{"id":83272,"date":"2025-03-27T06:26:19","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T05:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/?p=83272"},"modified":"2025-04-30T12:22:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T10:22:44","slug":"iced-cable-cars-causes-and-countermeasures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/si-alpin\/iced-cable-cars-causes-and-countermeasures\/","title":{"rendered":"Iced cable cars: causes and countermeasures"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 gradient-container-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-1\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-1 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-2\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h3>Formation of ice<\/h3>\n<p>When moist air cools down, some of the water condenses, leading to phenomena like rain or fog. On cool surfaces such as buildings, windows, and cables, water also settles, and when temperatures drop below freezing, it forms ice.<\/p>\n<p>The ice on cables can become large and heavy: frozen cables hang lower and strain the tensioning equipment. Ice falling suddenly can lead to strong vibrations and dynamic load peaks. Potential risks include the release of a cable from the pulley system, the crossing of suspension cables by traction cables, or damage to classic tension weights upon impact with the ground.<\/p>\n<p>The ice build-up can also block the system if motor power and torque are insufficient to release the ice. On the route, frozen rollers can be damaged when the system frees itself.<\/p>\n<h3>Types of ice formation<\/h3>\n<p>Ice isn\u2019t always the same: its structure, density, and appearance can vary based on weather and location. The following types of ice may form depending on the weather conditions:<\/p>\n<\/div><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"1197\" image_height=\"608\" image_id=\"83274\" title=\"De-icing 1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-1.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-83274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-1-200x102.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-1-400x203.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-1-600x305.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-1-800x406.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-1.jpg 1197w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-2 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 gradient-container-2 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-3\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-3 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-4\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p>At higher altitudes and on plateaus between 70 0 to 1,200 meters, ice formation can be significant. Regions in the north, such as the first alpine ridges or mountain areas with large adjacent bodies of water, are particularly affected. Literature suggests expected ice thicknesses based on location:<\/p>\n<\/div><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"1189\" image_height=\"554\" image_id=\"83276\" title=\"De-icing 2\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-2.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-83276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-2-200x93.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-2-400x186.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-2-600x280.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-2-800x373.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/De-icing-2.jpg 1189w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><p>Therefore, the potential additional ice mass is also considered in the calculation of cable cars according to EN 12930.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-4 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 gradient-container-3 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-5\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-5 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-6\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h3>Measures against ice build-up in operations<\/h3>\n<p>The industry shares tales of past methods or impressive photos on social media of de-icing operations. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these methods is often not well documented:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>For circulating systems<\/strong> or mountain cable loops, some operators drive slowly at night to prevent ice formation. Some cable cars have been equipped with smaller drives to operate at low power for this night-time operation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>For aerial tramways,<\/strong> ice is typically broken off using ice scraper plates and special pulley bodies on the drive system. Years ago, attempts were made with a system that used artificially created vibrations to shake the ice off the cables at the push of a button. In Sweden, helicopters are sometimes used to break the ice from the cables by swinging a tree trunk against the suspension cable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But what works best in practice? We spoke with <strong>Bernhard Thoma<\/strong>, Deputy Operations Manager of the Zugspitze Cable Car in Germany, who has experience managing ice on one of the world\u2019s most spectacular cable cars. The Zugspitze cable car spans nearly 4.5 kilometers in length and a 2-kilometer elevation difference.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-6 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container gradient-container-4 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1164.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-7\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-7 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:16.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 11.52%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 11.52%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-8\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"819\" image_height=\"1024\" image_id=\"81130\" title=\"B2a_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2a_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-819x1024.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-81130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2a_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2a_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2a_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-600x750.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2a_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2a_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/span><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-8 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-9\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"819\" image_height=\"1024\" image_id=\"81132\" title=\"B2b_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2b_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-819x1024.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-81132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2b_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2b_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2b_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-600x750.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2b_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B2b_Enteisen_Are_nicht_unser_Bild.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/span><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-9 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-10\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\">De-icing in \u00c5re with the help of tree trunks and helicopters. \u00a9 FB-Screenshot\/Are<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-10 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-4{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 gradient-container-5 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-11\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-11 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-12\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h3>Zugspitze\u2018s approach<\/h3>\n<p>At the Zugspitze, a staff member stays overnight on the mountain. This allows stations to be controlled and cleared early, and cabins to be repositioned. In emergencies, a technician can come via the cogwheel railway through the tunnel to assist with the glacier cable car\u2019s start-up.<\/p>\n<p>When the cable cars are iced over, the system is manually moved back and forth in the cabin intake area until all pulleys are free to move again. Additionally, foldable ice scraper systems are mounted at the Zugspitze\u2019s mountain station, which can be mechanically locked and electronically monitored.<\/p>\n<p>During operation, vehicles cannot enter the station, and the opposing track is also blocked to avoid confusion in work zones. The incoming traction cable must be de-iced at the mountain station, over a 300-meter stretch until the first cable carrier.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-12 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 image-wide-container gradient-container-6 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-13\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-458241767\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Best-Practice<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Ice scraper (left) and white hard plastic roller on the drive system of the Zugspitze cable car.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-13 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-14\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-623464232\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B4b_Hartkunststoffrolle-1024x768.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-14 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 gradient-container-7 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-15\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-15 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-15 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-16\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><h3>Keeping the cable car in motion<\/h3>\n<p>The most challenging situation arises when it rains below the summit and snows at higher elevations. Water from the drive system can freeze on the station rollers, making them freeze at the mountain station.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, the roller profiles were modified to increase the distance from the station\u2019s steel parts. Also, the cable car is intentionally moved slower (8 m\/s) on such days to maintain a 15-minute interval and ensure nearly continuous operation. Just 30 minutes of downtime is enough for the rollers to freeze.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-16 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-8 image-wide-container gradient-container-8 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-16 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-17\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-109242938\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Experts<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><p style=\"text-align: right;\">SI author Konstantin K\u00fchner (left) with Bernhard Thoma from the Zugspitze cable car.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-17 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-17 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-18\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-1302453616\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/B5_Autoren_ohne_Zuschnitt-1024x768.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-18 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-9 gradient-container-9 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-18 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-19\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-19 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-19 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-20\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><h3>Practical de-icing at the valley station<\/h3>\n<p>At the valley station, de-icing is easier. The traction cable can be gently nudged with the foot to loosen the ice, clearing the path to the first cable carrier. The more snow is removed before the station, the less needs to be cleared later.<\/p>\n<p>Ice scraper systems are installed on the cabins themselves to clear the suspension cables, with a 5-6 millimeter gap. Each drive unit also contains<br \/>\ncebreaker rollers made of hard plastic.<\/p>\n<p>Experience has shown that the rollers are no longer mounted at the front of the cable car to avoid ice hitting the cabin\u2018s front windows. After breaking the ice, the cabin\u2019s roof still needs to be manually cleared.<\/p>\n<h3>Rustic but gentle on the cables<\/h3>\n<p>For slope security, even explosive cable cars must be kept in motion. This process is more rustic: moving forward and backward with the help of ice scraper plates on the windows to remove most of the ice.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, wooden beams and brooms are used to tackle stubborn ice. Preventatively, little can be done to stop ice formation, except to operate the system. However, with thoughtful planning and practical, proven devices and strategies, rapid and cable-friendly de-icing is possible.<\/p>\n<p><em>Autor: Konstantin K\u00fchner<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-20 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cable car operators often struggle with frozen cables, pulleys, and cabins. But when and how does ice form, and how can it be properly removed? We asked Bernhard Thoma from the Zugspitze cable car company in Germany for his insights and practical tips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":81120,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[181,171],"tags":[241],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83272"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83272"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83272\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":83279,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83272\/revisions\/83279"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}