Statistical analysis of lifts in South Tyrol undertaken

While investments were previously made in the development and construction of new lifts and ski resorts, today the focus is on securing competitiveness through investments in quality and sustainability: this is shown in the current edition of the ASTAT cable car booklet, which has just been published.

The figures show that the number of ski lifts has been declining for years: in 2000 there were 392, in 2010 375, in 2020 357, and in 2025 351. "One reason for this is that no new ski resorts or zones are being designated; instead, the focus is on existing ones. This is a decision we fully support. We want to contribute to development in peripheral areas, to enable local services, to employ people locally, and thus to safeguard their quality of life," said Helmut Sartori, President of the Association of Cable Car Operators.

The operators of the ski lifts are striving to improve. Energy efficiency, sustainable energy generation, and also travel by public transport are becoming increasingly important in this regard.

“To remain competitive, we are therefore investing, among other things, in increasing transport capacity. This does not mean that more people are transported, but that efficiency and comfort have been improved – less energy consumption, shorter waiting times,” explains Sartori.

The Association of Cable Car Operators sees some very positive current developments in the area of ​​energy efficiency. Since this year, it has been possible under urban planning regulations to install photovoltaic systems on the surface of reservoirs, and recently the path has also been paved for pumped-storage power plants. "Our goal is to become energy self-sufficient," emphasizes Sartori, who also notes that almost all member companies already source exclusively green energy (so-called renewable electricity).

As of December 31, 2025, there were 351 cable car systems in South Tyrol, three fewer than the previous year: in 2025, nine new systems were built and 12 were dismantled. 27 systems underwent the legally mandated general overhaul, and two underwent significant modifications.

Both the summer half-year of 2024 and the winter half-year of 2024/25 saw new record passenger numbers (11.6 million and 150.4 million, respectively). Each lift can transport an average of 1,602 people per hour. In 2024, a profit of €109.9 million was generated, the highest result to date in the cable car sector.

Fewer plants, better quality

The number of cable car systems in South Tyrol has declined steadily since 1980. While a total of 440 systems were recorded in 1980, this number had fallen to just 351 by 2025. The decline has been particularly pronounced in the number of drag lifts and fixed-grip chairlifts. This is primarily due to the fact that many older systems have been replaced by more efficient detachable gondola lifts as part of modernization projects. Virtually every fixed-grip chairlift is now being replaced by a detachable model.

More here