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The new ropeway standard: ROPERA® starts its first winter season this year

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:25:16 +0000

The new standard for monocable ropeways will be used for the first time in the comingwinter season. At Speikboden in South Tyrol's Ahrntal valley, a vision is nowbecoming reality: the new benchmark, ROPERA®, combines the entire know-how ofLEITNER, Poma and Bartholet, offering customers the best of all three worlds. Thefocus is on maximum results, especially when it comes to performance, sustainability,low noise levels and ease of maintenance.Work on the first ROPERA® system is currently in full swing at the production site in Sterzing.This is a major project that requires the cooperation of a large team, as well as the precisionof high-tech machines and all the manufacturing processes. These range from robot-assisted operations in the welding area to the large finishing area, where the final assemblyof the station modules takes place and the components are pre-mounted to ensure a smoothfinal installation process. A delegation from Speikboden AG, the customer of the firstROPERA system worldwide, also visited the LEITNER site in Sterzing a few days ago tosee the production process for themselves. The management, the board of directors andthe numerous employees who accompanied them were all very enthusiastic about theprogress.Many different strengths come together to form a great wholeThe common goal of the production team in Sterzing is clearly defined: the integration ofindividual products, components and applications to ensure optimization in all areas that areimportant for daily ropeway operation. The new standard will create an unprecedented levelof performance, sustainability, low noise and ease of maintenance. In this way, LEITNER ismeeting the requirements for future-orientated product development, which is focused morethan ever on the efficient use of resources.ROPERA: The perfect symbiosis of the tried and tested and the newROPERA® achieves the perfect symbiosis of proven components such as LEITNERDirectDrive gearless drive technology and new developments that offer customers anoptimized product in terms of ease of maintenance, occupational safety, cost-effectivenessand resource conservation. In addition to the technical and visual optimization of classiccomponents such as the rope guide, the clamp and the premium station design byPininfarina, digitalization with LeitPilot for gondola lifts and chairlifts and an integrable resortmanagement system also play a central role in ROPERA®. The technology is rounded offby efficient and sustainable construction, which enables a service life of over 40 years andis up to 95% recyclable. This significantly optimizes the life cycle costs of monocableropeways.Anticipation at Bergbahnen Speikboden is highAnother significant advantage of the system is its individual application possibilities. Thanksto its modular design, with short manufacturing and installation times, rapid projectcompletion within a few weeks is guaranteed. Franz Wieser, President of BergbahnenSpeikboden, is also enthusiastic about this fast and flexible implementation. Installation workon the ‘Glück’ 6-seater chairlift is in full swing already. ‘The integration of the new system isrunning smoothly in every respect – the short installation time and the perfectly coordinatedintegration of the individual parts, have once again confirmed that we have made the rightdecision. We are now looking forward to the approaching start of operations, which will takenot only our ski area, but also the skiing enjoyment of our guests to a whole new level,’ saysWieser.Take a look at ROPERA®'s production of the six-seater chairlift “Glück,” available on oursocial media channels LinkedIn and Facebook.

Parcel delivery by cable car: Koblenz tests new method

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 07:36:06 +0000

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, DHL, and Koblenz cable car operator (Germany) are exploring an innovative logistics concept: delivering parcels by cable car to a new residential area on higher ground. What key questions are the researchers focusing on?

World first in Italy: LeitPilot® used for first time ever on a gondola lift at the Rosskopf in ...

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:19:12 +0000

Thanks to the close ties between the Rosskopf skiing area and the ropewaymanufacturer LEITNER, another milestone has now been achieved in this traditionallysuccessful collaboration. The GD10 “Rosskopf” will be the first gondola lift to beequipped with the new LeitPilot® technology. This lays the essential groundwork forautomated station operation, thus making a major contribution to boosting efficiencyand saving resources.The two Sterzing-based companies LEITNER and Neue Rosskopf GmbH have beensteadily increasing their close collaboration in recent years. The most recent example of thiswas the construction of the new 10-seater gondola lift in 2022. Sterzing's local mountain isnow once again the site of a groundbreaking world first: the test run for LEITNER's newLeitPilot® automation technology. For many years now, the ropeway manufacturer has beenfocusing its research and development efforts on increasing operational efficiency andautomation to save energy and resources.“As a local company, we are proud to work with Neue Rosskopf GmbH to promote innovationand progress through cutting-edge technologies such as the new LeitPilot®. These solutionsreflect not only our pursuit of the highest quality and continuous optimisation, but also ourjoint goal of offering passengers an unforgettable experience,” says Martin Leitner, Memberof the Board of LEITNER S.p.A..Autonomous station operation through real-time monitoringWith LeitPilot®, the company is now laying the essential groundwork for the future“unmanned” operation of ropeway stations. The technology is based on real-time monitoringusing advanced LIDAR sensors to monitor the vehicle pit and cameras for the loading andunloading area, as well as the area around the station. In addition, the newly developedsafety devices also include safety doors and emergency stop switches. These extensiveprotective measures will ensure passengers always remain within the designated safe areasof the station. They can also enjoy even smoother embarking and disembarking thanks to LeitPilot®'s optimised cabin guides. These guides ensure the cabins are optimally stabilisedin the station turnaround, thus providing a high level of comfort.If an extraordinary situation arises that makes it necessary to shut down the installation, thecentral monitoring system, which itself is constantly monitored by a staff member on site,comes into play. This guarantees maximum safety and assistance for passengers and animmediate resumption of operation of the installation.Smart technology for new and existing systemsIn the future, LeitPilot® can be integrated into both new and existing systems to helpoptimise the deployment of human resources while ensuring safe operation. The systemcan also be optimally adapted to different station configurations, such as HCL (high-capacityloading) stations. The system is currently being tested at the Rosskopf to support manualmonitoring of embarking and disembarking. Once the trial phase has been successfullycompleted, the plan is to deploy LeitPilot® in autonomous operation.“LeitPilot® marks a real turning point for our ski area. With this cutting-edge, autonomoustechnology, we are not only setting new standards in safety and efficiency, but also creatinglong-term benefits by significantly reducing staff costs. At the same time, LeitPilot® enablesus to respond even more flexibly to our passengers' needs and to position Rosskopf as apioneer in ski area innovation. The close and successful collaboration with our fantasticpartner LEITNER is invaluable—together, we are shaping the future of winter sports andsetting new standards for the entire industry,” enthuses Paul Eisendle, CEO of NeueRosskopf GmbH.

What is missing for the implementation of urban cable cars in Europe?

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:44:14 +0000

Many transport experts regard the system of urban cable cars as the solution to the growing transport problem. With rapid availability, a small structural footprint and an environmentally friendly drive, the system offers everything that is required of transport systems today. Yet, despite all these advantages, the concept of the cable car is having difficulty winning people over from familiar, tried and tested systems such as bus and rail, especially in Europe. What would it take to establish the cable car as a transport system?

Highest Crossing of the Alps in construction in Zermatt

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 11:18:34 +0000

After the construction of Matterhorn glacier ride I (Leitner 3S) from Zermatt to Kleinen Matterhorn in 2018 started now the contruction on italian side. The Matterhorn glacier ride II, again a 3S Ropeway build by Leitner, starts at Testa Grigia to the Kleinen Matterhorn.

Already in winter 2021/22 it will be possible to cross the mountains per ropeway from Zermat to Breuil.Cervignia! reaching heights up to 3800m!

German Innovation Award for Zermatt 3S cabins

Thu, 30 May 2019 06:03:12 +0000

By building the world’s highest 3S gondola lift ‘Matterhorn glacier ride’ to Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt (CH), LEITNER ropeways has created a ropeway highlight that has made waves worldwide. Some of the cabins developed with Italian design firm Pininfarina feature glass floors. These cabins have now been recognized with an award in the ‘Aviation & Maritime Technologies’ category at the renowned German Innovation Award.

Each year, the Design Council, which was initiated by the German Parliament and is founded by the German industry, presents the ‘German Innovation Award’ to honor outstanding products and solutions with a special user focus and which add special value compared with previous solutions. The 3S cabin of the ‘Matterhorn glacier ride’ on Klein Matterhorn was one of this year’s award winners. Its unique design earned it a win in the ‘Aviation & Maritime Technologies’ category. The jury, made up of independent, interdisciplinary experts from industry, science, institutions and the financial sector, was particularly impressed by the exclusive “special features” in four of the 25 cabins. These four cabins have a glass floor with a surprise feature. The cabins’ true secret is revealed after three minutes of the journey, when the opaque glass floor suddenly becomes transparent and reveals a spectacular view of the glacier landscape 170 meters below. LEITNER ropeways was honored for this special technical feature and unique innovation. These four cabins are also ornamented with thousands of Swarovski® crystals – the Swarovski ‘Crystal Rocks’ decorate the cabin exteriors and the lettering on the comfortable seats.

Completion of the ‘Matterhorn glacier ride’ was one of the highlights of the 2018 ropeway year for LEITNER ropeways. Besides the challenges due to the difficult working conditions at elevations of up to 3,812 meters above sea level, the comfort and luxury standards were also particularly high.

Newly developed bi-cable technology brings together the best of both worlds

Wed, 15 May 2019 20:28:32 +0000

Setting new standards

LEITNER ropeways is setting new standards by comprehensively re-developing bi-cable technology. The exclusive innovations form a symbiosis between 1S and 3S technology, thereby combining the best of both worlds. The system benefits are particularly reflected in lower noise levels, fewer maintenance requirements and a longer service life. The comprehensively improved 2S package will be launched on the Nebelhorn in Oberstdorf.

Carriage

The carriage is a central element of the new design. In contrast with conventional running rollers, the rollers of the new carriage are only made from plastic. The newly developed plastic rollers are finished with specially shaped side boards. If necessary, these can bear the weight of the entire carrier and rope lifting loads from the carrying rope to the auxiliary track when crossing towers. The service life of the carrying rope and the carrying rope shifting intervals are extended by this rope-protecting new development.

Manufacturing technologies and precision components like those used in aircraft construction are the hallmark of the high technical standard of the new LEITNER 2S carriage. Most parts are milled from solid pieces, eliminating the need for numerous safety welds and nondestructive testing. The design offers significantly more stability with less weight. This also significantly reduces the effort required for the intended on-site inspections. Even the carrying rope guides on the towers are now made from plastic and therefore no longer need to be lubricated. The hauling rope rollers with elasticated springs is a further development. In operation, they result in a significant reduction in vibrations and are therefore markedly quieter.

Stations

An additional result of the symbiosis between the tried-and-tested 1S and 3S technology is the station design. In future, these will be tilted by three degrees to best use the downhill force. As a consequence, less energy is required when accelerating and decelerating the chairs and cabins. The stations can therefore be designed to be more compact and space-saving. Based on monocable lift technology that has been tried-and-tested for many years, LEITNER ropeways has integrated the acceleration and deceleration mechanisms, hauling rope deflection, and drive and deflection units into the new 2S technology.

Nebelhorn makes the most of personalized design options

The comprehensively re-worked 2S package will – subject to receiving authorization and public financial commitment – celebrate its launch on the Nebelhorn in Oberstdorf. The aerial tramway in operation since 1977 will be replaced by a LEITNER ropeways bi-cable unidirectional ropeway. The positioning of the installation and its all-year use speak clearly in favor of this technology. On the one hand, the location of the valley station in the center of the village calls for particularly quiet operation. On the other hand, the individual personalization options make the unique 2S offering stand out.

The ropeway on the Nebelhorn will be equipped with Symphony 10 cabins. In addition to significantly improving comfort, long waiting times will also be cut down in future. Thanks to the Symphony cabins designed by Pininfarina, guests will experience a new feeling of convenience from the moment they step into the cabin. The wide boarding area, sliding doors and maximum all-round view through panorama glazing all contribute to this.

ATRIA: The new 3S cabin from CWA

Wed, 15 May 2019 20:24:45 +0000

At Interalpin 2019 in Innsbruck, the ATRIA will be making its debut on the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group’s stand. The new 3S cabin impresses ropeway operators and passengers with its consistent overall appearance, pleasant ambience and plenty of transparency. New technology, modularity and premium materials round off this cabin of superlatives. It has been created for ropeway operators who want to give their passengers an exceptional ride experience with maximum vision.

Modular construction was one of the cornerstones in the development of the ATRIA. The cabin offers plenty of scope for flexible seat concepts as well as different ventilation and lighting options. With this modularity, ropeway operators benefit from a high level of investment security. They can configure the 3S cabin to suit their needs and add a host of features by means of simple retrofits and conversions for years to come: for the transport of skiers and their sports equipment in winter regions, to ensure the right ventilation in warmer climates, and for carrying people with impaired mobility or with baby strollers in urban environments.

Another consistent feature, which enables this new cabin to harmonize perfectly with the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group’s world of ropeways, is the complementary design language: rounded forms, clean lines and systematic styling, from the elegantly finished underbody panel through to the roof with integrated suspension. The ATRIA melds visually with the ropeway installation and harmoniously blends in with a wide range of landscapes, while the passengers enjoy an exceptional ambience inside the cabin.

When developing the interior of the ATRIA, special emphasis was placed on comfort. Sustainable, premium-quality materials such as wood and fabrics, pleasant acoustics and ergonomic fittings ensure a comfortable ride experience for the passengers. Generously proportioned glazing and the elegantly reduced seat designs create transparency and maximize views.

The 3S system is a ropeway system of superlatives. The ATRIA seamlessly aligns with its modernity and utilizes this successful technology. That gives rise to new possibilities which benefit ropeway operators and passengers alike. The carriage wheel generator, which was developed by Doppelmayr/Garaventa and has been in successful use for the past five years, provides a constant power supply to the 3S cabin during the trip. This enables the incorporation of comfort features such as permanent seat and window heating in winter regions or on-board air-conditioning in warmer climates.

The topic of digitalization was also of major importance when developing the ATRIA. Entirely in line with SMART Ropeway, the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group’s strategic approach to digital technology, the ATRIA is also connected and integrated into the Doppelmayr Connect ropeway control system. The electromechanical door drive system, for example, is state of the art and all part of the basic cabin equipment. It enables the reversal of door movement as well as audiovisual signals to indicate opening and closing – an enhanced comfort feature for passengers, especially for those with visual or hearing impairments.

Top achievements and records are part of the DNA of 3S systems from the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group. Their journey leads over tall towers and long rope spans; with every trip they carry large numbers of passengers in comfort. The ATRIA draws on a wealth of experience gained from hundreds of 3S cabins that CWA already has in service worldwide. For the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group, the new 3S cabin represents a milestone with vision and is set to inspire passengers and customers alike for a long time to come.

The first 3S systems to go into operation with ATRIA cabins will be the 3K Kaprun-Kitzsteinhorn-K-onnection owned by Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG at the end of November 2019 and the Eiger Express Grindelwald Grund-Eigergletscher owned by Jungfraubahn AG in December 2020.

Mi Teleférico achieves new passenger record

Sun, 21 Apr 2019 17:58:36 +0000

The 200 millionth cable car user of the largest urban cable car network in La Paz, Bolivia was awarded in early April 2019 by the cable car operator "Mi Teleférico". An important milestone for the development of the transport sector in La Paz. Five years ago, it was unimaginable to float above the rooftops of its own city and reach the desired destination in time.

Nowadays, the cable car smoothly glides above the busy, winding and hazardous main street from El Alto to La Paz. One of the safest means of transport, it quickly connects the two biggest cities of the department of La Paz whilst fostering a socio-economic exchange. The operation of the system is automated and has proved to be very reliable. In addition to the success story of the passenger-record, also the development towards an integrated transport system must be highlighted. In this sense, Mi Teleférico strives to sustainably expand the city with an integrated transport system (Sistema integrado de Transporte, SIT). Accessibility, intermodality and the integration of different transport modes represent some of the system advantages. As an example, different bus operators are being integrated to the cable car network. The developments are ongoing. The success story will certainly celebrate further milestones.

Ropeway with sparkling Crystal Rocks

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 20:23:35 +0000

The cabins of the new 3S gondola lift by LEITNER ropeways in Zermatt are decorated with Swarovski® crystals
This superlative joint project is a real highlight on the ropeway market: For Zermatt Bergbahnen AG, LEITNER ropeways worked together with Swarovski to produce a very special premium product: state-of-the-art ropeway technology in Pininfarina design meets premium crystal finishing, and provides an as-yet unrivaled level of finishing and design.

The result of the cooperation between LEITNER ropeways and Swarovski can be experienced from fall 2018 on in the world’s highest 3S gondola lift, the Matterhorn glacier ride in Zermatt. Its gondolas will be embellished with Swarovski® crystals in an exterior design created specifically for the new ropeway. The crystals give the systems by LEITNER ropeways an extra touch of luxury. Swarovski used ”Crystal Rocks”, creating a world’s first in the ropeway sector. A cabin of this kind was premièred at the trade fair for sustainable spatial planning and systems in mountain regions, “Mountain Planet” in Grenoble, on April 18 2018.

Technology, art and design combined
As a result, “premium meets premium” at the foot of the Matterhorn. After all, the name Swarovski has epitomized inventiveness, poetry and technical expertise for over 120 years. Its passion for perfection and constant innovation makes the company the world’s leading brand for cut crystal. While Swarovski blends exacting demands for technology and art, LEITNER ropeways impresses with its unique combination of technology and design in the industry.
The cabins designed by Italian design studio Pininfarina – known for its Ferrari and Maserati creations – also boast fascinating innovative technical details. The automaking-inspired seats, interior lighting reminiscent of a starry night sky and large panoramic windows make the ascent a comfortable and spectacular experience.

New 3S gondola lift creates another highlight for premium ski resort Zermatt
The Matterhorn glacier ride is being built to supplement the existing aerial tramway, and increases the transport capacity to the highest ropeway station in Europe by 2,000 passengers per hour. The ropeway construction project will cost a total of 52 million Swiss Francs, making it the largest individual investment in the history of Zermatt Bergbahnen. The new 3S gondola lift significantly improves the connection between the Swiss and Italian ski areas. The system also facilitates year-round accessibility of the popular destination peak Matterhorn glacier paradise.

Symphony 10: Maximum comfort in Pininfarina Look

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 11:02:02 +0000

New premium cabin from LEITNER ropeways premièred in Val Gardena
After the 3S “Symphony” cabin, LEITNER ropeways now presents its “little sister”: The Symphony 10 offers excellent performance in terms of space, comfort and experience. Complementing the Diamond model, it creates an attractive premium offering in the 10-passenger gondola segment. The new cbain was premièred in the “Piz Seteur” 10-passenger gondola lift in Val Gardena.

What is new in the Symphony 10 is primarily the design, which offers guests more convenience from when they enter the gondola until they leave it. The first comfort boost is the much wider entryway compared with the Diamond Series 10-passenger gondola. The sliding doors also ensure that passengers near the doors are no longer bothered by the mechanism when opening. The panorama windows that extend all the way to the roof offer the best possible all-round view, giving a particularly open ride experience.

More space: Breathe deeply and enjoy!
While the somewhat restrictive feeling in gondolas has long been a thing of the past, the Symphony 10 sets new standards as a premium model. LEITNER ropeways made the seats even wider and increased the spacing between the individual seats, enhancing individual comfort. The new gondola design makes this added space possible: It is wider at the top, making it more spacious and creating additional personal space. Redesigning the vertical support structures facilitated optimal positioning of the interior fittings like benches and hand grips. The flatter support structures allow LED strips to be used for lighting the gondola’s contours. Maximizing comfort inside, unrivaled design outside: The main frame and external profile are based on the Pininfarina design of the Symphony gondola, which still marks a real quantum leap in quality and design standards on the ropeway market. In keeping with the design, the premium cabin features automotive-style seats in genuine leather.

Première at one of the hotspots in the Alps
Passengers in the new Piz Seteur 10-passenger gondola lift in Val Gardena will be the first to experience the new Symphony 10 gondola. That is where the new top product LEITNER ropeways will be premièred in the upcoming winter season. There, 77 cabins in an elegant black and blue look will transport 3,450 passengers per hour to the start of the famous Sella Ronda ski circuit. In addition to this innovation, the project at Piz de Sella S.p.A. also boasts another first for Italy: The midway station is the first new Pininfarina station nationwide. The entrance area in the valley station will be another special feature. Here, LEITNER ropeways developed a tailored solution for the customer, to make access to the gondolas even more stress-free: Six gondolas pass through the station with their doors open for 65 seconds, leaving enough time and space for convenient boarding. Igor Marzola, owner of the Piz Sella ski resort, is pleased with the “tailored overall solution”: “We are delighted to have found a partner in LEITNER who meets our needs with high-grade technical solutions in all areas.”

Two new 10-passenger gondola lifts from the 2017/18 winter season on Wildkogel and Hochficht

Sun, 03 Sep 2017 13:18:41 +0000

For the upcoming winter season, LEITNER ropeways is building two gondola lift projects in the renowned ski resorts of Wildkogel-Arena and Hochficht. The projects are not just about significantly increasing the passenger capacity, they will also expand the skiable area. As a result, the two regions will offer even more comfort, safety and skiing fun from winter 2017/18 on.

LEITNER ropeways and the Salzburg ski resort Wildkogel-Arena already have a long tradition of working together. For example, the “Pfeifferköpflbahn” chairlift was the first in Austria to be equipped with the LEITNER control system. The new project, the “Ganzeralpe” 10-passenger gondola lift, will run on the same route as the existing chairlift to the top station at an elevation of 2,128 meters, substantially increasing capacity in the heart of the ski resort. That is particularly important as the ski lessons are held there. As a result, the 13 million Euro project with a transport capacity of 2,840 passengers per hour will put an end to the waiting times guests previously had to endure. Along with the construction of Ganzeralpe gondola lift, roughly 2,200 meters of skiable area is being added, covering a surface of approximately five hectares, as well as a ski route connection from the Pfeifferköpflabfahrt slope to the new valley station at an elevation of 1,726 meters. Rudolf Göstl, Executive Director of the Oberpinzgauer Fremdenverkehrsförderungs- und Bergbahnen AG, sees the project both as a major increase in quality and the continuation of a proven partnership: “We both already work very well together, and we have a lot of faith in LEITNER ropeways products!” The key reasons Göstl mentions for this are the great value for money and the unique LEITNER DirectDrive. Added to this is the good service and after-sales support, as well as the professional implementation and rapid response to individual requirements.”

10-passenger gondola lift on Hochficht adds even more quality
The Upper Austrian ski resort of Hochficht in the border triangle of Austria, Germany and Czechia will also open a new 10-passenger gondola lift by LEITNER ropeways from the 2017/18 winter season on – the “Reischlbergbahn”. It will transports a maximum of 2,800 passengers per hour to the top station at an elevation of 1,274 meters in two sections. This will also result in numerous changes with a positive effect on operations. In particular the children taking part in ski lessons will benefit from the new midway station at the “Überlebenshütte”, which also houses a roofed magic carpet and the Kinderland kids park.
The LEITNER DirectDrive will also be installed in the midway station. From there, the two ropeway sections will be driven by a double-grooved drive sheave, with the two rope loops tensioned separately in the valley and top stations. The Reischlbergbahn will also link two sections of the ski resort with one another, providing an important connection.
In addition, the skiable area will be increased by enlarging the Wenzelwiese slope. Overall, the ropeway will replace three surface lifts and a bar lift, fulfilling their function completely. The construction work is particularly environmentally friendly, as the center lines will largely be built in the existing slope area, minimizing the need for deforestation.

The new LEITNER Station

Sun, 14 May 2017 12:42:34 +0000

Top design meets functional handling

Designed by Pininfarina
With the new station, LEITNER ropeways is going several steps further than other manufacturers yet again. The design, bearing the hallmarks of Italian design firm Pininfarina, meets the company’s high standards for form, innovation and technology in every way. In particular, it emphasizes maximum operational and maintenance functionality. Impressive technical and design innovations make the station a real all-rounder.

Wider station roofing
Even at first glance, the far wider station roofing is apparent, completely covering the vehicles passing underneath. This makes travel more comfortable for passengers, thanks to the optimized rain and snow protection.

New designed access to the roof
Access to the roof has also been redesigned, as it can now be reached from inside the station. What makes that special is that the ropeway service staff do not have to climb onto the roof through a roof hatch. The new angle of the roofing now allows a ladder to be attached to the window at the inside, and the new opening direction makes access to the roof convenient and safe.

The new water draining system
The new water draining system is the perfect synthesis of design and sophisticated engineering. Unlike the standard ducts on the exterior of stations, the water in the new LEITNER ropeways station is now routed through the interior of the structure into a shaft. That keeps the station free of water or ice, and prevents uncontrolled drainage, which is often not permitted for geological reasons.

The ascent into the station
The ascent into the interior of the station is also far safer and easier. The steps are now at an angle of just 45 degrees and run from the front to the rear of the station. The access stairs are far safer for two reasons: the stairs are accessed from the area where the vehicles travel slowest, and the ascent is more comfortable as the stairs are less steep.

Video of the new LEITNER ropeways station
You can see the video on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA-xs38a5S4

New cabin Diamon Evo

Sun, 14 May 2017 12:31:42 +0000

A new era of cabins - DIAMOND EVO
Stylistic confidence in Pininfarina design

Innovative, individual and stylish
The Diamond cabin’s modular structure offers particularly great scope for individuality. It makes different length, width and height versions possible. The interior fittings, including the light concept, can also be tailored for the customer’s requirements. LEITNER ropeways stands for innovation, quality in design and engineering, as well as maximum adaptability in exclusive implementation - the Diamond EVO guarantees all of this at the highest level.

Symbiosis of the successful Symphony and Diamond
The new Diamond EVO gondola – EVO stands for evolution – is based on the well-known Diamond model, but is wider and longer. In addition to this, LEITNER ropeways’ new star product is also available with sliding doors with fixed side elements along the side face, or with sliding doors spanning the entire surface. The new main frame and the external profile are based on the Pininfarina design of the Symphony cabin, which still remains a real leap forward in design quality in the ropeway sector. Key features of the new Diamond EVO are the flatter support structures and the option of equipping the exterior lighting (contour lighting) with LED strips integrated in the support profiles.

Première at one of the hotspots in the Alps
The Diamond EVO 2017 will be premièred at the opening of the new 10-passenger monocable gondola lift at Spieljoch in the Zillertal valley. This will replace an existing gondola lift and be routed via two sections with a shared drive system in the midway station. The system equipped with LEITNER DirectDrive will start directly in Fügen and offer more comfort, faster journeys at 6 m/sec. and a higher transport capacity. An upgrade of the Onkeljochbahn ropeway is planned in the ski resort for the following year with an identically designed system with just one section, which will replace an existing 3-seater chairlift. The new Wimbachexpress in Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach – also equipped with Diamond EVO gondolas and LEITNER DirectDrive – will replace the existing 4-seater Krössbichl chairlift for exclusive winter operation in the ski resort itself, also offering access to a new area.

World’s first seat heater for chairlifts

Sun, 26 Dec 2004 22:41:43 +0000

In a joint development with Lech am Arlberg and Schröcken in the Bregenzerwald Doppelmayr achieves another milestone in cutting-edge ropeway technology.
Following approval from the authorities, five detachable chairlifts featuring the world’s first ever chairlift seat heaters went into operation today, Sunday, 26 December 2004, at top Vorarlberg ski resorts Lech am Arlberg and Schröcken in the Bregenzerwald. This trendsetting innovation from Doppelmayr will mean even greater comfort for skiers and snowboarders.

The world’s first seat heater for detachable chairlifts went into operation bang on time for the Christmas holiday period in Lech am Arlberg and Schröcken in the Bregenzerwald, where five lifts now offer skiers the added luxury of a warm seat on the uphill trip.

It took Doppelmayr roughly 18 months to develop this world first in close collaboration with the Lech and Schröcken ski lifts.

The seat heater is integrated into the lift chair, as in the case of automobile seat heating. The chair pads are fitted with a heating mat. As the chair passes through the bottom station the seat heating is activated by means of a power rail and collectors. The heating phase ends when the chair leaves the station and the absorbed energy is sufficient to provide enhanced ride comfort all the way to the top station

Facts & Figures:

Chairlifts with the new seat heating:
Lech am Arlberg:
- Detachable 8-seater chairlift “Steinmähder”
- Detachable 6-seater chairlift “Kriegerhorn”
- Detachable 4-seater chairlift “Schlegelkopf”

Schröcken in the Bregenzerwald:
- Detachable 6-seater chairlift “Saloberjet”
- Detachable 6-seater chairlift “Sonnenjet”