In an exciting development for tourism in the region of Cantabria, Spain, the Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno is gearing up to launch a new alpine toboggan attraction. This innovative project, announced by Luis Martínez Abad, the Consejero (Minister) of Tourism, Culture and Sport, is slated to be operational by autumn 2025.
Project Details and Objectives
The toboggan, part of a broader initiative to enhance tourism in the area, will be constructed with an investment of 1.5 million euros. The project is expected to be fully detailed and redacted within the next three to four months. This new attraction aims to combine leisure, nature, and history, offering visitors a unique experience that highlights the park's rich past, particularly the history of the old mine that once operated there.
The toboggan's route will follow the same paths used by trucks accessing the mine's washing plant during its 16 years of operation from 1970 to 1986. This design ensures that the installation respects the site's protection as a Bien de Interés Local (Local Heritage Site).
Environmental Considerations
The construction will involve a minimal impact on the environment, with only a narrow strip of about four to five meters in width of the dense pine forest, planted in the 1990s, being cleared. The toboggan's structure will consist of circular section rails supported by a metal framework, elevated between one and three meters above the ground. The vehicles used will be customized to blend seamlessly into the surroundings.
Tourism and Economic Benefits
Martínez Abad emphasized that this project is not merely a whim but a strategic move to des-seasonalize tourism and attract younger visitors, aged 14 to 24. In 2023, the park welcomed over 650,000 visitors, and this new attraction is expected to further boost these numbers. The project aligns with the government's tourism objectives, which include respecting and promoting the region's history.
Why Cabárceno Over Alto Campoo?
The decision to locate the toboggan in Cabárceno rather than Alto Campoo, a ski resort, was based on several factors. Martínez Abad explained that installing such an attraction at the ski resort would face significant uncertainties regarding economic viability and obtaining necessary permits. Additionally, the Plan de Gestión de la Biodiversidad (Biodiversity Management Plan) for Alto Campoo would complicate the construction and operation of the toboggan outside of existing trails or maintenance roads.
Local Reaction
While the project has been met with enthusiasm from many, it has also faced criticism. Francisco Javier López Marcano, a diputado (deputy) from the PRC (Partido Regionalista de Cantabria), expressed concerns that Cabárceno is a natural and privileged space, not an amusement park. He also pointed out that previous initiatives, such as the telecabinas, did not meet expectations in attracting more visitors.
This new toboggan promises to be a significant addition to the Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, enhancing the region's tourism offerings and providing a unique experience for visitors. As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it contributes to the local economy and the overall appeal of Cantabria as a tourist destination.
