Milestone for Samnaun: Construction begins on the new Laret–Champs–Muller 10-person gondola lift

The Federal Office of Transport (BAV) granted the concession and planning approval for the construction of the new 10-MGD (detachable 10-person monocable gondola lift) on March 30, 2026. Following the official entry into force of the permit, the first excavators were able to move in in May 2026 and construction work successfully commenced.

Facts

• Valley station elevation 1,721 m

• Mid-station elevation 1,966 m

• Mountain station elevation 2,503 m

• Elevation difference 782 m

• Inclined length 3,180 m

• Number of supports: 20

• Conveyor rope diameter 48 mm

• Initial capacity: 1,600 people/hour

• Final capacity: 2,000 people/hour

• Driving speed 6.0 m/s

• Travel time 11 min

• Number of cabins in initial configuration: 59 units.

• Final expansion: 74 units.

• 10 people per cabin

This groundbreaking major project represents a sustainable investment in the quality and comfort of the ski area. The new lift connects the lower hamlets of Samnaun (Laret / Compatsch) with the Silvretta Skiarena Samnaun / Ischgl via an intermediate station and is scheduled to open for the winter season in November 2027, following a planned construction period of two years.

THE PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE:

PERFECT ski-in/ski-out:

The lift will now function as a state-of-the-art facility and direct access point.

For guests and locals, this means seamless, stress-free convenience directly from their accommodation to the slopes and back again.

With the construction of the new 10-MGD Laret-Champs-Muller, Bergbahnen Samnaun and Garaventa are creating a new cable car connection within the Silvretta Skiarena Samnaun/Ischgl. The system is being built on a new route where there was previously no cable car connection and will provide direct access to the districts of Laret and Compatsch. The system is scheduled to go into operation in winter 2027/28

Garaventa has already been involved in the planning for several years and is supporting the project from conception to implementation. In future, the new lift will take on a central function as a feeder to the ski area as well as an employment facility from the middle station.

The 10-passenger gondola lift in D-Line design is equipped with OMEGA V cabins from CWA and will be operated with the Connect control system in future. The gondola lift offers a high level of ride comfort and barrier-free access to the stations. The initial capacity is 1,600 passengers per hour and can be increased to 2,000 passengers per hour in the final version.

STATE-OF-THE-ART CABLE CAR TECHNOLOGY (10-MGD):

The spacious 10-person cabins not only offer maximum ride comfort and wind stability, but also, thanks to the detachable system, barrier-free and absolutely relaxed boarding and disembarking at the stations.

STRATEGIC MIDDLE STATION:

The sections ensure perfect access to the ski area. Thanks to the mid-station, it's not necessary to ski the entire route down to the valley: winter sports enthusiasts can flexibly divide the descent and use the upper or lower section of the run individually as their own activity area.

TWO YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION FOR A NEW SKI EXPERIENCE

A tight and precisely coordinated construction schedule lies ahead until the planned completion in November 2027. Every effort is being made to minimize the impact on nature and summer operations.