University course FHV - Fundamentals of the cable car industry Starts on June 8, 2026 - join now!

With the university course “Fundamentals of Cable Car Management”, FHV & Schloss Hofen, in cooperation with the Doppelmayr Group, meet the need for a scientific and practical introduction to the areas of assessing, operating and maintaining cable cars.

This part-time course lasts nine months and is being offered for the fourth time in this format. It is aimed at those who wish to acquire fundamental scientific knowledge in the cable car industry. Career changers are also welcome. Entry requirements include completed vocational training and at least one year of practical experience.

The concept of block weeks was developed to meet the seasonal needs of the industry and to provide students with a good basis for combining academic training and professional activity.

Join now at short notice: Registrations are still possible until April 30th!

Since 2012, Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV) and Schloss Hofen, in cooperation with the Doppelmayr Group – the world market leader in the industry – have offered an academic program for cable cars. The university course was developed with specialists from across the German-speaking industry, as well as the Doppelmayr Group and professors from FH Vorarlberg.

The speakers come from Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria and are among the recognized experts in this field.

The university course is aimed at employees of companies and institutions in the cable car industry, but also at people interested in cable cars in the surrounding area who want to acquire the knowledge required for the industry.

The university course is conducted – adapted to the industry – in the form of block weeks in April and May as well as September and October.

The university course lasts approximately 9 months in total. The lectures, or rather the 4 block weeks, take place from Monday to Friday or Saturday.

The total workload is 18 ECTS credits. This includes lectures, exam preparation, and preparation and follow-up work for lectures. One ECTS credit corresponds to an average workload of 25 hours.

The university course is aimed at employees of companies and institutions in the cable car industry, but also at people interested in cable cars in the surrounding area who want to acquire the knowledge required for the industry.

The course provides a concise overview of the essential skills required for advising and making decisions, such as:

• Investments in existing or new facilities

• legal and economic framework for the operation of cable cars

• technical design and operation of cable car systems

• Energy and environmental aspects in the mountains and in urban areas

The university course "Fundamentals of Cable Car Economics" offers the opportunity to experience learning on different levels.

• Fireside chats & keynote speeches : for selected courses, experts from the field are invited to discuss key topics in a professional dialogue.

• Excursions to relevant manufacturers and companies in Austria and Switzerland.

The following requirements must be met to successfully complete the course:

• At least 80% attendance at lectures

• written module examinations

• Seminar and group work

Upon successful completion of all examinations, students receive a degree certificate and a diploma from the University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg in accordance with § 9 of the University of Applied Sciences Act (FHG). The course comprises 18 ECTS credits.

The course combines different teaching and learning principles. The large number of experienced instructors, practical lectures, and excursions offer a multi-perspective exchange of experiences and an intensive learning experience.

For further information about the course, please contact Ms. Caroline Ebner ( leadership-management@schlosshofen.at ). We would be delighted to have you join this course.

https://www.schlosshofen.at/bildung/leadership-management/grundlagen-der-seilbahnwirtschaft/