Financial bottlenecks in the municipal budget, different ideas and a fundraising campaign that is floundering along: Magic Wood is in a state of upheaval. What this means for the boulderers and what will happen over the next two years.
On the surface, the struggling finances of the local municipality of Ferrera were the last straw. Behind the scenes, things had been brewing in the bouldering mecca of Magic Wood for some time. Dispute between the municipality and IG Magic Wood was only able to calm the waters to a limited extent. There is uncertainty among the bouldering fans who make the pilgrimage to Avers from all over Europe. What will happen next with the popular bouldering area?
Basically status quo for the next two years
At least in the short term, not much will change for the guests. At its last meeting, the municipal assembly instructed the municipal council to set up a commission. This commission will develop an overall concept for the Magic Wood and for the Val Ferrera as a tourist region within the next two years.
It is still unclear who will sit on the commission, apart from a representative from the municipal board. The composition of the committee, the detailed mandate and the financial resources should be finalized and approved by the end of August. Anyone interested in a seat on this commission can contact the municipal office.
Fewer parking spaces
At the same time, the municipal assembly on June 18 also rejected the project for new parking spaces. "The result of the municipal assembly shows that the board was not able to explain the various elements of crowdfunding to the assembly in a plausible way," says mayor Markus Niederdorfer. Therefore, the application to expand the parking spaces was rejected.
There are now very few parking spaces available.
Markus Niederdorfer, Mayor of Ferrera
Martin Keller from IG Magic Wood also regrets that the loan for the new day parking spaces was rejected. "Unfortunately, the mayor failed to explain to the population and to show the calculations at the municipal assembly that the costs for the construction would have been offset by income from management."
Possibly fewer tent pitches
The suspension of the partial revision of the bouldering area also means that the municipality must now explore the options for being able to operate the campsite in accordance with current law until further notice. Because even though the partial revision has now been suspended, the number of visitors to Magic Wood still exceeds the capacity of the sewage treatment plant or the number of available parking spaces.
In the worst case scenario, this could lead to the closure of the campsite if the authorities take action, says Markus Niederdorfer. However, the mayor of Ferrera does not expect this to happen: "I assume that a solution will be found."
It is difficult to say at this point exactly what this will look like. It seems quite possible, says Niederdorfer, that the number of tent pitches will have to be reduced. "This means that boulderers from overseas will have to book very early if they want a secure spot."
When I say that the annual number of visitors to Magic Wood has reached its peak, I am sure I am not giving away any secrets.
Markus Niederdorfer, Mayor of Ferrera
From the perspective of IG Magic Wood, there is no sensible reason to close the campsite. "The worst case scenario would be to limit the number of visitors to the campsite so that the capacity of the sewage treatment plant is not exceeded," says Martin Keller. But even that could be implemented if there was no other way out.
Currently, this is not even such a big problem because visitor numbers have dropped significantly again due to bad weather and changes in travel behavior (after the Covid period).
Martin Keller, IG Magic Wood
Martin Keller hopes that the situation following the community meeting will not result in additional expenses, especially since solutions are definitely available. "We have already developed a concept with IG Magic Wood that covers all the requirements from the population. As requested by the population, it offers a new form of organization for the tourist infrastructure and massive additional income from the operation of the campsite and restaurant without overshooting the mark and inundating the region with excessive marketing activities and scaring away guests."
Different views
The will of the people is a key parameter for the area's successful future in Magic Wood. What the population wants for the bouldering area is perceived differently by the two feuding parties.
Mayor Niederdorfer says: "A large part of the population is tired and just wants peace and quiet. As beautiful as the Magic Wood may be, it has caused a lot of unrest and costs. Last year, there were several new arrivals in the community who are now very politically active and are contributing to different perspectives. As long as these contribute to the well-being of the entire community, they will be supported by the board."
Martin Keller from the IG perceives the mood in the village differently: "In discussions with various residents of Ferrera, I was able to determine that many residents are by no means enthusiastic about the mayor's idea of subjecting the Magic Wood to a major reorganization, reorientation and comprehensive marketing.
Many residents simply want a larger contribution from camping to flow back to the community, and for there to be no wild camping and for the forest to remain as clean as it is now. These are exactly the points that the IG Magic Wood is aiming for.»
Previous tenant, probably higher prices
At the municipal assembly in mid-June, the municipal council also passed the order to “conclude new lease agreements for the campsite and the Edelweiss with hostel, limited to two years.”
When asked, Markus Niederdorfer confirmed that these new negotiations are being held with the existing tenant, Thomas Saluz. The findings from the aforementioned investigations will be taken into account. In other words: "The population naturally expects higher income from these businesses." He therefore assumes that the prices for overnight stays will have to be increased, says Niederdorfer.
This has already happened as part of the partial implementation of the IG Magic Wood concept, explains Martin Keller: "The prices have been increased moderately and we have already been able to transfer a four-digit amount to the municipality."
Martin Keller is still confident that a good solution can be found for the future of Magic Wood: "Managing the parking spaces and a moderate increase in overnight prices would enable the necessary renovations to be carried out at the campsite and would ease the burden on the municipality's finances."