Trento-Bondone Cable Car Takes Major Step Forward as Design Contract Awarded

One of the most ambitious mountain mobility projects in the Italian Alps has moved into a new phase after authorities awarded the contract for the technical and economic feasibility design of the first section of the proposed Trento-Monte Bondone Cable Car, connecting the city of Trento with the hillside community of Sardagna.

The decision marks a significant milestone for a project that supporters view as a transformative public transport link between the city and the mountain, while critics continue to question its environmental impact, cost and broader development implications.

The Provincial Agency for Public Contracts and Procurement has awarded responsibility for preparing the project's feasibility study to a consortium led by I.C. srl, alongside Techplan srl, Arca Engineering srl, Pojer & P. Engineering srl, geologist Rinaldo Bussola and engineer Mullaj Genci. The design contract is worth approximately €1.56 million, excluding VAT and statutory charges.

A Vision Beyond Tourism

Although Monte Bondone is best known as Trento's local ski and outdoor recreation mountain, project promoters insist the planned ropeway should be viewed primarily as a public mobility initiative rather than a tourist attraction.

According to planning documents produced by the Autonomous Province of Trento, the system has been conceived as a rapid transit link that would integrate with the city's transport network, replacing and expanding the role currently played by the historic Trento-Sardagna Cable Car. The proposal would connect Trento with Sardagna before extending higher towards Monte Bondone's settlements and tourism areas.

Provincial president Maurizio Fugatti described the latest decision as a further step toward delivering a strategic infrastructure project designed to improve sustainable mobility while creating opportunities for local residents, businesses and mountain communities.

First Stage of a Larger Network

The project is divided into two principal sections: Trento-Sardagna and Sardagna-Monte Bondone. The current procurement concerns only the first segment, which links the city with the hillside village overlooking the Adige Valley.

The broader development is estimated to require approximately €96 million of investment. Of that figure, around €46 million relates to the first section alone, with approximately €37.5 million expected to come from Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

Previous planning studies indicate the route would form part of a larger public transport strategy intended to improve connectivity between Trento's urban districts and the mountain communities above the city. The concept includes integration with transport infrastructure on the valley floor and the redevelopment of former industrial areas near the city.

Linking City and Mountain

The strategic importance of Monte Bondone extends well beyond winter sports.

Often referred to as "Trento's Mountain", the plateau serves as a year-round recreation area featuring hiking, mountain biking, nature tourism and a ski area operated by Trento Funivie. Located less than 30 minutes from the city centre by road, the mountain plays a significant role in the region's tourism economy.

Supporters believe the cable car could reduce reliance on private vehicles, improve mountain accessibility and strengthen the relationship between the city and its surrounding alpine environment. Planning documents describe the vision as a transport system serving both residents and visitors throughout the year.

The project would also build upon Trento's long history of ropeway transport. The existing Trento-Sardagna Cable Car, operated by Trentino Trasporti, remains both a practical transport service and a popular scenic attraction, carrying passengers between the city and Sardagna in around four minutes while offering panoramic views over the Adige Valley.

Debate Continues

Despite the progress, the proposed cable car remains one of the most debated infrastructure projects in the region.

Various community groups and environmental organisations have raised concerns regarding landscape impacts, construction costs and the overall rationale behind the investment. At the same time, a number of tourism and business interests regard the scheme as a potentially transformative mobility project capable of stimulating economic development and reducing road congestion.

The completion of the technical and economic feasibility study will now provide a clearer picture of route details, engineering requirements and project costs. Once that work is completed, authorities intend to move towards a tender for construction using an integrated procurement model.

For now, the awarding of the design contract represents the most tangible advance yet for a project that has been discussed for years. Whether it ultimately becomes a flagship example of sustainable alpine mobility or remains a subject of continued controversy, the Trento-Bondone cable car has entered a decisive new chapter.