The Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See is continuing its steady investment in lift infrastructure. Next in line for an upgrade is the Kapellenbahn, where the existing fixed-grip quad chairlift will be replaced by a state-of-the-art detachable 8-seater chairlift by Doppelmayr. Construction is already underway, with the new lift scheduled to open for the upcoming winter season.
More Capacity and Shorter Ride Times
The current Kapellenbahn has been serving skiers since 2001 and is a key lift in the eastern sector of the ski area Schmittenhöhe. The new high-speed chairlift will significantly improve uphill capacity, increasing transport from 2,394 to 3,400 passengers per hour. Ride time will also be reduced to just around three minutes. Thanks to detachable technology, chairs slow down in the stations, making loading and unloading smoother and safer for guests.
Comfort upgrades are a major focus of the project. Skiers can look forward to heated individual seats, weather bubbles, automatically locking safety bars and conveyor-belt boarding – features that have become standard in premium Alpine ski resorts.
The new Kapellenbahn will also feature cutting-edge safety technology. Similar to the nearby Breiteckbahn, the top station will be equipped with Doppelmayr’s AURO system. Cameras and sensors continuously monitor the unloading area and can automatically react if necessary.
Improved Slope Layout and New Infrastructure
As part of the project, the base station will be relocated around 150 metres towards Piesendorf. This will improve both access to the Pingauer Hut and the return route for skiers. In addition, the surrounding slopes will be redesigned to create a more fluid and enjoyable skiing experience.
>> The trail map of the ski resort
Wettervorhersage
Key Facts About the New Kapellenbahn
- Detachable 8-seater chairlift
- Base station at 1,728 metres
- Top station at 1,964 metres
- 10 towers
- Speed of up to 5.5 m/s
- Ride time of around 3 minutes
- Capacity of up to 3,400 passengers per hour
- Up to 42 chairs in operation
- Manufactured by Doppelmayr
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Sustainability at the Core of the New Construction
Sustainability also plays a key role in the construction process. The resort is implementing extensive environmental measures, including reforestation projects, wildlife protection zones and dedicated conservation programs for native species such as grouse and amphibians. Particularly valuable old-growth forest areas will remain untouched.
A second life for the old chairlift in Romania
Rather than scrapping the old chairlift, Schmittenhöhebahn AG is giving the installation a second life abroad. After dismantling, the existing Kapellenbahn will be rebuilt and reused in Romania as part of the company’s long-term strategy to extend the lifecycle of technical infrastructure and reduce resource consumption.
77 Kilometres of Slopes with Stunning Panoramic Views
The Schmittenhöhe is one of the best-known ski resorts in Austria’s Salzburger Land region. Skiers and snowboarders can look forward to a varied mix of wide cruising runs, more challenging slopes and spectacular panoramic views over Lake Zell and more than 30 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres.
The ski area offers around 77 kilometres of slopes and a modern lift network. Particularly popular are the long valley runs down to Zell am See and Schüttdorf, as well as the demanding Trass descent with gradients of up to 70 percent. Families and beginners will find dedicated fun areas such as Schmidolin’s Dragon Park, the Kidsslope and the Funslope XXL.
Thanks to the ALPIN Card lift pass alliance, skiers can also explore the neighbouring ski areas of Saalbach Hinterglemm and the Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun with a single ski pass.
>> Detailed information about the ski resort
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