New construction of the Kapellenbahn cable car on the Schmittenhöhe begins

Another significant modernization project is underway on the Schmittenhöhe: The building permit for the new Kapellenbahn cable car has now been officially granted. Following intensive procedures and extensive regulatory requirements, all conditions have been successfully met. Nothing now stands in the way of construction starting. Work has already begun, with the clear goal of putting the new cable car into operation in time for the coming winter.

Facts about the new Kapellenbahn cable car

• Cable car type: detachable 8-seater chairlift

• Valley station: 1,728 m

• Mountain station: 1,964 m

• Number of towers: 10

• Speed: up to 5.5 m/s

• Travel time: approx. 3 minutes

• Capacity: up to 3,400 people/hour

• Number of chairs: max. 42

With the new Kapellenbahn cable car, Schmittenhöhebahn AG is consistently continuing its path of continuously modernizing the infrastructure on the mountain while simultaneously implementing the highest standards in comfort, safety and sustainability.

More comfort, more safety, more performance

The existing 4-seater chairlift has been in operation since 2001 and is now being replaced by a modern detachable 8-seater chairlift. The new lift offers numerous advantages for winter sports enthusiasts.

The detachable seats significantly reduce the speed at stations. This ensures a particularly comfortable, quiet, and safe boarding and alighting experience.

At the same time, the train travels considerably faster on the route, reducing the journey time to approximately three minutes.

The transport capacity also increases significantly: Instead of the previous 2,394 people per hour, up to 3,400 people per hour can be transported in the future.

Additional comfort is provided by modern individual seats with seat heating, weather protection hoods, automatically locking locking bars and a comfortable conveyor belt entrance.

Intelligent technology for maximum security

The new Kapellenbahn cable car also sets technological standards. As with the Breiteckbahn cable car, the mountain station will be equipped with Doppelmayr's innovative AURO system. Cameras and sensors continuously monitor the disembarkation areas and react automatically if necessary.

Not least because of the high quality standards, the longevity of the systems and the focus on sustainable technology, the decision was once again made in favor of the internationally renowned cable car manufacturer Doppelmayr.

Improvements for guests and emergency services

As part of the new construction, the valley station will also be relocated approximately 150 meters towards Piesendorf. This will significantly improve both access to the Pingauer Hütte mountain hut and the return journey. At the same time, the existing ski slope in this area will be optimized and made more attractive overall, resulting in even more enjoyable skiing and an enhanced overall skiing experience.

In addition, the new mountain station will house a modern ski patrol base and expanded sanitary facilities, providing further benefits for guests and staff.

Sustainability and environmental compatibility are the focus.

The new building follows a clear principle: modern infrastructure and responsible interaction with nature go hand in hand.

Extensive ecological measures are being implemented. These include targeted reforestation, the deliberate preservation of valuable old-growth trees as habitat for numerous animal species, and specific CEF measures to protect grouse. Particularly valuable forest areas with stands over 150 years old are being preserved and have been intentionally integrated into the planning.

Another focus is on amphibian protection. For this purpose, a protective fence approximately three kilometers long with buried traps is being erected. The areas are checked daily, the animals are carefully removed, and relocated to prepared alternative habitats, such as structurally diverse piles of stones and protected retreats. Only when it has been ensured that no animals remain in the respective construction area will the next construction phase begin.

This ensures the protection of sensitive species throughout the entire construction phase.

Reuse instead of scrapping

Even during the dismantling of the existing system, Schmittenhöhebahn AG is consistently committed to resource conservation. The existing Kapellenbahn cable car will not be scrapped, but carefully dismantled and re-erected in Romania.

The company has successfully pursued this principle of reuse for years, not only with cable car systems, but also with snow groomers, snowmobiles, and technical infrastructure. Wherever possible, existing systems and vehicles are given a second life. This saves resources, reduces emissions, and sustainably extends the service life of high-quality capital goods.

Looking ahead

With the new Kapellenbahn cable car, Schmittenhöhebahn AG continues to invest consistently in quality, future viability, and sustainable infrastructure on the mountain. Following the Sonnkogelbahn and the modernization of the Breiteckbahn, the Kapellenbahn is the next strong signal for the further development of the ski area on the Schmittenhöhe.