Lots of new lifts for the Ziller Valley

26th September 2010, by Chris Gill

The new combi lift replaces the chair on the left of this picture [P Gillet]

When it comes to lift improvements for the new season, Austria’s Ziller Valley is getting its fair share: three new gondolas and a combi-mix.

Mayrhofen’s new combi-mix

Mayrhofen kept this quiet … but its Penken mountain has a new combined gondola / chairlift for 2010/11.

The lift was installed during the summer. It is only short, rising just over 200m, but replaces an old triple chair from the top of the Penken gondola at 1800m (up from the resort) to the top of the Gschössberg front face – an area of mainly blue runs. The new lift gives users a choice of chair or enclosed cabin, is accessible to non-skiers and makes it easier for novices to practice in the area.

Gondolas galore in Gerlos and Co

What is it with warm bums all of a sudden? It seems that the majority of modern new gondola systems are promoting heated seats as a key attraction. What’s more, it seems the designs are to enhance year-round use too: some of these new cabins can have their roof removed for fresh air in summer!

Three new gondolas are due for Gerlos, Konigsleiten and Zell am Ziller. These three popular family resorts are linked by lift and piste. And you can reach Zell by train from Mayrhofen.

The eight-person gondola Wiesenalmbahn out of Zell has been renamed the Karspitzbahn I, and is being extended as a two-stage lift to the top of the Karspitz – replacing an ancient two person chair. Much of the upper mountain now has fast lifts, making it easier to reach Gerlos.

Another eight-seat gondola is replacing a quad between Gerlos and Konigsleiten, on the upper mountain. The third lift under construction for the ski area is a bottom-to-top two-stage gondola, the Dorfbahn, on the Salzburg side of the resort. At the top, a new restaurant, children’s area and kindergarten – a major project that the resort hopes will be ready in time.

• new lift
• mayrhofen
• ziller valley

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