A monument featuring the portraits of two pioneering figures who transformed the Nassfeld ski area has been unveiled over the weekend. The sculpture honors Max Rauscher and Arnold Pucher, the visionary developers credited with establishing what is now Carinthia's largest connected ski resort.

The memorial was created through the private initiative of the Nassfeld Pioneers Association and designed by renowned sculptor Egon Gruber from Bad Kleinkirchheim. The association was founded under the leadership of Hans Kreschischnig, a school friend of Arnold Pucher, who spearheaded efforts to commemorate the two pioneers' lasting contributions to the region.

After an extensive search for the right artist, the association selected Gruber, who is known for creating other notable works including the traditional costume couple sculpture in Villach. The bronze heads of Rauscher and Pucher were cast in Tyrol, while the marble stones used in the monument were sourced from the Kras Valley, adding local materials to the artistic tribute.

According to the association, the large-scale monument was designed to reflect the ambitious vision and tremendous determination that characterized both pioneers throughout their careers. The sculpture serves as a testament to their grand plans and dreams for the Nassfeld area, which were never conceived on a small scale and required significant perseverance to bring to fruition.

One of the most significant achievements attributed to Max Rauscher and Arnold Pucher was the construction of the Millennium Cable Car, which created a vital connection between Tröpolach and the Nassfeld ski area. This infrastructure project was instrumental in developing the region into what is today recognized as Carinthia's largest contiguous ski resort, attracting thousands of visitors annually and contributing substantially to the local economy.