WIR 03/2019 [EN]
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
The Customer Magazine of the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group Issue 3/<strong>2019</strong> 44th Year/No. 209<br />
Off to the glacier<br />
paradise<br />
A 3S lift to the Kitzsteinhorn<br />
Trend toward<br />
year-round<br />
tourism<br />
Experiencing the mountains<br />
365 days a year<br />
Unrivaled safety<br />
standard<br />
Rope position monitoring system<br />
RPD Nexo<br />
32-TGD 3K K-onnection, Kaprun Salzburg (AUT)<br />
© Kitzsteinhorn
2 Contents<br />
© Kitzsteinhorn<br />
11<br />
6<br />
Taking advantage of the summer season<br />
Ropeways play a major role in enabling people to experience mountains<br />
and regions throughout the year.<br />
3K K-onnection on the Kitzsteinhorn<br />
Salzburg’s fi rst ultramodern tricable gondola lift,<br />
the 3K K-onnection, is the centerpiece of the link<br />
between Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn.<br />
24<br />
14<br />
D-Line double act<br />
Since November <strong>2019</strong>, two new D-Line chairlifts with<br />
fi rst-class comfort have been bringing passengers to the slopes<br />
in Ischgl and Samnaun.<br />
Doppelmayr Canada<br />
For almost 60 years, the North American subsidiary has been<br />
an important partner: as a production facility, for innovations<br />
and for world records.
Foreword<br />
3<br />
A new era<br />
“With my new role on the board and the appointment<br />
of new executive directors, it’s a<br />
logical step to hand over the <strong>WIR</strong> editorial to<br />
Thomas and István as part of this change.”<br />
Michael Doppelmayr, Chairman of the Board<br />
of Directors, Doppelmayr Holding SE<br />
From left to right: Hanno Ulmer, Thomas Pichler, István Szalai and Michael Doppelmayr.<br />
It’s exactly 15 years and 46 issues since our <strong>WIR</strong> customer magazine underwent a comprehensive<br />
makeover in terms of design and layout. Throughout this period, Michael Doppelmayr<br />
has used the editorial to provide readers with a foretaste of items covered in each magazine<br />
and current topics of interest for the company.<br />
“One of our key concerns was to entrust<br />
management of the Group to someone who<br />
knows and will continue to uphold the values<br />
we have established. In Thomas Pichler and<br />
István Szalai we have found worthy successors<br />
and know we are passing the baton into<br />
safe hands.”<br />
Hanno Ulmer, Deputy Chairman of the Board<br />
of Directors, Doppelmayr Holding SE<br />
This is now the fi rst issue of <strong>WIR</strong> to be published since the change in management at Doppelmayr<br />
Holding SE. A new top management also means a change for the <strong>WIR</strong> editorial.<br />
After almost 25 years together at the head of the Doppelmayr Group, Hanno Ulmer and<br />
Michael Doppelmayr are to take on non-executive roles on the board of Doppelmayr Holding SE.<br />
At the end of September <strong>2019</strong>, they handed over the reins as executive directors of Doppelmayr<br />
Holding SE to Thomas Pichler and István Szalai, who will in future will be commenting on the<br />
latest developments in the editorial for <strong>WIR</strong> readers.<br />
“Today, we are already seeing ropeways<br />
gaining popularity worldwide as an effi cient<br />
and attractive mobility solution. <strong>WIR</strong> Magazine<br />
provides us with a platform for reporting<br />
to our readers on projects and developments<br />
that our employees are involved with on a<br />
day-to-day basis.”<br />
Thomas Pichler, Executive Director,<br />
Doppelmayr Holding SE<br />
“The future holds a lot of exciting new topics<br />
for our Group. Tackling these together with<br />
our employees and the companies belonging<br />
to the Group, and also being able to<br />
report on them in <strong>WIR</strong> Magazine will be a<br />
fantastic challenge.”<br />
István Szalai, Executive Director,<br />
Doppelmayr Holding SE
4 Facts & Figures<br />
Record year for the Stoos funicular<br />
In its first complete business year since reopening,<br />
the Stoos funicular has posted a true<br />
record performance. From May 2018 through<br />
April <strong>2019</strong>, more passengers were carried than<br />
ever before. The Stoosbahnen Group profited<br />
2018/19 FISCAL YEAR FOR<br />
THE STOOSBAHN<strong>EN</strong> GROUP<br />
from the innovative funicular as a visitor magnet<br />
above all for summer tourism. Visitor numbers<br />
more than doubled in the warmer months of<br />
the year in comparison with the previous year.<br />
Due to the fact that the Stoos funicular was<br />
opened in 2017, the winter was already a<br />
strong season the previous year and remained<br />
so in 2018/19. The world’s steepest funicular<br />
railway is a feat of engineering that is extremely<br />
popular with guests and offers a sensational<br />
ride experience.<br />
40.6%<br />
increase in passengers<br />
carried over<br />
previous year<br />
48.4%<br />
increase in passenger<br />
revenues over<br />
previous year<br />
Total revenues<br />
14.7 million<br />
francs<br />
• First-time visitors in summer: 298,442 (+113%)<br />
• First-time visitors in winter: 260,806 (+1%)<br />
• Headcount: 142, of which 62 full time<br />
(+12 over previous year)<br />
Swiss record in rope transport<br />
The impressive transport<br />
operation can be viewed<br />
on this video<br />
The rope manufacturer FATZER AG – whose<br />
products include ropes for ropeway installations<br />
– is well-known for its logistical feats. The<br />
Dimensions per rope:<br />
• 6,940 meters long<br />
• 132 tons in weight<br />
Total truck convoy per rope:<br />
• 65 meters long<br />
• 212 tons in weight<br />
• 1,580 PS<br />
If the 153 individual wires of two of the fullylocked<br />
track ropes were laid end to end, it<br />
would be possible to encircle Switzerland’s<br />
national border.<br />
transport operation required for the track ropes<br />
of the new tricable gondola lift Grindelwald<br />
Grund – Eigergletscher nonetheless put all<br />
others in the shade. Each of the four track<br />
ropes has dimensions that are unprecedented<br />
for a Swiss ropeway. In August <strong>2019</strong>, three of<br />
these heavy transports were performed; the<br />
fourth and last track rope was brought to<br />
Grindelwald in early November. In each case,<br />
a specular 132 tons of rope was maneuvered<br />
along winding, narrow mountain roads and<br />
over bridges that are only designed to take<br />
72 tons. The solution after three years of planning<br />
involved splitting the net load onto three<br />
trucks, costly conversion measures on the<br />
vehicles and a lot of time.<br />
Correction<br />
<strong>WIR</strong> issue 208<br />
The last <strong>WIR</strong> Magazine – issue 208 – contained<br />
an error on page 17. The featured<br />
reversible aerial tramway Salins-Cungieri-<br />
Cuolm da Vi is a project commissioned by<br />
Bergbahnen Disentis AG. SEMLORE was<br />
stated in error. We apologize for this mistake.
Facts & Figures<br />
5<br />
Record sales revenues in<br />
the 2018/<strong>2019</strong> business year<br />
Latin America<br />
Rest of World<br />
12%<br />
Austria,<br />
Germany<br />
Headcount<br />
development worldwide<br />
up to 2018/<strong>2019</strong><br />
2,378<br />
2,452<br />
2,546<br />
17%<br />
2,673<br />
19%<br />
2,720<br />
Consolidated Revenues<br />
by Region 2018/<strong>2019</strong><br />
17%<br />
2,933<br />
3,081<br />
9%<br />
1,544 AUT<br />
6%<br />
Asia<br />
CIS,<br />
CEE<br />
2%<br />
Middle<br />
East<br />
18%<br />
USA, Canada<br />
Switzerland,<br />
France,<br />
Italy<br />
+ 10.5 %<br />
Revenue Development<br />
2012/2013<br />
2013/2014<br />
2014/2015<br />
2015/2016<br />
2016/2017<br />
2017/2018<br />
2018/<strong>2019</strong><br />
Doppelmayr Holding SE again posted an increase<br />
in revenues in the last fi scal, up 10.5 percent<br />
at 935 million euros. This was attributable<br />
to the high level of investment on the part of<br />
customers in the winter sector, major projects<br />
in material transport and the dedication of over<br />
3,000 employees worldwide.<br />
Urban solutions<br />
Urban ropeways in Latin America were another<br />
contributing factor to the excellent results. La<br />
Paz (Bolivia) saw the completion of the tenth<br />
line in the world’s biggest urban ropeway<br />
network, and Bogotá (Colombia) also recently<br />
acquired a sustainable aerial ropeway solution<br />
to supplement the city’s passenger transport<br />
amenities. Work is already going ahead on the<br />
next urban ropeway solution in Mexico City<br />
(report on page 22).<br />
Digital future<br />
In addition, the Group demonstrated its leading<br />
position with regard to technology and innovation<br />
with new products and digital developments<br />
in fiscal 2018/<strong>2019</strong>. The new cabin<br />
models ATRIA for tricable gondola lifts and<br />
OMEGA V for monocable gondola lifts point<br />
the way in terms of comfort and technology.<br />
Flexible styling options and digital features are<br />
visionary for ropeway operators and passengers<br />
alike – entirely in line with the SMART<br />
Ropeway strategy, the digital future envisaged<br />
by Doppelmayr/Garaventa.<br />
Check out the<br />
SMART Ropeway<br />
video here:
6<br />
Year-Round Tourism<br />
365 days on the mountain<br />
– the trend toward<br />
year-round tourism<br />
Classic winter destinations are increasingly creating offers for the warmer months<br />
of the year. The trend toward year-round tourism is clearly noticeable. Experiences<br />
of the natural surroundings and on the mountain – outdoor activities like hiking,<br />
climbing and testing your skills in bike parks – are growing in popularity. As a<br />
comfortable, resource-efficient means of transport to these areas, ropeways fulfill<br />
an important function when it comes to enabling visitors to experience mountains<br />
and regions all year round.
Year-Round Tourism 7<br />
F<br />
or many years, the winter season was<br />
the main sales driver for Alpine tourist<br />
destinations. Today, a large number of<br />
regions are also increasingly relying on attractive<br />
offers for their guests in the summer. Yearround<br />
tourism are the magic words. Ropeway<br />
operators and tourist regions have recognized<br />
this potential. Today’s guests want to actively<br />
enjoy nature – both in the winter and in the<br />
warmer months. The fun element plays a decisive<br />
role here. The possibilities are no longer<br />
limited to skiing and hiking; countless new offers<br />
have been created for families and adventure<br />
seekers. The spectrum of activities is<br />
huge: from the forest slide park to bike parks,<br />
via ferratas and zip lines or summer toboggan<br />
runs – they all need to be reached quickly and<br />
comfortably. This is where ropeways have a<br />
central role to play as a means of transport.<br />
Creating mountain experiences<br />
Creative ideas for staging alpine experiences<br />
are in demand today – and the ride up the<br />
mountain is already a part of it. The hospitality
8<br />
Year-Round Tourism<br />
industry has long since made the switch to<br />
year-round tourism and places the emphasis<br />
on sustainability. Having the opportunity to<br />
enjoy regional dishes in an authentic environment<br />
is growing in popularity. The fact that<br />
ropeways themselves are increasingly being<br />
regarded as points of interest and developing<br />
into visitor magnets is borne out by many examples<br />
that Doppelmayr/Garaventa has completed<br />
over the years. The Stoos funicular in<br />
Switzerland – which is the steepest funicular<br />
railway in the world and an engineering masterpiece<br />
– has attracted countless visitors to the<br />
region since 2017. Interest in the spectacular<br />
trip up to the vacation destination Stoos at<br />
1,300 meters is enormous. In the second summer<br />
following its opening, visitor numbers had<br />
already more than doubled. The ride on the<br />
Grande Motte reversible aerial tramway to the<br />
French commune of Tignes in the heart of the<br />
Alps is also an absolute highlight for passengers.<br />
The tram, which was built by Doppelmayr/<br />
Garaventa as part of a complete rebuild in<br />
winter 2018, boasts a special feature. The<br />
cabins are fitted with an open-air roof deck, a<br />
viewing terrace. Visitors can enjoy a trip to the<br />
glacier on the “cabriolet tram” (derived from<br />
the French word for leaping into the air).<br />
Sustainability as key factor<br />
Experts see sustainability as a key topic – particularly<br />
for the positive development of summer<br />
tourism. Today’s guest increasingly takes<br />
this aspect into account when selecting a travel<br />
destination. According to a survey by<br />
Austria’s environment agency, summer vacations<br />
in the country’s mountains rank among<br />
the most climate-friendly forms of travel. “The<br />
resource-efficient operation of ropeways and<br />
the high utilization of renewable energy are<br />
major contributing factors here,” says Hannes<br />
Parth, deputy chairman of the Austrian Cable<br />
Car Trade Association. 1 The use of ropeways<br />
to access the mountains is a gentle form of<br />
tourism development.<br />
Travel for all<br />
The innovations and developments in ropeway<br />
1<br />
Cf. https://www.wko.at/Content.Node/kampagnen/Sommerbergbahnen/optimistische-aussichten-fuer-sommerurlaub-in-oesterreich.html, 10/23/<strong>2019</strong>, 12:50 hrs.
Year-Round Tourism<br />
9<br />
technology give today’s passengers extremely<br />
wide and highly comfortable mobility. Thanks<br />
to Doppelmayr/Garaventa’s integrative approach<br />
– maximum accessibility – barrier-free<br />
design is now a standard feature of ropeways.<br />
Today, people with limited mobility, such as<br />
seniors or families with baby strollers, have no<br />
obstacles to face when it comes to enjoying<br />
the mountain experience. Spacious cabins,<br />
level access and wide cabin doors make the<br />
ride easy for everybody. At the same time,<br />
systems developed by Doppelmayr/Garaventa<br />
for carrying sports equipment like the Bike<br />
Clip open up entirely new perspectives for<br />
mountain sports enthusiasts. In the German<br />
resort of Willingen, for example, mountain bikers<br />
can find everything their hearts desire. The<br />
Köhlerhagen K1 chairlift is fitted with Bike<br />
Clips, ensuring a fast and effortless uphill trip<br />
for bikers. With a few simple hand movements,<br />
the bike is attached to the Bike Clip and removed<br />
at the top station.<br />
The company Input also makes a significant<br />
contribution toward the goal of the “mountain<br />
experience for all”. For the past two decades,<br />
the Doppelmayr subsidiary has been developing<br />
individual, nature-themed year-round attractions<br />
for tourist destinations. As a pioneer in this<br />
sector, Input has implemented such concepts<br />
as the “Adventure Mountain Hochjoch” for the<br />
Silvretta Montafon ski area in Vorarlberg, which<br />
is geared to the summer months. An interactive<br />
playground designed to promote motor skills<br />
enables children to learn elements of mountaineering<br />
such as balance, walking on unsteady<br />
ground and climbing (report on page 16).<br />
Ropeways are an important lever for yearround<br />
tourism and a driver for its success. They<br />
are ecologically and economically adapted in<br />
line with the needs of the tourist regions. They<br />
represent more than merely a means of uphill<br />
transport as they open up greater freedom by<br />
providing barrier-free access and are themselves<br />
part of the experience.
10 Interview<br />
A new dimension in comfort<br />
<strong>WIR</strong> spoke with Norbert Karlsböck, CEO, Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG and<br />
Günther Brennsteiner, Technical Director, Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG.<br />
<strong>WIR</strong>. The K-ONNECTION has been a<br />
dream for generations and now it has finally<br />
become a reality. What is the significance of<br />
the project for the Kitzsteinhorn region and<br />
Gletscherbahnen Kaprun?<br />
Norbert Karlsböck: With the new<br />
K-ONNECTION, we are bringing together<br />
what belongs together. It links up the center<br />
of Kaprun, the Maiskogel family mountain and<br />
the snow-sure glacier ski area to form one<br />
fascinating unit. Since the development of<br />
Austria’s first glacier ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn<br />
in 1965, this has been our biggest<br />
project and a momentous step for Gletscherbahnen<br />
Kaprun AG and the entire Zell am See-<br />
Kaprun region.<br />
<strong>WIR</strong>. The Kitzsteinhorn attracts visitors all<br />
year round. What role does the new link play<br />
in terms of the offer for guests?<br />
Norbert Karlsböck: Since November 30,<br />
<strong>2019</strong>, Salzburg’s first tricable gondola lift, the<br />
3K K-onnection, has linked up two Kaprun ski<br />
mountains. This means that, for the first time,<br />
we can now offer our guests an entirely new<br />
dimension in comfort with a ski-in, ski-out option<br />
for the glacier. From the center of the village<br />
up to the TOP OF SALZBURG at 3,029<br />
meters with up to six lifts, the 3K K-onnection<br />
has not only created the longest ropeway axis<br />
in the Eastern Alps but at 2,261 meters also<br />
climbs the greatest vertical rise.<br />
<strong>WIR</strong>. The opening of the tricable gondola<br />
lift marks a milestone in the development of<br />
the region. What can guests look forward to in<br />
the future? Are there any plans already on the<br />
table?<br />
Norbert Karlsböck: The impressive<br />
4.3-kilometer ride on the 3K K-onnection offers<br />
a stunning panorama stretching from the<br />
Großglockner in the south to the Zellersee<br />
and the Watzmann in the north. Even in the<br />
winter, national park rangers provide a weekly<br />
guided tour to experience nature in four<br />
climate zones, from the valley to the perpetual<br />
ice, in the two specially designed and<br />
equipped Explorer cabins. The new ropeway<br />
axis provides a series of additional offers that<br />
will strengthen our position as a top yearround<br />
Alpine destination in the future.<br />
<strong>WIR</strong>. The 3K K-onnection is the first tricable<br />
gondola lift in Salzburg. What are the<br />
technical benefits of using this system on the<br />
Kitzsteinhorn?<br />
Günther Brennsteiner: The 3K K-onnection<br />
is used to cross steep terrain and link two ski<br />
areas. It was only possible to accomplish the<br />
large rope spans with the 3S system. The high<br />
travel speed of 8 m/s and the transport capacity<br />
of 2,700 PPH make it possible to provide<br />
a fast, nine-minute connection between the<br />
two mountains.<br />
One particular technical advantage is the<br />
enormous stability of the installation. The tworope<br />
“track” along which the cabins run and<br />
the central haul rope, along with the high selfweight<br />
of the cabins themselves, ensure that<br />
availability remains stable, even in high winds.<br />
The new connection means that we now have<br />
a second ropeway providing access to the<br />
glacier ski area in addition to the existing<br />
Gletscherjet line.<br />
<strong>WIR</strong>. The groundbreaking ceremony for the<br />
tricable gondola lift was in April 2018. What was<br />
your experience of the implementation phase?<br />
Were there any special challenges?<br />
Günther Brennsteiner: The planning, the<br />
complex structural engineering, the special<br />
types of construction required and the site<br />
management all created a level of complexity<br />
and uniqueness that meant constant challenges<br />
for all the planners, site managers, contractors<br />
and the Kitzsteinhorn team. Installing the<br />
ropeway equipment in the stations and on the<br />
five towers with heights up to 94 meters<br />
was particularly demanding. The most striking<br />
challenges were certainly the rope transports<br />
and the rope installation work up to the splicing<br />
of the haul rope. It took five special transports<br />
from Romanshorn/Switzerland up to the Maiskogel<br />
in Kaprun to deliver the five ropes, each<br />
weighing around 110 tons. As far as that was<br />
concerned, we really have to express our thanks<br />
and appreciation for the constructive collaboration<br />
of the entire Doppelmayr, Garaventa<br />
and CWA team, all the planners and contractors<br />
involved with the construction and all their<br />
employees.<br />
<strong>WIR</strong>. The ATRIA cabin makes the 3K K-onnection<br />
one of the most cutting-edge ropeway<br />
installations of this season. What are the benefits<br />
of the technical equipment incorporated<br />
in the installation in daily operations, both for<br />
the ropeway crew and for the guests?<br />
Günther Brennsteiner: The new control<br />
system Doppelmayr Connect gives our team<br />
a high level of user friendliness, which is ultimately<br />
aimed at achieving availability with as<br />
few restrictions as possible. With the new<br />
ATRIA cabins, we’re offering our guests an<br />
absolute ride sensation as well as unprecedented<br />
comfort and first-class design. All 32<br />
cabins have Wi-Fi access.<br />
<strong>WIR</strong>. Many thanks for the interview.
© Kitzsteinhorn<br />
The tricable gondola to a glacier paradise<br />
32-TGD 3K K-onnection | Kaprun, Salzburg (AUT)<br />
Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG<br />
4,310 m 405 m 2,711 PPH 8.0 m/s 9.0 min 32 32-passenger ATRIA cabins 11/<strong>2019</strong><br />
The centerpiece of the link between Kaprun<br />
the Kitzsteinhorn, already dreamed of by several<br />
generations, is a topfl ight tricable gondola<br />
lift from Doppelmayr/Garaventa.<br />
Skiing enjoyment without limits awaits visitors<br />
to the Kitzsteinhorn in Austria’s Kaprun region.<br />
Since the <strong>2019</strong>/2020 winter season, a ski-in,<br />
ski-out option has been available for the glacier.<br />
The reason for this is the new ropeway<br />
connection from the center of Kaprun to the<br />
Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area via the family ski<br />
resort Maiskogel. A new tricable gondola lift<br />
from Doppelmayr/Garaventa is the centerpiece<br />
of this link that goes under the name of<br />
K-ONNECTION. Salzburg’s first 3S lift is 4.3<br />
kilometers long and offers unprecedented<br />
comfort during the nine-minute trip. This is the<br />
first installation worldwide to incorporate the<br />
very latest 3S cabin – the ATRIA.<br />
Modularity, which was a major focus during<br />
the development of this cabin, enables individual<br />
styling and flexible seating concepts. As a<br />
result, the 3K K-onnection is equipped with<br />
two very special carriers. Thanks to their styling<br />
options and generously sized panorama<br />
windows, the two Explorer cabins provide the<br />
opportunity for a unique experience of the impressive<br />
landscape in the Hohe Tauern national<br />
park. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi access throughout<br />
the trip.<br />
Drive technology for maximum availability<br />
Top availability was an essential criterion when<br />
developing the drive concept. The drive system<br />
of the new 3S installation on the Kitzsteinhorn<br />
therefore comprises two connected Doppelmayr<br />
Sector Drives (DSD). As well as meeting this<br />
specific requirement, the system is also part of<br />
the recovery concept, which ensures that the<br />
cabins can always be returned to the station in<br />
a rescue scenario.<br />
New developments for the ropeway crew<br />
The 3K K-onnection sets benchmarks in comfort<br />
not only for the guests but also for the<br />
ropeway crew. The lift is equipped with the<br />
Doppelmayr Connect control system and features<br />
a completely new station concept for<br />
tricable gondola lifts, which more than satisfi es<br />
modern operating requirements. The accessibility<br />
and maintenance friendliness of the 3S<br />
assemblies and components have been signifi -<br />
cantly enhanced. That simplifi es maintenance<br />
work for the ropeway crew and increases the<br />
service life of the ropeway.<br />
Doppelmayr/Garaventa is setting new benchmarks<br />
for tricable gondola lifts with the 3K<br />
K-onnection.<br />
View the Kitzsteinhorn<br />
video here:<br />
If you would like to fi nd out more about the<br />
Hohe Tauern national park and the impressive<br />
peaks around the Kitzsteinhorn, an EXPLORER<br />
TOUR is highly recommended. Every Tuesday<br />
from December 31, <strong>2019</strong> through April 14,<br />
2020, national park rangers accompany the<br />
participants on a two-hour tour through four<br />
climate zones in two specially equipped Explorer<br />
cabins. They explain the world of stunning<br />
peaks, natural winter phenomena and the<br />
fascinating world of the high mountains of the<br />
adjacent Hohe Tauern national park.
Always on track<br />
The RPD Nexo System is a further development of the Doppelmayr/Garaventa<br />
rope position monitoring system. It detects a deviation of the rope from the sheave<br />
groove at an early stage and is totally reliable, even under the most adverse weather<br />
conditions. This latest innovation brings a host of benefits in daily operations and<br />
ensures maximum availability of the ropeway installation.<br />
I<br />
n 1999, Doppelmayr brought a fail-safe<br />
system onto the market, which monitors<br />
the position of the haul rope directly on<br />
the sheave assemblies and therefore significantly<br />
reduces the risk of deropement. To<br />
this day, the Rope Position Detection (RPD)<br />
system remains the unrivaled safety standard<br />
for ropeways.<br />
In <strong>2019</strong>, Doppelmayr/Garaventa launched a<br />
completely new development: the RPD Nexo<br />
system. The company’s 20-year experience<br />
of daily use worldwide is reflected in the<br />
development of the next generation for rope<br />
position monitoring. The result is an innovative<br />
product that considerably simplifies the daily<br />
work routine for ropeway operating personnel.<br />
“Comprehensive diagnostic functions plus<br />
very straightforward accessibility and maintenance<br />
are the hallmarks of the new system.<br />
Above all, however, it is more resilient to environmental<br />
influences of all kinds,” stresses<br />
Daniel Pfeifer, head of electrical engineering<br />
at Doppelmayr/Garaventa. The RPD Nexo system<br />
can withstand humidity, rain, ice, snow<br />
and hail. It is equally impervious to lightning<br />
strikes in the proximity of the installation, to<br />
shock and vibrations, rope grease or lubricants.<br />
Ambient temperatures of between -40 °C<br />
and +50 °C are no problem. The system is<br />
suitable for universal use: one sensor for all<br />
rope sheaves, sheave assembly types and<br />
rope diameters. It can also be retrofitted to<br />
existing ropeway installations.<br />
Diagnostic functions using<br />
Doppelmayr Connect<br />
The RPD Nexo System works with noncontact<br />
sensors and a fail-safe bus system<br />
from tower to tower. Any deviation of the rope –<br />
as a result of wind, tracking errors or worn parts<br />
– is immediately identified by the sensor. The
Technology & Innovation<br />
13<br />
Benefits:<br />
Early detection of a rope deviation<br />
Resilient to environmental<br />
infl uences of all kinds<br />
Automatic slowing or stopping of<br />
the ropeway<br />
Increased availability of the ropeway<br />
Lightens the workload for ropeway personnel<br />
Ambient temperatures<br />
between -40 °C and +50 °C<br />
Humidity, rain, snow, ice, hail<br />
Shock and vibrations<br />
Lightning strikes in the vicinity<br />
of the ropeway or tower, or into<br />
the haul rope<br />
UV radiation from the sun<br />
Chemically active substances such<br />
as rope grease or lubricants<br />
View the RPD Nexo<br />
system video here:<br />
ropeway is then automatically slowed down<br />
or stopped – depending on the severity of the<br />
rope deviation.<br />
Reports from the system can be viewed<br />
on the display of the Doppelmayr Connect<br />
control system in the control room. Error<br />
sources are pinpointed by showing the affected<br />
tower and sensor numbers. Sensors are<br />
quickly and simply replaced when necessary –<br />
thanks also to the well-conceived and reliable<br />
plug connectors. In addition to the automatic<br />
diagnostic functions on the ropeway control<br />
system, a diagnostic device can be connected<br />
directly to each terminal box in the area of the<br />
tower base or the tower yoke.<br />
SMART Ropeway<br />
Overall, use of the RPD Nexo system brings<br />
many benefi ts for the day-to-day running of<br />
a ropeway installation. “It guarantees absolute<br />
operational efficiency and top availability for<br />
ropeway operators and maximum safety for<br />
passengers,” says Daniel Pfeifer. This innovation<br />
marks another step in the direction of<br />
increasing digitalization in the ropeway industry<br />
– entirely in line with the SMART Ropeway<br />
strategy.<br />
The RPD Nexo system ensures greater<br />
efficiency in daily operations for our new<br />
6-seater chairlift Lumberjack Shuttle. It’s<br />
absolutely reliable and its high resilience<br />
sets the system apart.<br />
Maintaining the system is<br />
also entirely straightforward.<br />
Ferdinand Huttegger,<br />
Operations Manager,<br />
Shuttleberg<br />
GmbH & Co KG
14 International Projects<br />
The fastest chairlift in Ischgl-Samnaun<br />
6-CLD-B Velilleck F1 | Ischgl, Tyrol (AUT)<br />
Silvrettaseilbahn AG<br />
1,948 m 572 m 2,400 PPH 6.0 m/s 5.9 min 79 6-seater chairs 12/<strong>2019</strong> D-Line<br />
The new Velilleck lift in the Silvretta Arena<br />
brings guests up to the Pardatschgrat in comfort<br />
and in record time.<br />
The design of the new 6-seater chairlift “Velilleck<br />
F1” provides a perfect fit with Ischgl’s<br />
corporate identity. From the stations and chairs<br />
to the bullwheels, the installation features a<br />
striking black-and-red fi nish – as in the case of<br />
the Palinkopf and Gampen lifts. In addition to<br />
its attractive design, the Velilleck lift stands out<br />
for its comfort and low-noise operation – the<br />
typical hallmarks of a D-Line installation. Ergonomically<br />
shaped individual seats along with<br />
bubbles and seat heating make the six-minute<br />
trip from the bottom station at 2,048 m up to the<br />
top station on the Pardatschgrat at 2,620 m a<br />
particularly enjoyable experience. In addition,<br />
the locking system ensures a high degree of<br />
safety as the restraining bars remain locked<br />
during the trip. The backs of the chairs feature<br />
examples of local fl ora.<br />
The Velilleck lift has a good reason for including<br />
“F1” in its name, alluding to Formula 1:<br />
With a speed of 6 m/s, it is currently the fastest<br />
chairlift in the entire ski area.<br />
Special design features<br />
The high mountain location and its geology<br />
called for a series of technical refinements.<br />
The foundation of the top station, for example,<br />
can be vertically adjusted to compensate for<br />
ground movement. The Doppelmayr engineers<br />
also designed some of the towers to allow for<br />
angular adjustment – in the event that the<br />
tower foundations develop a minor tilt over the<br />
years. All in all, the 6-seater Velilleck F1 chairlift<br />
boasts a number of features that make the<br />
installation unique worldwide.<br />
The fourth D-Line generation chairlift in the<br />
Silvretta Arena Ischgl-Samnaun went into service<br />
on schedule for the start of the <strong>2019</strong>/20<br />
winter season. Top passenger comfort and<br />
quiet operation make the Velilleck lift a fi rstclass<br />
installation both for our guests and<br />
for our team. We would like to express our<br />
thanks for the excellent<br />
cooperation and are<br />
looking forward to more<br />
exciting projects in the<br />
future. DI (FH) Markus<br />
Walser, Board Member,<br />
Silvrettaseilbahn AG
International Projects<br />
15<br />
Switzerland’s first 8-seater D-Line chairlift<br />
8-CLD-B Visnitz N2 | Samnaun, Graubünden (CHE)<br />
Bergbahnen Samnaun AG<br />
1,208 m 372 m 3,500 PPH 5.0 m/s 4.5 min 67 8-seater chairs 12/<strong>2019</strong> D-Line<br />
As from this winter, visitors to Samnaun get<br />
to enjoy an impressive new ropeway from<br />
Doppelmayr/Garaventa.<br />
The new D-Line 8-seater chairlift “Visnitz N2”<br />
acts as a feeder to the Alp Bella sector of the ski<br />
area in Samnaun. With a capacity of 3,500 passengers<br />
an hour, it impressively fulfi lls its purpose,<br />
which is to carry as many winter sports<br />
enthusiasts as possible from the Alp Trida at<br />
2,261 m up to just below the Visnitzkopf at<br />
2,633 m within a short time. This installation<br />
replaces a quad chairlift that had carried some<br />
24 million guests since it first opened in 1994.<br />
With the new 8-seater chairlift, it is possible to<br />
carry around 900 more passengers on an<br />
hourly basis. Some of the lift’s 13 tubular towers<br />
have been equipped with what is known as<br />
a sliding foundation. In the event of geological<br />
changes in the ground, metal rails incorporated<br />
in the concrete allow the towers to be shifted by<br />
several centimeters.<br />
Comfort and individual design<br />
The Visnitz lift features a black-and-blue finish<br />
in keeping with the corporate design of Bergbahnen<br />
Samnaun. The chairs offer maximum<br />
comfort with an individual seat width of<br />
520 mm. Equipment features include seat<br />
heating, bubbles and a locking system that<br />
keeps the restraining bars locked during the<br />
trip. The mesh banners on the backs of the<br />
chairs tell the story of the village and ski resort<br />
Samnaun in striking images. Each chair is<br />
unique. This makes the Visnitz lift a very good<br />
example of the customizing options that are<br />
available with the D-Line ropeway generation<br />
from Doppelmayr/Garaventa.<br />
Thanks to the outstanding collaboration<br />
with Garaventa, we have succeeded in<br />
creating a lift installation that impresses<br />
with technological innovations and a visual<br />
design that harmonizes perfectly with our ski<br />
area. The 8-seater chairlift has enabled us to<br />
increase our hourly capacity by a striking<br />
900 passengers, which benefi ts our guests<br />
in terms of comfort. Mario Jenal, Executive<br />
Director, Bergbahnen Samnaun AG
© Silvretta Montafon_Stefan Kothner<br />
New boost for Silvretta Montafon<br />
The Doppelmayr subsidiary Input developed<br />
a concept for the Hochjoch area of Silvretta<br />
Montafon in Vorarlberg to enhance its<br />
attractiveness for summer guests.<br />
Montafon in Vorarlberg is well-known for winter<br />
sports and enjoys great popularity among<br />
local visitors as well as guests from around the<br />
world. The Silvretta Montafon ski area offers<br />
spectacular downhill runs and freeride possibilities.<br />
The goal of Silvretta Montafon is to<br />
make the resort with its magnificent mountain<br />
scenery, up to now purely a winter destination,<br />
more attractive for summer tourists and families<br />
by creating additional offers for the warmer<br />
months of the year.<br />
Authentic and relevant to the region<br />
Opened in summer <strong>2019</strong>, the Adventure Mountain<br />
Hochjoch immediately next to the top<br />
station of the Hochjoch tramway is a step in<br />
that direction. Input designed a sustainable,<br />
nature-themed world of experience that relates<br />
to the Montafon region. “The concept is entirely<br />
in tune with Montafon and its stunning mountain<br />
landscape – authentic and honest. There<br />
is a common theme throughout. The new offer<br />
is also perfectly embedded in the existing<br />
infrastructure,” says Input’s managing director<br />
Hannes Triebnik.<br />
The concept features a large number of interactive<br />
stations where children can try things<br />
out and enjoy new experiences. In the motor<br />
skills playground, the youngsters can put their<br />
sense of balance to the test. The bridge<br />
between the climbing rocks gives them their<br />
first experience of thrilling heights. Rocking<br />
stones mimic the kind of unsteady ground you<br />
might encounter when hiking. The stations on<br />
the forces of nature trail teach children about<br />
mountain features in a way that is both fun and<br />
helps them to remember what they have<br />
learned. The one-hour trail is also based on<br />
a very interactive concept. The lake biotope<br />
offers various features to while away the hours<br />
and play. Youngsters can shoot water fountains<br />
into the sky, propel rafts using wave<br />
pumps and enter new sensory worlds on the<br />
barefoot path.<br />
Popular with guests<br />
All in all, an exciting world of experience has<br />
been created with a high fun factor. Martin<br />
Oberhammer, managing director of Silvretta<br />
Montafon, sums up the positive results after<br />
the first summer: “The Adventure Mountain<br />
Hochjoch has been very well received by our<br />
guests and we get a lot of positive feedback.”<br />
Summer tourism on the Hochjoch has received<br />
a fresh boost as a result. As Silvretta Montafon<br />
expands offers of this kind, it will come ever<br />
closer to its goal of becoming a year-round<br />
destination for the mountain experience – and<br />
impress its guests at the same time.
International Projects<br />
17<br />
With high-speed to the top<br />
6/8-CGD Express du Village | Bromont, Québec (CAN)<br />
Bromont, montagne d’expériences<br />
1,283 m 357 m 3,220 PPH 5.0 m/s 4.4 min 18 8-passenger cabins<br />
72 6-passenger chairs 12/2018<br />
In Bromont, Canada, a new ropeway was<br />
built with a lot of passion and effort – to<br />
achieve the best mountain experience for<br />
the guests.<br />
Almost 54 years after the first chairlift was built<br />
in Bromont, Canada, a new era of speed and<br />
comfort has come to the area. The combination<br />
lift “Express du Villa ge” is a 4-seasons<br />
installation that brings skiers to the ski slopes<br />
and offers a comfortable trip to the new lodge<br />
on the mountaintop all year round. The passengers<br />
can choose from 6-seater chairs and<br />
8-seater gondolas – so everyone has the<br />
best ride.<br />
The guests at Bromont enjoy the new improvements<br />
in the resort: optimized slopes, the new<br />
mountaintop lodge, a new customer service<br />
center and of course the new ropeway. The<br />
skiing park in winter, the aqua park in summer<br />
and some action with mountain bikes make<br />
Bromont an attractive destination, only an hour<br />
drive away from Montréal.<br />
Take a look at how this<br />
installation came to life:<br />
The new combination lift is a great addition<br />
to our resort. We are proud of the work that<br />
was accomplished with the Doppelmayr<br />
team. The results are great for<br />
our mountain and our<br />
guests are enjoying the<br />
ride. Benjamin Désourdy,<br />
Directeur, Développement<br />
et projets montagne,<br />
at Bromont, montagne<br />
d'expériences.<br />
Challenge accepted<br />
High-speed does not only apply to the short<br />
travel time for the passengers but also to the<br />
construction phase. There were not even ten<br />
months between signing the contract and<br />
opening the new combination lift – regardless<br />
of the challenging weather conditions. Winter<br />
arrived very early; it was wet, foggy and windy.<br />
The weather could change within minutes. The<br />
whole crew of committed and hardworking<br />
people was the key factor in successfully<br />
finishing the ropeway for the winter season<br />
2018/<strong>2019</strong>.
Biel-Magglingen funicular means<br />
lower running costs<br />
120-FUL Funicular Biel-Magglingen | Biel, Canton Bern, Switzerland (CHE)<br />
Verkehrsbetriebe Biel<br />
1,693 m 442 m 1,050 PPHPD 2 120-passenger cars 08/<strong>2019</strong><br />
The fully rebuilt funicular railway brings<br />
passengers to Magglingen with an integrated<br />
energy storage system, increases availability<br />
and reduces running costs.<br />
In less than five months, between April and<br />
August <strong>2019</strong>, the Biel-Magglingen funicular<br />
underwent a complete rebuild. The energy<br />
storage system used here for the first time<br />
is a pilot project of Frey AG Stans – an innovation<br />
that came about as the result of a<br />
collaboration with the University of Lucerne.<br />
The objective of reducing the power costs<br />
and better utilizing the recovered energy was<br />
accomplished jointly. The energy produced<br />
with a generator can now be stored, making it<br />
available when required. This significantly reduces<br />
the expenditure on energy – as part of<br />
the running costs – because it means that the<br />
funicular draws less power from the mains in<br />
normal operation. In spring 2020, the system<br />
is set to become even more efficient through<br />
the use of an integrated electrical emergency<br />
drive motor. Even in the event of a power<br />
outage, the funicular will then be able to draw<br />
on stored energy, enabling the cars to be<br />
returned to the stations in an emergency<br />
and dispensing with the need to use a diesel<br />
engine. As from next year, a photovoltaic installation<br />
on the roof of the drive station, which is<br />
directly integrated into the energy storage and<br />
management system, will also be contributing<br />
to lower energy consumption.<br />
Garaventa AG was awarded the contract to replace<br />
the funicular's ropeway technology. They<br />
replaced the entire electrical equipment, the<br />
hydraulic systems for service and rail brakes<br />
and the rope drive as well as the haul rope<br />
and the rope sheaves. The complete overhaul<br />
of the car superstructures was performed by<br />
CWA Constructions SA.<br />
"Thanks to the vast experience of Garaventa<br />
and their partners, we now have an ultramodern,<br />
reliable and above all sustainable<br />
funicular," says a well pleased Andreas<br />
Kambli, technical director of the operating<br />
company.
International Projects<br />
19<br />
In harmony with nature and tradition<br />
8-MGD Manzherok Lift 1 | Manzherok, Altai Republic (RUS)<br />
Manzherok LLC<br />
2,516 m 636 m 2,400 PPH 6.0 m/s 8.5 min 82 8-passenger cabins 09/<strong>2019</strong><br />
The gondola lift in the Russian village of<br />
Manzherok is aimed at boosting tourism in<br />
the region.<br />
The Manzherok recreation area has benefited<br />
from a new 8-passenger gondola lift from<br />
Doppelmayr since September <strong>2019</strong>. The lift<br />
operates all year round and is primarily intended<br />
as a new attraction for winter guests. The<br />
trip on the gondola lift up to Mount Malaya<br />
Sinyuha at 1,020 meters takes just eight and<br />
one-half minutes. For passengers using the<br />
chairlift that runs parallel to it, the journey<br />
takes thirty minutes. The new lift has an intermediate<br />
station, which is designed for loading<br />
for the uphill trip and is therefore perfect for<br />
skiers using the adjacent slope. The customer,<br />
Manzherok LLC, attaches great importance to<br />
sustainable use of the area. Construction of<br />
the ropeway installation was therefore conditional<br />
on a caring approach to nature.<br />
Booming tourist area<br />
The Manzherok recreation area has huge potential<br />
for tourism. It lies just 45 kilometers<br />
from Gorno-Altaisk, the capital of Altai Republic<br />
(Russia), and is very popular with both summer<br />
and winter guests thanks to its location in proximity<br />
to Lake Manzherok and Mount Malaya<br />
Sinyuha. Skiers and snowboarders can look<br />
forward to some 60 kilometers of trails for all<br />
levels of ability. Manzherok is also home to the<br />
biggest bike park beyond the Urals, with seven<br />
downhill trails and a total length of 11 kilometers.<br />
There is something for everyone, whether<br />
you are a beginner or a proficient biker. Completion<br />
of the gondola lift marks a first step in<br />
a tourism development plan for the region,<br />
with many more envisaged for the future to<br />
ensure local value creation, jobs and additional<br />
infrastructure.<br />
Check out the video for<br />
impressions of Manzherok<br />
and the construction of the<br />
new gondola lift:<br />
The modern ropeway has entirely fulfilled all<br />
our expectations. In particular, the convennient<br />
operation by tablet makes operating<br />
and maintaining the lift installation easier<br />
for our personnel, and the latest control and<br />
monitoring systems enhance safety. For<br />
the passengers too, the ropeway offers top<br />
comfort irrespective of the weather conditions,<br />
which can vary in our Siberian climate.<br />
Wind, rain, snow and<br />
even frost will now definitely<br />
not keep outdoor<br />
enthusiasts away!<br />
Ivan Morozov, Chairman<br />
of the Board, GLK<br />
Manzherok, AO
© Hofer Wolfgang<br />
First D-Line for South Korea<br />
10-MGD Cheongpung Cable Car | Jecheon, South Korea (KOR)<br />
Cheongpung Ropeway Co., Ltd<br />
2,274 m 357 m 1,500 PPH 5.0 m/s 8.7 min 43 10-passenger cabins <strong>03</strong>/<strong>2019</strong> D-Line<br />
The Cheongpung Cable Car gondola lift<br />
uses cutting-edge ropeway technology to<br />
bring visitors to the Cheongpung region up<br />
to Bibong Mountain.<br />
The South Korean city Jecheon lies in the north<br />
of the province Chungcheongbuck-do and attracts<br />
large numbers of tourists all year round<br />
with its surrounding mountains and lakes as<br />
well as its many points of interest. Since March<br />
<strong>2019</strong>, the gondola lift Cheongpung Cable Car<br />
from Doppelmayr/Garaventa – South Korea’s<br />
first D-Line – has provided visitors with an<br />
easier means of accessing Bibong Mountain<br />
at Cheongpung Lake.<br />
Bottom station as the heart of the installation<br />
The new lift can carry up to 1,500 visitors an<br />
hour up the mountain and the ride takes less<br />
than nine minutes. The breathtaking views,<br />
comfortable cabins and low-noise operation<br />
make the trip a first-class experience. The bot-<br />
tom station is located directly at the popular<br />
Cheongpung Lake and is therefore quick and<br />
easy to reach for guests. The bottom station<br />
accommodates the drive, the parking system<br />
for 43 cabins and several shops. The intelligent<br />
layout concept also enables simple and<br />
time-saving maintenance of the installation.<br />
The impressive ride on the ropeway passes<br />
over several tubular towers – the tallest of<br />
which is around 45 meters high – on its way to<br />
the top station at an elevation of 513 meters.<br />
Once at the top, guests can enjoy the restaurant<br />
and a large viewing platform. Numerous hiking<br />
trails invite them to discover the mountain landscape<br />
around Bibong Mountain.<br />
Completion of the first Doppelmayr D-Line<br />
in South Korea represents a milestone for<br />
us. We can now carry all our guests<br />
in comfort to Bibong<br />
Mountain. Thanks to the<br />
new ropeway, the region<br />
has yet another attraction<br />
to boost its appeal.<br />
Young Rok Oh,<br />
CEO, Cheongpung<br />
Ropeway Co., Ltd.
International Projects<br />
21<br />
Biking and skiing with one chairlift<br />
8-CLD-B Köhlerhagen K1 | Willingen (GER)<br />
Liftgemeinschaft Köhlerhagen GmbH & Co. KG<br />
1,442 m 263 m 3,000 PPH 1,200 PPH 6.0 m/s 4.8 min<br />
60 8-seater chairs 39 8-seater chairs 12/2018<br />
The Köhlerhagen K1 chairlift in Willingen<br />
wows winter sports enthusiasts and mountain<br />
bikers in equal measure.<br />
The first D-Line 8-seater chairlift in Germany<br />
and the longest ski lift in the state of Hessen –<br />
that’s the Köhlerhagen K1. The World Cup<br />
venue Willingen saw the completion of one of<br />
the country’s most cutting-edge ropeways in<br />
time for the 2018/19 winter season.<br />
Seat heating and bubbles in the winter<br />
Winter guests get to enjoy the luxury of the individual<br />
black-and-red comfort seats with seat<br />
heating and bubbles to protect them against<br />
the cold and the snow. The new ropeway<br />
replaces two surface lifts and is part of the<br />
resort’s expansion in skiing amenities. The<br />
Köhlerhagen ski trail has been extended – the<br />
1,600-meter run now leads straight from the<br />
top station in close proximity to the summit<br />
cross on the Ettelsberg down to the bottom<br />
station of the new chairlift.<br />
Bike transport with Bike Clips in the summer<br />
In the summer season, the Köhlerhagen K1 is<br />
transformed into a biker lift. During the warmer<br />
months of the year, the Ettelsberg becomes a<br />
paradise for mountain bikers, with its freeride<br />
and downhill trail. Thanks to the Bike Clips developed<br />
by Doppelmayr, taking a bike along<br />
on the uphill ride is particularly easy. Guests<br />
simply attach their bikes to the Bike Clips on<br />
one chair and take up their seats on the next.<br />
In the top station, the bikes are released from<br />
the Bike Clip with a simple hand movement,<br />
and the downhill fun can begin. Up to five<br />
bikes can be carried per chair. A demo assembly<br />
is provided in front of the bottom station<br />
where bikers can try out the innovative system<br />
for themselves.<br />
No conversion work is required on the lift<br />
between the summer and winter seasons.<br />
Separate chair assemblies are available for<br />
both applications. That makes the switch from<br />
one season to the next and year-round use<br />
very straightforward for the operators. When<br />
developing this solution, Doppelmayr worked<br />
closely with Liftgemeinschaft Köhlerhagen to<br />
provide a custom solution for Willingen and to<br />
optimize the Bike Clip product. The result is a<br />
high-performance chairlift that sets an important<br />
trend for year-round tourism in the sector.<br />
Watch the Köhlerhagen K1<br />
in operation here:<br />
Our fi rst year of operation with the new chairlift<br />
has shown very positive results. Availability<br />
was absolutely top notch<br />
in both the winter and<br />
summer seasons, and the<br />
response from our guests<br />
has been very enthusiastic.<br />
Jörg Wilke, Managing<br />
Director, Liftgemeinschaft<br />
Köhlerhagen
22<br />
News from Around the World<br />
Ropeway mobility for Mexico City<br />
Doppelmayr/Garaventa is to build the first<br />
urban ropeway project featuring the D-Line<br />
ropeway generation in Mexico.<br />
Public transport is a challenge in Mexico City.<br />
Buses, subways and other modes of transport<br />
in the country’s biggest city are used by almost<br />
800 million people a year and up to 5.5 million<br />
on peak days. From 2021, a new mode of<br />
transit will become part of that mix, which literally<br />
towers above all others and will boost<br />
the infrastructure on an entirely new level.<br />
A high-performance ropeway solution from<br />
Doppelmayr/Garaventa will connect the northern<br />
district of Cuautepec to Indios Verde,<br />
one of the city’s major transport hubs. In future,<br />
passengers can look forward to cutting<br />
around 40 minutes from their journey time<br />
while enjoying a quiet, comfortable ride on a<br />
reliable and emission-free ropeway system.<br />
This will be the first D-Line to be used as a<br />
means of urban transport.<br />
The offi cial groundbreaking ceremony for this<br />
ambitious large-scale project was held in<br />
mid-September <strong>2019</strong>. Within just 18 months,<br />
the modern OMEGA V cabins will be gliding<br />
above the city for the first time. The ropeway<br />
line will include six stations and is to be fully<br />
integrated into the existing public transport<br />
network. The new transport level in the sky<br />
will offer an attractive alternative to conventional<br />
modes of transport over a total length<br />
of 9.22 kilometers.
News from Around the World<br />
23<br />
Revival of traditional Zagreb route<br />
What remained a pipe dream for over a<br />
decade is about to become reality: the new<br />
gondola lift up to Sljeme, Zagreb’s local<br />
mountain.<br />
The Croatian capital, Zagreb, is planning a<br />
ropeway from the outskirts of the city up to the<br />
local mountain Sljeme. The project will breathe<br />
new life into a traditional route. There used to<br />
be an installation in the upper section of the<br />
line but it stopped operating over ten years<br />
ago. The idea of building a new lift in the old<br />
location goes back roughly 15 years but is now<br />
finally beginning to take on concrete form. The<br />
installation will be a five-kilometer-long, detachable<br />
10-passenger gondola lift with a total<br />
of four stations and through operation. The first<br />
intermediate station will be used to angle the<br />
route while the second is to house an underground<br />
vault drive that will propel the two rope<br />
loops via a twin-groove bullwheel.<br />
© Arhitektura u bijelom<br />
By street car to the gondola lift<br />
The new ropeway will link up with the public<br />
transport network. The bottom station will be<br />
located next to a street car station, which will<br />
also be modernized as part of the project.<br />
Year-round operation is planned, with the lift<br />
serving day trippers in the summer and also<br />
acting as a feeder to the ski area on Mount<br />
Sljeme in the winter.<br />
This video provides a fi rst<br />
glimpse of the project:<br />
Lünersee tramway to be completely rebuilt<br />
The upgrade of Vorarlberg’s long-established<br />
tram to state of the art is already well<br />
underway.<br />
The Lünersee (Lüner Lake) is regarded as one<br />
of the most picturesque spots in the Vorarlberg<br />
Alps and ranks as a popular destination<br />
for hikers. It can be reached by a ride on the<br />
Lünerseebahn, a single-track reversible aerial<br />
tramway. The installation was originally built in<br />
1959 for the purposes of material transport,<br />
but already began to show its potential as a<br />
passenger tram for summer tourism in the<br />
1960s. The Lünersee tram, which is owned by<br />
the power company illwerke vkw AG, is now<br />
to be thoroughly modernized in line with the<br />
state of the art. This will include replacement<br />
of the ropeway technology and an increase in<br />
load capacity. In future, a new cabin will provide<br />
space for 65 passengers, instead of the<br />
previous 47. The rebuild being carried out by<br />
Doppelmayr/Garaventa also involves a reduction<br />
from two towers to one.<br />
The old tramway has already been completely<br />
dismantled and work on the new installation<br />
is going ahead at full steam. In fall <strong>2019</strong>,<br />
Doppelmayr/Garaventa had already installed<br />
the steelwork and rope saddle in the entrance<br />
hall of the upper terminal and erected the<br />
tower. The next step will be to fit the new drive.<br />
The refurbishment work on the lower terminal<br />
is due to begin in the spring. The opening is<br />
planned for July 2020.<br />
In <strong>2019</strong>, the Lünersee in Vorarlberg was<br />
voted the most picturesque spot in<br />
Austria in the ORF TV program “9 places<br />
– 9 treasures – that’s how beautiful<br />
Austria is”.
Doppelmayr Canada<br />
The North American subsidiary is not only a production location of the<br />
Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group, but also a historic element in the creation of<br />
innovations and world records in Canada.<br />
Canada has been an important market<br />
in the history of the Doppelmayr/Garaventa<br />
Group. Not only was one of the ground stones<br />
for the global market leadership laid here, the<br />
subsidiary is also one out of seven countries<br />
with a production facility that manufactures<br />
ropeway parts for international projects.<br />
1953 marked an important milestone in the history<br />
of Doppelmayr. Back then, the first ski lifts<br />
were sold overseas. They were installed in the<br />
very same year in the Canadian ski resorts at<br />
Mont Gabriel and Mont Plante. This was the<br />
beginning of the international market presence<br />
of Doppelmayr. To pursue business in<br />
Canada, Doppelmayr installed a local agency<br />
in the western part of the country in the early<br />
60s. The head office and production facility<br />
of Doppelmayr Canada were established in<br />
Staint-Jérôme, province of Québec, in 1978.<br />
Since then, the building has grown to nearly<br />
five times its size, reaching about 5,200 m²<br />
on total premises of around 80,000 m² – departments<br />
of engineering, production (mechanical,<br />
welding, machining, assembly, etc.),<br />
quality assurance, customer service, sales,<br />
installation start-up, human resources and<br />
finance have been installed over the years.<br />
Today, Doppelmayr Canada has approximatively<br />
130 employees across Canada in the<br />
provinces of Québec, Ontario and British<br />
Columbia. Their field of expertise is detachable<br />
lifts as well as pulsed gondolas. Since<br />
Canada has two official languages, French<br />
and English, all administration, service and<br />
sales teams are fully bilingual. In close col-
Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group<br />
25<br />
Back in the days, the neighbor<br />
of the Doppelmayr Canada<br />
building was an outdoor drivein<br />
movie theater (Ciné-Parc).<br />
Due to the expansion of the<br />
company, this area was<br />
acquired and is now also part<br />
of the Doppelmayr subsidiary.<br />
laboration with Doppelmayr USA, they service<br />
all North America.<br />
International collaboration<br />
Being part of the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group,<br />
Doppelmayr Canada has contributed to several<br />
international projects and assisted not only<br />
in the production but also in the development<br />
of new products. This involvement includes for<br />
instance the fi rst R&D of the RopeCon ® system<br />
– then known as Aerobande – or manufacturing<br />
parts for Cable Liners in Las Vegas, Toronto,<br />
Oakland and Mexico City as well as for ropeway<br />
projects in South Korea, China and Spain.<br />
World firsts and world records<br />
Mont-Orignal, located in the heart of the<br />
Appalachians and only an hour away from<br />
Québec City, installed the world’s first detachable<br />
6-seater chairlift. The whole idea was born<br />
at a local trade show, where Doppelmayr presented<br />
a new type of chair that had never been<br />
built before: It was two 4-seater chairs that had<br />
been cut and welded together. The customer<br />
was impressed by this product and was the<br />
first to install a detachable 6-seater chairlift.<br />
Also impressive is the 3S gondola lift that was<br />
built for the Olympic Games in 2010 at Whistler<br />
Blackcomb. It crosses the Fitzsimmons Valley<br />
and links the two ski mountains of Whistler and<br />
Blackcomb. Thanks to this convenient connection,<br />
guests can now enjoy both mountains<br />
in one day. With an overall length of 4.4 km,<br />
the rope span of 3,024 m and a maximum<br />
height above ground of 436 m, at the time, the<br />
Peak 2 Peak broke all the records for an aerial<br />
ropeway of its kind.<br />
Change of governance<br />
Following a long and distinguished 31-year career<br />
as chief executive officer at Doppelmayr<br />
Canada, André Lamoureux retired on October<br />
25. Luc Guy, formerly sales and installation<br />
manager, succeeded him as CEO of Doppelmayr<br />
Canada. With over 20 years of experience within<br />
the company, Luc Guy has held several positions<br />
in engineering, sales and lift installation.<br />
Doppelmayr Canada has a very dedicated<br />
team. Our experience, skills and knowhow<br />
will ensure continuity of operations,<br />
continued collaboration<br />
and personalized service<br />
to all customers, as well<br />
as consistent delivery of<br />
high-quality products.<br />
Luc Guy, CEO,<br />
Doppelmayr Canada Ltd.<br />
Doppelmayr Canada Ltd.<br />
Foundation: 1978<br />
Location: St- Jérôme, Province of Québec<br />
Headcount: 130 employees<br />
Main market: Canada (the only ropeway<br />
manufacturer that produces locally)<br />
Activities: Project engineering, sales,<br />
production, assembly, start-up, customer<br />
support, training<br />
Passing on the baton: André Lamoureux (left)<br />
with his successor as CEO, Luc Guy
26<br />
Customer Support<br />
© Skyline Rotorua<br />
Check out a video of<br />
a visit to Skyline Rotorua:<br />
© Skyline Rotorua<br />
Customer support and<br />
service work in New Zealand<br />
8-MGD Skyline Gondola | Rotorua, New Zealand (NZL)<br />
Skyline Enterprises Ltd.<br />
873 m 179 m 2,000 PPH 5.0 m/s 2005<br />
Rotorua, New Zealand, is a popular destination<br />
for tourists and locals alike. A key<br />
attraction for this region is the Skyline<br />
Gondola taking guests up to a renowned<br />
restaurant and extensive recreational facilities<br />
overlooking Lake Rotorua. Along with<br />
being the birthplace of the skyline luge,<br />
the area also plays host to the international<br />
Crankworx mountain bike event each year.<br />
For a 365-day-a-year operation like Skyline<br />
Rotorua, limiting operational downtime is a<br />
priority. This year, a Doppelmayr/Garaventa<br />
service team completed a significant maintenance<br />
works project ensuring reliable operation<br />
for this ropeway into the future. This was<br />
the first shutdown of the installation longer<br />
than a day since the lift was commissioned.<br />
An award-winning tourism operation, Skyline<br />
Rotorua offers a broad range of recreational<br />
experiences all serviced by the 8-seater gondola<br />
from Doppelmayr/Garaventa. The scenic<br />
gondola ride provides breathtaking views over<br />
the lake before delivering guests to the top<br />
station and restaurant where there are many<br />
other activities on offer. For the adventurous,<br />
there is luging, mountain biking, zip lines and<br />
the Skyswing. For those looking for more relaxed<br />
options, there are nature trails, shopping,<br />
wine tasting and dining. The Gondola is<br />
open every day of the year, operating around<br />
5,500 hours annually.<br />
Maintenance completed ahead of schedule<br />
Following the order for the new equipment in<br />
early <strong>2019</strong>, Doppelmayr New Zealand began<br />
the task of planning and organization for this<br />
significant maintenance project. In August<br />
this year, site work commenced. An experienced<br />
local team supported by experts from<br />
the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group worked<br />
tirelessly to complete the significant scope<br />
of work in the limited time period available.<br />
Tasks completed during this work included<br />
a motor and gearbox exchange, frequency<br />
converter upgrade, load testing and commissioning,<br />
bullwheel bearing replacement and<br />
hydraulic system servicing. Following this,<br />
a shortening splice was carried out on the<br />
haul rope. The work program was completed<br />
in only 10 days and the lift returned back to<br />
operation a day ahead of schedule. A great<br />
result for all involved.<br />
As with any shutdown maintenance of this<br />
nature, key factors to a successful outcome<br />
are having the right experience, skills, tools<br />
and technical resources planned and available<br />
ensuring maximum work efficiency. This<br />
is something the Doppelmayr New Zealand<br />
team take seriously and are proud to be able<br />
offer their customers a high level of support<br />
and service.<br />
Doppelmayr and our engineers have<br />
completed all the programmed work safely,<br />
successfully and ahead of schedule which is<br />
absolutely outstanding. Well done to everyone<br />
involved in this challenging project.<br />
Andrew Jensen,<br />
General Manager, Skyline Rotorua
Competition:<br />
Eyes open!<br />
Send us a photo of an original location for<br />
our Doppelmayr/Garaventa calendar and win a<br />
prize 1 . The most original entries will be rewarded<br />
– a brand-new Doppelmayr bag set awaits you.<br />
We shall be publishing the most creative contributions<br />
in the next issues of <strong>WIR</strong>.<br />
Model ropeways from Jägerndorfer<br />
Together with his team, Klaus Jägerndorfer<br />
develops and sells model ropeways – the Jägerndorfer<br />
Collection. These are exact replicas<br />
of original Doppelmayr/Garaventa installations,<br />
which enjoy great popularity. The mini<br />
ropeways can actually be operated. Even the<br />
bubbles, restraining bars and grips work like<br />
their larger counterparts. The new OMEGA V<br />
cabin for the D-Line ropeway generation is<br />
already available as a model. The D-Line chairs<br />
are about to follow. As usual, Jägerndorfer<br />
has attached a great deal of importance to<br />
details – even the logos and the images on<br />
the mesh banners are replicas of the originals<br />
and can be replaced. While previous products<br />
were made entirely of plastic, in the case of<br />
the D-Line models, frames, swivel bearings,<br />
hangers and grips are made of metal. The new<br />
models have been available since the end of<br />
October <strong>2019</strong>. Fans of the ATRIA 3S cabin will<br />
also be pleased to know that work on the replicas<br />
is already well underway.<br />
The entire collection is<br />
included in the new winter<br />
catalog <strong>2019</strong>/2020:<br />
1.<br />
Take a photo of the calendar in the<br />
place where you have put or found it<br />
2.<br />
Describe briefl y where you hung up or<br />
discovered the calendar (city, country,<br />
precise location)<br />
3.<br />
Send everything along with your contact<br />
details to wir@doppelmayr.com<br />
INTERALPIN exhibition<br />
stand wins awards<br />
The Doppelmayr/Garaventa stand was an<br />
eye-catcher at the INTERALPIN <strong>2019</strong> show<br />
thanks to its exceptional design and revealed<br />
a host of special features on closer<br />
inspection. In the “Motion Cube”, for example,<br />
visitors were able to take a virtual ride<br />
on an aerial ropeway, passing over cities,<br />
points of interest and mountain peaks. Many<br />
interactive exhibits invited onlookers to<br />
touch and try out the objects for themselves.<br />
The company can now join the agency<br />
MOJA Design and exhibition stand designers<br />
mac in taking pride at two awards plus<br />
a nomination for various renowned awards.<br />
The German Design Award presented the<br />
exhibition stand first place in the category<br />
“Excellent Architecture”. It was also honored<br />
with the German Designer Club Award Gute<br />
Gestaltung <strong>2019</strong> (good design) in the category<br />
“Spaces”. In the case of the Austrian<br />
Event Award, the jury will not be making<br />
its decision following nomination of the<br />
stand in the category “Exhibitions/Events”<br />
until after we go to press.<br />
EXCELL<strong>EN</strong>T<br />
ARCHITECTURE<br />
&<br />
SPACES<br />
1<br />
By taking part in the Doppelmayr/Garaventa competition, you<br />
give your consent to our internal use of your personal data<br />
for advertising and marketing purposes. The data will not be<br />
passed on to third parties. You may withdraw your consent<br />
to the internal use of your data at any time in writing to the<br />
address wir@doppelmayr.com. Every entrant agrees to the<br />
publication of their full name, place of residence, winner photo<br />
and photo entry of the Doppelmayr/Garaventa calendar on<br />
the Doppelmayr/Garaventa website, on social media channels<br />
and in <strong>WIR</strong> Magazine in the event that they should win the<br />
competition. Winners will be notified in writing. Participation<br />
is free of charge. The jury’s decision is final. Prizes cannot be<br />
redeemed for cash.<br />
Legend<br />
Imprint<br />
Inclined length<br />
Vertical rise<br />
Number of towers<br />
Capacity<br />
Speed<br />
Trip time<br />
Carriers<br />
Opened<br />
D-Line<br />
Max. inclination<br />
Summer operation<br />
Winter operation<br />
Proprietor, editor and publisher: Doppelmayr Seilbahnen<br />
GmbH, Postfach 20, Konrad-Doppelmayr-Straße 1, 6922<br />
Wolfurt, Austria, dm@doppelmayr.com, doppelmayr.com;<br />
text and editing: ikp Vorarlberg GmbH, www.ikp.at; graphics<br />
and layout: KONZETT BR<strong>EN</strong>NDÖRFER, www.agenturkb.com;<br />
photos: Doppelmayr; printing: Thurnher, Rankweil; editorial<br />
policy pursuant to §25 Media Act: up-to-date information for<br />
customers, partners and employees of the Doppelmayr/<br />
Garaventa Group; publication frequency: the magazine is<br />
published three times a year. Reprinting only permitted with<br />
statement of source and explicit written authority; status:<br />
December <strong>2019</strong>; errors and omissions excepted; General<br />
Terms and Conditions apply.<br />
doppelmayr.com
Service & Applications<br />
Mobility & Experience<br />
Advanced Connectivity<br />
Mobility & Experience<br />
Thanks to the SMART Ropeway strategy, a trip on a ropeway is<br />
already a fascinating interactive experience today. In the future,<br />
on-board comfort and mobility are set to move to a new level as<br />
digital offers continue to enhance that experience.<br />
Relations & Reliability<br />
Technology & Innovation<br />
<strong>EN</strong><br />
smartropeway.com