Kitzbühel / Austria: Spectacular 3-S continous loop gondola

Opening in December 2004

It has been a vision for decades to connect the two ski areas of Hahnenkamm/Pengelstein and Jochberg/Resterhöhe by ski lifts.  The building permit granted on 25th Sept. 2003 has made this vision come true. The Bergbahn AG was given green light for the construction of the most spectacular circulating tricable ropeway worldwide.

This unique project of a connecting lift will serve as the “aorta” of the entire ski area and implement the long-term goal to combine the larger ski area and make the “Ski Safari” skiable from both directions.
Optimum ways of implementing have been tested for decades. Developments in ropeway engineering in recent years have made it possible to directly span the Valley (Saukasergraben) in its entire width. A combination of length, span, clearance from ground and top-of-the-line ropeway engineering makes this project unique all over the world. For this project for the coming century, the latest technology of Doppelmayr, a partner of the Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel for many years, will come into operation The 24 gondolas (with a maximum carrier capacity of up to 30 persons) are supported by two track ropes – like on rails – and drawn by a haul rope.
This connecting ropeway will set new standards in the 75-year history of the Bergbahn AG. The hill operators of the Larger Kitzbühel Ski Area have always been  pioneers in winter sports and will reach yet another milestone by implementing this ropeway project.

facts:

Base elevation: 1,780 m above sea level
Top elevation: 1,917 m above sea level
Horizontal length: 3,610.15 m
Hillside length: 3,641.81 m
Transport time: 11 minutes
Carrier capacity: 30 persons
Height above ground: max. 400 m
Maximum span: 2,506.88 m
System capacity: 3,200 (4,200) persons/hour