotel Furt in Wangs
After 37 years, Artho Meli is retiring as owner of the Berghotel Furt. From the 2026 summer season, the Pizolbahnen will take over the traditional business under its own management. The strategic expansion of the gastronomy offer opens up new options for the development of the offer on the Pizol.
After 37 years, Artho Meli is handing over the Berghotel Furt on the Furt in Wangs to new hands. The owner and host is retiring at the end of the current winter season. From the start of the 2026 summer season, Pizolbahnen will run the Hotel Furt under its own management, adding an attractive establishment to its range of restaurants.
A house with a lot of tradition in a prime location
The mountain hotel was built back in 1961 and opened its doors for the first time in February 1962. Over the years, the Meli family and subsequently Artho Meli have put their heart and soul into making the «Furt» the first address on the mountain.
In addition to the restaurant with around 100 seats, the «Furt» also has a small and large hall, a terrace with around 150 seats, a bar, a bowling alley and 18 rooms with a total of 41 beds. Three smaller dormitories round off the accommodation on offer.
Strategic development
The «Furt» fits perfectly into the gastronomy strategy of the Pizolbahnen and ideally complements the existing establishments - Panoramarestaurant Edelweiss, Berggasthaus Zanuz, Gruppenhaus Pardiel, Pizolhütte and the Berghotel Gaffia.
Christian Kubli, CEO of Pizolbahnen, explains: «On the one hand, Pizolbahnen has not been represented on the ford until now, and on the other hand, this opens up completely new options for the development of the offer. The unique location and good accessibility will provide us with opportunities to further develop Pizol and ensure the necessary warm beds and a wide range of catering options.»
Pizol Gastro und Sport, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pizolbahnen, has signed a long-term rental agreement for the property from the 2026 summer season.
Thanks to Artho Meli
The Berghotel Furt is not just a hotel, but a real institution that has played a key role in the development of the Pizol. Countless encounters, friendships and enjoyable hours - and of course Artho's legendary Crèmeschnitte - will be fondly remembered by all guests and partners.
«The footsteps that Artho leaves behind are correspondingly large,» adds Markus Oppliger, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pizolbahnen. The Pizolbahnen would like to thank Artho Meli for the great time they spent together and wish him all the best in his «retirement».
For Artho Meli, «Pizolbahnen is strategically the ideal successor for the continuation of the mountain hotel, and I am delighted to be able to place responsibility for this wonderful establishment in the hands of Pizolbahnen».
