[Translate to English:] (c) Doppelmayr
New ropeways

[Translate to English:] New ropeways on the Schilthorn

The major Schilthornbahn 20XX project involved the complete reconstruction of the ropeway connection from Stechelberg to the Schilthorn. The first stage marked two firsts: the world's steepest reversible aerial tramway with a maximum gradient of almost 160% between Stechelberg and Mürren, and Switzerland's first Funifor ropeway between Mürren and Birg.

The new Stechelberg–Mürren and Mürren–Birg pendulum cableways are already in operation, and a second track for the Mürren–Birg Funifor system will follow in spring 2026, along with two additional Funifor ropeways that will provide access to the Schilthorn from Birg.

World record: maximum gradient

The cable car between Stechelberg and Mürren sets a world record with a maximum gradient of almost 160%. No other cable car in the world has such a steep route. Two cabins, each with space for 85 people, transport up to 800 passengers per hour and significantly reduce the journey time from Stechelberg to Mürren. The cableway overcomes the 775-meter difference in altitude in less than four minutes. Passengers in the cabins do not directly notice the steepness of the route, but the cableway technician recognizes it at first glance from the extremely long vehicle suspension.

In addition to passenger transport, the shuttle cable car also handles freight logistics between Stechelberg and Mürren, which is optimized by a loading robot. Luggage and goods are transported synchronously with passenger transport, and guests can check in their luggage when purchasing their tickets and pick it up at the stations or directly at their hotel.

The aerial tramway is also equipped with the AURO system

(Autonomous Ropeway Operation), which enables autonomous operation. Cameras and sensors ensure that the tramway can operate without active monitoring by operating personnel.

First Funifor system in Switzerland

The Funifor system celebrated its premiere in Switzerland with the commissioning of the first track on the Mürren–Birg route. The special feature of this type of ropeway is the wide carrying cable gauge, which guarantees high wind stability and thus reliable transport even in difficult weather conditions. The cabin can accommodate 100 people. The Funifor installations between Mürren, Birg, and Schilthorn will in future have two parallel tracks that are operated independently of each other. This has the advantage that one track can remain in service during maintenance work. This guarantees operation 365 days a year.

Special cabin design

The cabins for the Schilthornbahn 20XX project were developed and manufactured in close cooperation with Carvatech from Oberweis (Upper Austria), a Doppelmayr Group company. Over several years, a unique design was created that meets the specific requirements of this extraordinary project. A special highlight of the cabins on the first two sections is that the windows can be lowered to chest height, providing an “unobstructed” panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Innovative control technology

The control technology for the ropeways in the Schilthornbahn 20XX project was developed by Frey Stans, also part of the Doppelmayr Group. The innovative ESFOR (Energy Storage System For Ropeways) energy management system compensates for peaks in energy consumption by recovering and storing braking energy locally, thus optimizing operation across all five installations in a resource-efficient manner.


(c) Leitner

Numerous product highlights, an exclusive launch event, and a trade fair appearance in a new design characterize Leitner's presence at Interalpin.

Read more
(c) Bartholet

India's first urban ropeway will provide an efficient solution to traffic chaos in the city of Varanasi. The opening of the four-section system, built…

Read more
(c) Herve Doulat

Since 1974, Mountain Planet has been the international trade fair for the development of mountain regions, bringing together the most important…

Read more
Photo: Leitner

A mix of comfort and efficiency enhancements is the basis for the activities of the Italian ropeway manufacturer Leitner in France, Slovakia, Poland,…

Read more
Photo: Doppelmayr USA

CEO Katharina Schmitz will leave Doppelmayr USA and hand over to Keith Johns on 31 March 2025.

Read more
Photo: Leitner

The 10-passenger gondola lift at Rosskopf in Sterzing is the first installation in Italy of Leitner's "LeitPilot" technology, which serves as a…

Read more
Photo: Leitner

The new development should have positive effects on consumption, maintenance costs and environmental friendliness.

Read more
Photo: C. Mantona

The 12th OITAF International Ropeway Congress held on June 17-21, 2024 in Vancouver/Canada

was an extremely interesting event in terms of technical…

Read more
Photo: Congress Messe Innsbruck

The 25th edition of the trade show for ropeway and alpine technologies, to be held from May 6–9, 2025, will again provide an ideal platform for…

Read more
Photo: Chris Bartkowski

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) announced that it has appointed ski industry veteran Mike Reitzell as its new President and Chief Executive…

Read more

ISR Newsletter

Latest news relating to ropeways and winter destinations on your screen!

The most important news and reports about themes like ropeways, ski resorts, piste preparation, snowmaking and a lot more.

Subscribe now and stay in the know! Our bilingual Newsletter comes in German and English or German and French!
 

Subscribe

Subscription & Media Data