History
As early as the beginning of the 19th century, the first winter tourists from Switzerland and neighbouring countries were making their way up to the enchanting plateau on skis and with climbing skins. From 1930 onwards, the first of these guests were able to stay overnight in modest accommodation at the ‘Kuriger’ in the Posthaus.
Having already made his hotel suitable for winter use the previous year, Otto Reinhard built a cable car to Frutt in 1935, and the hotel’s first winter season began at Christmas. The foundations were laid for what is now a very significant winter tourism industry. As early as 1936, the first ski school was offering its services, employing between 7 and 18 ski instructors during the season.
In 1951, Aerny Durrer-Amstad from the Hotel Kurhaus installed the first ski lift up to the Erzegg, with others to follow. An ice rink was created in front of the Hotel Reinhard, where curling and ice hockey were played enthusiastically. 1960 marked the year the mountain rescue service became professionalised.
- 1985
- 1987/88
- 1989
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- 2023/24
The ski school office is set up in the former kiosk of the Kurhaus on Melchsee-Frutt.
The new ski school is given the intended name “Swiss Ski School Melchsee-Frutt” and becomes a member of the Association of Official Swiss Ski Schools (now Swiss Snowsports).
At Vogelbüel, the rope tow is replaced by a T-bar lift. The Vogelbüel slope becomes the venue for the children’s ski races at the end of the week. The prize-giving ceremony is initially held in various restaurants and later on the ski school grounds by Hotel Kurhaus.
In line with changing trends and developments, the Frutt Ski School also begins offering snowboard lessons and changes its name to “Swiss Ski and Snowboard School Melchsee-Frutt”.
From the start of this season, the ski school office is located in the former mountain station. From the outset, the office has its own entrance and is separate from the tourist office.
The ski kindergarten is now located behind the Zingelfrutthütte. Until this year, Level 1 ski lessons are held in the upper Frutt area until the children are ready to use the steeper Vogelbüel lift.
Sepp Barmettler steps down as ski school director and president of the cooperative and hands over the management of the ski school to Hans Michel. Romy Affentranger is elected president of the cooperative.
Hans Michel relocates the children’s area and the Blue League to what is now Fruttli-Land. Initially, the children’s area consists only of a magic carpet. Over time, more and more rope lifts are added.
Snowli and the Kids Village become part of the ski school’s offering. Snowli becomes the new mascot and key character for children’s lessons. Swiss Snowsports introduces the Swiss Snow League, replacing the previous bronze, silver and gold tests.
Melchsee-Frutt Ski School launches its own website. For the first time, card payments are also available at the ski school office.
The ski school office is operated as an information point together with the TUV.
Hans Michel steps down as ski school director. Armin Kiser takes over the role.
Armin launches the Nowli Cup. For the first time, Frutt Ski School is also able to enter a demo team in the Swiss Snow Happening.
Beat Flüeler becomes President of the cooperative. The Schnydrig ticketing and payroll system is introduced.
The ski school director is now employed part-time throughout the year.
The ski school is now permitted to use today’s cross-country skiing changing room as a dedicated ski school room.
The anthem “Champions auf der Frutt” is introduced. At the Swiss Snow Happening in Engelberg, Flo wins the first medals for Frutt Ski School – gold in both the Telemark and Big Air categories.
The Schnydrig ticketing system is discontinued and Waldhart Software is introduced. This makes online bookings possible for the first time.
Frutt Ski School begins offering events, including during the summer season.
Corazon becomes the new staff room for the snow sports instructors. The entire Corazon is available for their use, initially during the winter season only for two years, and later during the summer season as well.
The glass igloo in front of Corazon is operated by Frutt Ski School as an event venue and is also used for internal parties.
Frutt Sports GmbH is founded and Frutt Rental opens. For this purpose, part of the former Corazon is converted and a connecting passage to the ski school office is created.
The era of blue jackets and red trousers comes to an end. The new ski school uniform is now red and white, meeting the requirements of Swiss Snowsports.
Frutt Rental is expanded to include the right-hand section, where the checkout area is located today.
Rhea Ganz takes over as director of Frutt Ski School from Armin Kiser.
Florian Odermatt takes over as director of the Ski & Snowboard School Melchsee-Frutt. The rental shop is renovated, with the walls clad in wood and a rail system installed to display retail products.
The entire IT infrastructure is migrated to the cloud and adapted to meet the ski school’s needs.
The winter seasons are marked by various COVID-19 measures, which restrict the ski school’s operations.
Hans Michel becomes the new President of the cooperative.
The Ranger Trail opens, offering guests an entertaining puzzle trail to enjoy on Melchsee-Frutt during the summer season as well.
Frutt Sports GmbH takes over the Fuchs- & Hasenbeiz from Hotel Posthuis. After the first season, the interior is renovated and adapted to meet operational needs.
