GD10 Ried

November 2011 - Extraordinary projects sometimes need extraordinary solutions. In order to reduce the traffic around the ski resort of Kronplatz, LEITNER ropeways new gondola on the north-east face of Kronplatz enjoys a direct connection with Percha train station in the Pustertal valley. Not only does this ease pollution; together with the new valley descent and rail connection with the Hochpustertal slopes, it also enhances the appeal of the Kronplatz. The new installation is therefore a shining example of how a system can have multiple uses.

Expectations of the new cableway at the Kronplatz ski resort in the South Tyrolean Pustertal Valley are high: the 10-person gondola on the north-east face of the popular ski region has been designed to transport guests to the slopes quickly and comfortably. The South Tyrolean regional government hopes that this will encourage up to 40 per cent of car users to switch to public transport. It is precisely this that makes the mutual collaboration between Kronplatz and LEITNER ropeways so extraordinary. Those arriving by train this winter will be able to get off at Percha and jump straight onto the new cableway, reaching the slopes at the top of the Kronplatz (rising 1,400 meters higher) just a few minutes later. Needless to say, the journey will be a comfortable one. The cabins are fitted with panoramic windows, leather seats and seat heating. There is also an awe-inspiring view over the Pustertal, the Zillertal Alps and, of course, the UNESCO natural heritage site, the Dolomites, at the top. The new 10-person gondola is already the third in succession that LEITNER ropeways has implemented for Kronplatz Seilbahn AG.

The new transit system has an impressive length of 4.33 km and links Percha to the valley station at LEITNER ropeways existing ‘Gipfelbahn’. Guests can disembark here or continue their journey in the cabins, taking the ‘Gipfelbahn’ section right to the top. The two installations thus form a direct connection between Percha and the summit.

These efficient transit systems (moving at a speed of 6 meters per second) are able to transport 3,200 passengers in the first section and up to 4,000 people per hour in the second. Long waiting times are thus very unlikely.

Another new piste is also being developed on the north-east side of the resort. The family-friendly Ried descent will be seven kilometers long and is intended to supplement the two rather more sporty slopes on the northern face of Kronplatz. DEMAC LENKO and Prinoth – both part of the LEITNER group – will take care of artificial snow production and preparing the slopes. In addition to reducing road traffic and thereby lessening pollution as a result of lower CO² emissions around the Kronplatz, the railway and the new piste will help make the resort even more attractive. Another factor in this will be the connection between the Kronplatz and the Sexten Dolomites resort in the Hochpustertal. Thus winter sports enthusiasts will soon be able to get on the Pustertal train in Percha after descending the new Ried slope. Trains depart every 30 minutes to connect the Kronplatz with the Hochpustertal and the slopes at Sexten Dolomites. Guests will not require an additional ski pass, as these areas are also part of the Dolomiti Superski network.