Jasná is replacing the heart of its funitels: an 8.8 kilometer long and 105-ton haul rope.

The Jasná mountain resort in the Low Tatras has launched one of the most technically demanding operations in its history. The resort's iconic Funitel cable car, which transports visitors from Priehyba to Chopok mountain, has undergone a complete replacement of its haul rope.

First exchange since the construction of the cable car

Two enormous drums containing the new haul rope have arrived at the resort from Switzerland. The rope has an impressive diameter of 54 millimeters and a total weight of 105 tons. Almost 8,800 meters of rope were replaced in total.

“First, we had to lower the old cable to the ground and pull the new cable alongside it using winches. Then the old cable was cut, the new cable spliced ​​onto it, and gradually pulled over all the supports and through the stations,” explained Braňo Uličný, operations manager of the cable car.

Replacing the haul rope is an exceptional undertaking and the first of its kind since the Funitel opened in 2012. Unlike the regular rope shortening in the spring – a routine operation carried out by a certified Swiss specialist, in which a few meters of rope are removed to compensate for operational stretching – this project involves the complete replacement of the entire rope system.

Funitel: Jasná's technological flagship

The Funitel cable car is the only system of its kind in Slovakia. Its 24-person cabins are suspended from two parallel cables, giving the system significantly greater resistance to strong winds compared to conventional gondola lifts. Overcoming an altitude difference of 655 meters, the cable car, with a transport capacity of 2,480 passengers per hour, plays a key role in connecting the north and south sides of the resort.

Investing in comfort and safety for the coming years

“The Funitel cable car is far more than just a cable car – it is a symbol for Jasná and a guarantee that guests can rely on the connection between the north and south sides of Chopok Mountain, even under conditions that would force normal cable cars and lifts to cease operation. Replacing the cable represents an investment in safety, reliability, and quality for many years to come,” said Jiří Trumpeš, General Manager of the resort.