Saalbach-Hinterglemm: Reiterkogel cable car: Construction work on the home straight

The transformation of one of Austria's best-known ski access routes is entering its final phase, with construction of the new Reiterkogel Bahn in Saalbach-Hinterglemm now on the home straight ahead of its scheduled debut for the 2026-27 winter season.

The ambitious project, located in the heart of Hinterglemm, represents one of the most significant lift investments currently underway in the Austrian Alps. According to the resort, the valley, mid-station and summit terminals have all been completed, while the majority of ropeway engineering work carried out by Doppelmayr has also been finished. Following the successful rope installation and splicing process, delivery and installation of the system's 71 cabins is now progressing.

Countdown to Opening Day

Attention is now turning towards the commissioning phase. Throughout November, the new lift will undergo a series of technical tests and empty-running trials before welcoming its first guests.

The operator remains confident that the new gondola will enter service in time for the planned start of the winter season on 27 November 2026.

“Wir sind mit dem bisherigen Baufortschritt sehr zufrieden und befinden uns voll im Zeitplan,” said managing directors Manuel Hirner and Wolfgang Gensbichler, praising the coordinated efforts of contractors and resort staff involved in the construction programme.

Replacing a Lift That Helped Shape the Resort

The new installation replaces the existing Reiterkogel Bahn, which entered service in 1997 and has served as a key gateway to the ski area for nearly three decades.

One of the most important changes is the introduction of a two-section layout that will carry passengers directly from the village to the summit, eliminating the need for intermediate transfers and creating a more seamless guest experience.

With a transport capacity of up to 2,500 passengers per hour and a journey time of approximately 8.6 minutes, the lift is designed to improve both uphill efficiency and overall comfort. The direct summit connection will provide faster access to the wider Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, one of Europe's largest interconnected ski domains.

A Strategic Investment for a Competitive Market

The project reflects a broader trend across leading Alpine destinations, where resorts continue to modernise infrastructure in response to growing expectations for convenience, accessibility and capacity.

For Saalbach-Hinterglemm, the new gondola is more than a replacement lift. It is a flagship investment aimed at strengthening the resort's position among Austria's premier winter sports destinations. Improved guest flow, reduced waiting times and enhanced comfort are expected to benefit both skiers and year-round visitors. While the 1997 installation played a significant role in the area's growth, the new system has been conceived to meet the demands of a modern mountain tourism market.

Looking Ahead

As the first cabins arrive and installation accelerates, anticipation is building ahead of the official launch. If the final testing programme proceeds as planned, guests arriving for the opening weeks of the 2026-27 season will be among the first to experience one of Austria's newest and most advanced gondola systems.

For the renowned Skicircus, the completion of the new Reiterkogel Bahn marks another milestone in an ongoing programme of infrastructure investment that continues to reshape the skiing experience in the Salzburg Alps.