Belgian tycoon Marc Coucke has proudly unveiled SnowWorld's latest addition: Belgium's maiden ski slope situated just outside Antwerp in Wilrijk. This marks the eighth establishment by

Coucke's enterprise in Europe, adding to the array of ski havens across the continent.

Coucke's involvement with SnowWorld traces back to 2017 when his investment firm, Alychlo, acquired a modest 10% stake in the Dutch-founded company, which has steadily expanded over the years. Today, his holdings command an impressive 95% share, prompting plans to remove the company from the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

The SnowWorld empire spans across the Netherlands, France, Germany, and now Belgium, with the new slope occupying the former indoor ski track in Wilrijk, a stone's throw from Antwerp's periphery.

Brimming with ambition, SnowWorld boasts an annual sale of approximately 1.4 million ski passes, positioning itself as a formidable force in the global ski industry. The Wilrijk slope aspires to serve as a hub for elite snow sports training, as evidenced by the attendance of esteemed snowboarder Seppe Smits at the inauguration.

Addressing concerns about energy consumption, Coucke rebuffs criticisms by highlighting the efficiency of maintaining freezing temperatures, minimizing energy demands. Consequently, the facilities can operate year-round without the need for energy-intensive shutdowns and restarts.

Enduring the trials of the Covid-19 pandemic, SnowWorld encountered challenges typical of recreational businesses. However, recent rebounds have fortified Coucke's optimism regarding the sector's future prospects. Photo by David Ooms, Wikimedia commons.