CABLEWAY & TECHNOLOGY
New cable cars & investments, cabins & transport operations, ropes & splice, navigation & electronics,
pylons & safety nets, moutain systems & protective gear, legal protection;
Gondola with a Whirlpool: The Idea and Technical Design
A gondola as a floating spa experience: What initially sounds very unusual would actually be technically feasible according to Paul Demschar from the Montanuniversität Leoben - and could become an exclusive added feature for select destinations. By smartly separating stationary water treatment from mobile bathing technology, he safely brings whirlpools to the rope. An inside look at the concept and its implementation.
Vietnam: Two funiculars serve the highest montain
Garaventa has completed two new funiculars on Indochina’s highest mountain, Fansipan in Vietnam. The installations expand the existing access to the summit area and improve visitor flow between the various attractions.
Cable car model finds a home
A desperate plea reached the SI editorial team a year ago. The 1:10 scale Fischertechnik cable car had lost its shelter and was urgently seeking a new home. The world’s largest and most complex Fischertechnik model was facing complete shutdown - and with it, a project into which 30 volunteers had invested thousands of work hours. But now, there is good news.
Doppelmayr: Bike Cab as a strategic choice
Three new gondola lifts on both sides of the Atlantic – the Loischkopfbahn, the Mighty Argo Cable Car, and the Explorer Gondola – are now in operation. All three are equipped with Bike Cabs to transport bicycles up the mountain, helping operators achieve key strategic goals.
Powder Mountain is expanding for the 2026/2027 winter season.
"New lifts, more terrain, unbelievably uncrowded skiing:" This is how the Powder Mountain ski resort in Utah is promoting its investments for the upcoming winter season. Specifically, plans include a new construction project, a chairlift upgrade, and the brand-new Sundown Lodge.
New cable car at Levi Ski Resort
Levi Ski Resort in Finland continues its long-term investment program. This year, it focuses on increasing lift capacity on the south slopes, aiming to enhance the area’s functionality. The new Sunny Express chairlift will boost capacity and speed up access to the main pistes.
Cable Car Construction: Trends in the Alpine Region
Dozens of new cable cars and chairlifts were put into operation across the Alpine region for the 2025/26 ski season. Having covered many innovations separately, SI now brings together the key features emerging across multiple completed projects.
RopeTwin: Modular System for Areal Tramways
Bartholet’s RopeTwin ropeway system combines a compact design with flexible operating options. The innovative solution is designed for small aerial tramways in challenging terrain and projects requiring easy maintenance access, high availability, and advanced automation.
Partner for the entire rope lifecycle
The lifespan of a cable car rope is complex, especially when the operator has to manage all processes and procurement independently. Teufelberger-Redaelli’s full-service approach offers a value-added alternative: the manufacturer supports customers throughout the rope lifecycle.
Doppelmayr: technical and digital innovations
With the TRI-Line in the Swiss ski resort Hoch-Ybrig and the AI-supported chairlifts in the Austrian destinations Ischgl and Sölden, the Doppelmayr Group has implemented ropeway and digital innovations that will shape the industry worldwide for years to come.
How ropeways can harness solar power
In Bolivia’s administrative center, La Paz, the “Mi Teleférico” сable car network is taking another step toward sustainability: while the cabins are already equipped with solar panels, the operator is now working on a model for generating its own renewable energy. The challenges and opportunities involved affect not only “Mi Teleférico” but many other cable car operators as well. Which aspects are particularly important, and what solutions are being implemented?
Spanish ski resorts are investing heavily
With Astún and Alto Campoo, two Spanish ski resorts are investing heavily in their infrastructure: new cable cars, slopes, snow groomers, and beginner areas are to be acquired or implemented. The details.