Garaventa undertakes construction of Replacement Davos Parsenn ski lift

The Schiferbahn gondola lift, operated by Davos Klosters Bergbahnen AG in the Davos Parsenn ski area, connects the Schifer area with the Weissfluhjoch. The existing 6-person gondola lift was commissioned in 1987 and has proven itself a reliable connection for many years. However, after decades of service, the lift is now nearing the end of its technical lifespan, which is why a replacement is planned.

With a route length of approximately 5.3 kilometers, the Schiferbahn is the longest cable car system in the Davos Klosters Mountains. What was considered a modern connection when it was first opened no longer fully meets the current requirements for contemporary cable car systems. In particular, the travel time of around 22 minutes and the operation with approximately 160 cabins in circulation result in comparatively high operating costs. For this reason, the system is being replaced with a new one.

The existing ski lift will remain in operation until and including the 2026/27 winter season. Afterwards, it will be dismantled as planned.

New building 10‑MGD Schifer–Weissfluhjoch

For the 2027/28 winter season, the existing 6-person gondola lift will be replaced by a new 10-person gondola lift (10-MGD). The new construction is being carried out by Garaventa. The D-Line technology will be used, ensuring a smooth ride, high stability, and efficient and optimized station operations.

As part of the new construction, the route will be slightly adjusted. The existing Obersäss intermediate station will be eliminated and not replaced. This will significantly reduce travel time: Weissfluhjoch will be reached in approximately 14 minutes, whereas the journey previously took about 22 minutes.

Conveyor capacity, cabins and operating concept

The new lift uses 10-person gondolas of the OMEGA V type from CWA Constructions SA. It has a transport capacity of 1,800 people per hour. The wind-stable cabins with large windows offer a high level of passenger comfort.

Additionally, TWISTIN ski racks integrated into the floor allow for controlled boarding. This helps to reduce crowding and waiting times at the stations and optimize passenger flow.

In the future, half of the cabins will be stored in the garage at the valley station and half at the mountain station. Furthermore, the valley station has a manual expansion option, allowing all 84 cabins to be accommodated during the summer season.