Three Peaks Dolomites: Project HELMISSIMO for winter 2026/27 New chapter in the Three Peaks Dolomites ski area

With the Helmissimo project, the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski area – comprising the villages of Sexten, Innichen, Toblach, Niederdorf, and Prags, and recently awarded "Best Ski Area in Italy" by the World Ski Awards – is setting another significant milestone in the continuous development of its infrastructure. The construction of the new 10-person premium gondola lift in Vierschach, combined with the extension and upgrade of the valley run, marks a new chapter in the long history of the Helm ski area's development and represents progress, quality, and a clear focus on the future. The new lift is scheduled to open for the 2026/2027 winter season.

The overall project also includes increasing the technical snowmaking capacity on the newly extended valley run and expanding the Punka building, which together contribute to greater comfort and efficiency.

Story

Since the opening of the first lifts in the 1970s, the Helm ski area has developed steadily and successfully. Development of the Helm began in 1976 with the inauguration of a two-seater chairlift with a mid-station. Finally, in 1989, the chairlift was replaced by a six-person gondola. "Helmissimo" builds on this established tradition and represents a logical next step in further strengthening the ski area in terms of both infrastructure and quality, and sustainably improving the guest experience.

Technical details: 10-person premium gondola lift

The core of the project is the replacement of the existing lift with a modern gondola lift featuring spacious 10-person panoramic cabins – one of Leitner AG's flagship products. The new premium gondola lift sets new standards in comfort, efficiency, and performance. High-quality fixtures and functional, generously designed boarding areas ensure smooth, comfortable, and contemporary transport to the ski mountain.

The new system significantly improves access to the Helm mountain and contributes substantially to reducing waiting times – especially on busy days. At the same time, Helmissimo positions itself as a technological flagship project within the ski resort.

Among the special technical highlights of the new 10-person premium gondola lift is the significant increase in transport capacity to up to 3,250 people per hour (previously 1,800 people per hour). The travel speed is also increased from the current 5.0 m/s to 6.50 m/s. With an inclined length of 3,047.67 m, a horizontal length of 2,898 m, and a vertical rise of 910.80 m, the travel time is reduced from just over 10 minutes to 7 minutes and 49 seconds. A total of 97 gondolas are in operation.

Ski slope extension

Alongside the new ski lift, the valley run will be widened in several sections and repositioned under the name "Helmissimo". The increased piste width enhances safety and comfort for skiers of all abilities. Gentle sections as well as more challenging stretches ensure a varied and attractive skiing experience for winter sports enthusiasts.

Snowmaking infrastructure

Another key component of the project is the optimization of the artificial snowmaking system. The targeted expansion of the infrastructure ensures a high level of reliability in snow cover – an increasingly crucial prerequisite for stable and high-quality winter operations throughout the entire season.

Punka building extension

In addition to the new gondola lift, the project also includes the expansion of the Punka building, creating added comfort and greater efficiency. The access point in Vierschach is one of the most important entry points to the ski area and plays a central role in the flow of visitors. In the future, guests will benefit from a level connection between the lift arrival and the boarding area, as well as direct, covered access from the ski depot and ski rental to the gondola lift. These measures ensure shorter distances, smoother processes, and an overall more pleasant arrival and a comfortable start to the ski day.

Future -oriented project

Helmissimo is a forward-looking project that will further strengthen the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski area, significantly enhance the quality of its offerings, and provide both guests and locals with a modern, safe, and high-quality winter sports experience. Key components of the project include the construction of a new 10-person premium gondola, the expansion of the ski slope, and the development of the infrastructure for artificial snowmaking on the valley run. In addition, the Punka building will be expanded to further improve comfort, efficiency, and service quality.