South Tirols first underground ropeway

South Tirols first underground ropeway is developed in Gröden. The three tourist communities in the Gröden valley expect advantages in the areas of transportation and economy due to the 13 mill. Euro construction in the region.

This Christmas of 2004 will see the possibility of transporting the winter guests of the region to all the ski areas in the Gröden valley in an underground ropeway construction. Skiers will soon be able to enter the "Gherdeina Ronda" in Wolkenstein, St. Christina or St. Ulrich. This will greatly reduce traffic in the valley and cut costs of the ski busses.

The South Tirol provincial government will support the project, funding 5,5 mill. Euros. Further 7,5 mill. Euros will emanate from personal and outside capital. "Leitner corp., inc. from Sterzing, who will plan and deliver the ropeway construction, as well as "Edilmac Ltd." from Bergamo, who are constructing the tunnel, can be counted to the main shareholders. "We expect a positive yearly turnover",  said Andreas Sanoner of "Gherdeina ronda Ltd.".

The 1.252,54 metre long ropeway with the capability of transporting 2000 people per hour will be an expensive investment, mainly due to the tunnel construction. The yearly running costs will be relatively low. "Due to the fact that expenses for piste preperation or snow-making are eliminated, we will be hoping for a swift positive balance." The route course will be dictated by the geology of the area. Due to economical and energy considerations a classic track-ropeway with two carriages and a midway point will be constructed. The ropeway will be ready for use in December 2004.

GENERAL ADVANTAGES

• Skiers can enter the "Gherdeina Ronda" from all localities
• Skiers will mainly stay in the valley (bookings increase)
• A reduction of traffic

ADVANTAGES FOR WOLKENSTEIN

• The sun-ski region of "Seceda-Col Raiser-Resciese" is easily within reach

ADVANTAGES FOR ST. CHRISTINA

• St. Christina will be the centre of the Gröden ski region, traffic reduction

ADVANTAGES FOR ST. ULRICH

• Direct connection to the inner valley and "Sella Ronda"

Expenses and finance:

expected installation results

Founding members:

Lift-organisation Gröden, tourism organisation Gröden, Leitner

Photos of the construction work: