INDUSTRY. Again, Sölden has made massive investments: Gaislachkogl peak is now accessible by a new triple rope mountain gondola and a detachable single rope cable car with the highest hourly capacity world-wide. Since last winter season these two architectural highlights are in action.

The project sketches of the two mountain railways are eye-catching new buildings. Both cable car systems developed by Doppelmayr guarantee a quick and easy access to Sölden's most renowned skiing mountain. Bright colors and inviting architectural items characterize the truly unique lift stations featuring state-of-the-art technical equipment.

The first section up to the middle station is a detachable single rope cable car, while the second section up to the peak of Gaislachkogl features a three-rope mountain gondola. Until now the total hourly capacity on the first section was only about 1,800 persons – the new Gaislachkogl gondola will transport up to 3,600 persons per hour. "There is no other detachable mono-rope cable car with a higher hourly capacity than 3,000 persons. We set up a new record" explains Jakob Falkner, general manager of BBS Lift Company.

Contemporary Architecture

The highest safety standards, more riding comfort and a higher transport capacity coupled with truly outstanding architectural elements are the main aims of Sölden's Lift Company. The architectural office run by Johann Obermoser / Innsbruck has redesigned the new base terminal, a slim steel construction with a longish building shell.

The outer construction is covered with a transparent and tear-resistant plastic foil in a really futurist design, presenting a contrast to the already existing administration building. "The new construction features a long-stretched building which serves as Sölden's new, largely visual advertising medium" states Walter Siegele, managing director of BBS Lift Company.

Remarkable Dimensions

All three lift stations of the new Gaislachkogl mountain gondola present similar architectural highlights. The gently curved shape of the buildings is in the center of attention while their interior steel construction is covered with a synthetic skin. The roof height of the gondola's middle station is about 16 meters.

The building itself – located at 2,174 meters above sea level – features a giant 190m² window offering stunning panoramic views of the Ötztal and Stubai Alps. All those who want to continue their adventurous journey from the middle station to the peak can take the triple rope mountain gondola which is located on the same floor.

1,200 Meters Distance between Lift Towers

In the past the distance between the single lift towers of the middle and the top station was about 750 meters. But the new cable railway features a maximum distance of no less than 1,200 meters between its giant pillars! The old mountain gondola had 4 lift towers in the second section while the new 3-rope system only needs 3 of them. The single gondola cabins of will be supported by two track ropes and one haul rope.

Due to permafrost soil the top station is moved northwards for some 30 meters. As a consequence, also the routing was slightly changed without having any effect on the already existing "Tre Milla" mountain restaurant and the BIG 3 viewing platform. The exit area can be found right in-between the new top station and the already existing building. The entire project represents a great challenge for architects, builders and the Sölden Lift Company. The last lift tower of this second section is 50 meters high and 50 meters long, a fact that requires concrete foundations equivalent to 28 normal lift towers. What's more, the rope's traction power is 30 times higher than normal and the construction period was more than restricted at some 3,000 meters above sea level. Nevertheless the Sölden Lift Company accomplished completion of this giant project within the prescribed time limit. "We trusted in highly skilled and capable partners with plenty of experience. Therefore we counted on accurate planning strategies and time limits", notices Jakob Falkner, head of the Sölden Lift Company.

Gaislachkogl Gondola FACTS

Opening of the new gondola: December 2010
Investment volume: 38 Million Euro
Cable railway techniques: Doppelmayr
Planning: Architect's Office - DI Johann Obermoser, Innsbruck

Section I Single Rope Gondola
Total length:  2,040.48 m
Capacity/cabin: 8 persons
Speed: 6 m/s
Hourly capacity: 3,600 persons/hour
Gondola cabins:  107
Riding time:  6.7 min
Altitude valley:  1,363 m
Altitude middle station: 2,174 m
Difference in altitude:  811 m

Section II  Triple Rope Gondola
Total length: 1,978 m
Capacity/cabin: 30 persons
Speed:  6 m/s
Hourly capacity:  2,600 persons/hour
Lift towers:  3
Gondola cabins:  19
Riding time: 5.5 min
Altitude top station:  3,040 m
Difference in altitude: 864 m

Find more at www.soelden.com

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