WIR 03/2019 [EN]

10 Interview
A new dimension in comfort
WIR spoke with Norbert Karlsböck, CEO, Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG and
Günther Brennsteiner, Technical Director, Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG.
WIR. The K-ONNECTION has been a
dream for generations and now it has finally
become a reality. What is the significance of
the project for the Kitzsteinhorn region and
Gletscherbahnen Kaprun?
Norbert Karlsböck: With the new
K-ONNECTION, we are bringing together
what belongs together. It links up the center
of Kaprun, the Maiskogel family mountain and
the snow-sure glacier ski area to form one
fascinating unit. Since the development of
Austria’s first glacier ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn
in 1965, this has been our biggest
project and a momentous step for Gletscherbahnen
Kaprun AG and the entire Zell am See-
Kaprun region.
WIR. The Kitzsteinhorn attracts visitors all
year round. What role does the new link play
in terms of the offer for guests?
Norbert Karlsböck: Since November 30,
2019, Salzburg’s first tricable gondola lift, the
3K K-onnection, has linked up two Kaprun ski
mountains. This means that, for the first time,
we can now offer our guests an entirely new
dimension in comfort with a ski-in, ski-out option
for the glacier. From the center of the village
up to the TOP OF SALZBURG at 3,029
meters with up to six lifts, the 3K K-onnection
has not only created the longest ropeway axis
in the Eastern Alps but at 2,261 meters also
climbs the greatest vertical rise.
WIR. The opening of the tricable gondola
lift marks a milestone in the development of
the region. What can guests look forward to in
the future? Are there any plans already on the
table?
Norbert Karlsböck: The impressive
4.3-kilometer ride on the 3K K-onnection offers
a stunning panorama stretching from the
Großglockner in the south to the Zellersee
and the Watzmann in the north. Even in the
winter, national park rangers provide a weekly
guided tour to experience nature in four
climate zones, from the valley to the perpetual
ice, in the two specially designed and
equipped Explorer cabins. The new ropeway
axis provides a series of additional offers that
will strengthen our position as a top yearround
Alpine destination in the future.
WIR. The 3K K-onnection is the first tricable
gondola lift in Salzburg. What are the
technical benefits of using this system on the
Kitzsteinhorn?
Günther Brennsteiner: The 3K K-onnection
is used to cross steep terrain and link two ski
areas. It was only possible to accomplish the
large rope spans with the 3S system. The high
travel speed of 8 m/s and the transport capacity
of 2,700 PPH make it possible to provide
a fast, nine-minute connection between the
two mountains.
One particular technical advantage is the
enormous stability of the installation. The tworope
“track” along which the cabins run and
the central haul rope, along with the high selfweight
of the cabins themselves, ensure that
availability remains stable, even in high winds.
The new connection means that we now have
a second ropeway providing access to the
glacier ski area in addition to the existing
Gletscherjet line.
WIR. The groundbreaking ceremony for the
tricable gondola lift was in April 2018. What was
your experience of the implementation phase?
Were there any special challenges?
Günther Brennsteiner: The planning, the
complex structural engineering, the special
types of construction required and the site
management all created a level of complexity
and uniqueness that meant constant challenges
for all the planners, site managers, contractors
and the Kitzsteinhorn team. Installing the
ropeway equipment in the stations and on the
five towers with heights up to 94 meters
was particularly demanding. The most striking
challenges were certainly the rope transports
and the rope installation work up to the splicing
of the haul rope. It took five special transports
from Romanshorn/Switzerland up to the Maiskogel
in Kaprun to deliver the five ropes, each
weighing around 110 tons. As far as that was
concerned, we really have to express our thanks
and appreciation for the constructive collaboration
of the entire Doppelmayr, Garaventa
and CWA team, all the planners and contractors
involved with the construction and all their
employees.
WIR. The ATRIA cabin makes the 3K K-onnection
one of the most cutting-edge ropeway
installations of this season. What are the benefits
of the technical equipment incorporated
in the installation in daily operations, both for
the ropeway crew and for the guests?
Günther Brennsteiner: The new control
system Doppelmayr Connect gives our team
a high level of user friendliness, which is ultimately
aimed at achieving availability with as
few restrictions as possible. With the new
ATRIA cabins, we’re offering our guests an
absolute ride sensation as well as unprecedented
comfort and first-class design. All 32
cabins have Wi-Fi access.
WIR. Many thanks for the interview.