WIR 03/2021 [EN]

International Projects
15
Architectural gem makes waves in South Tyrol
10-MGD Olang 1 + 2 | Kronplatz (Plan de Corones), South Tyrol (ITA)
Olanger Seilbahnen GmbH
3,021 m (Olang 1), 1,050 m (Olang 2) 909 m (Olang 1), 200 m (Olang 2) 3,900 PPH 6.5 m/s
9.74 min (Olang 1), 4.2 min (Olang 2) 182 10-passenger cabins D-Line
The new 10-passenger gondola lift Olang
1+2 is not just high-performance and cuttingedge
but also an architectural showpiece.
In spite of the diffi cult situation due to Covid-19,
the Kronplatz (Plan de Corones) ski resort in
South Tyrol took the conscious decision to go
ahead with the planned construction of its
ambitious 10-passenger gondola lift Olang 1+2
in collaboration with Doppelmayr from summer
2020. The both visually and technically outstanding
installation has two sections and
represents a flagship project for tourism
throughout the entire region. The new lift acts
as the main feeder from the catchment area
Olang, Rasen-Antholz and Hochpustertal in
winter and summer.
A touch of Hamburg flair
The first thing that catches the eye is the impressive
architecture of the station buildings.
The striking wave design and a distinctive roof
made from translucent foil are the result of an
architecture competition that was won by the
innovative Hamburg-based architecture firm
studio schlotthauer matthiessen architecturemade.
Three stunning station buildings were
created at elevations of 1,164, 2,073 and 2,274
meters in just five months. The dome-shaped
roof construction, which overarches the machinery,
is transparent and allows visitors to
see the technology in action. The bottom station
houses the information and ticket desk as
well as the offices that are accessible from the
inside. The new mid station incorporates the
cabin parking facility, which was previously in
the bottom station on the predecessor lift. In
addition, this station also provides space for
parking snow vehicles.
High-performance and record-breaking
The performance specifi cations for this installation
are remarkable. In comparison with the
previous 6-passenger gondola lift built in 1989,
capacity has been almost doubled. Its rope
speed of 6.5 meters per second, the 64 mm
rope diameter and the 2,130 kW drive power
are unique in Italy and also virtually unequalled
in the rest of Europe. Passenger safety is ensured
by a high-tech system for continuous
monitoring of the rope position on the sheaves.
This is the first time that the RPD Nexo system
has been used in Italy. For top comfort, the
elegant OMEGA V cabins are fitted with seat
heating. Visitors to the Kronplatz can look
forward to an exceptional ropeway experience
on the Olang 1+2.
With this lift installation, we want to set the
trend for the entire region and perhaps encourage
other tourist areas
to do the same and join
forces to boost momentum.
Matthias Prugger,
President, Olanger
Seilbahnen