The directors of the cable cars in Pitztal and Kaunertal submitted projects for new cable cars. No excavations are required. The goal is to extend the length of stay of guests. Investments are also being made in photovoltaic energy.
Divorce just before the wedding. – This is how the broken glacier marriage of Ötztal and Pitztal can be summarized. As reported last year, a referendum in St. Leonhard led to the final end of the project, which has been pursued since 2016. With a turnout of 60 percent, 348 voters (49.64%) were in favor and 353 (50.36%) were against. 1188 inhabitants were entitled to vote.
Shortly after the announcement of the very narrow result, the Pitztaler Bergbahnen announced in a broadcast that “we will no longer pursue the Pitztal-Ötztal merger project”.
New Fernerjochbahn for 20 million euros
On Thursday, Beate Rubatscher-Larcher, director of the Pitztaler Gletscherbahnen, and Franz Wackernell, director of the Kaunertal Gletscherbahnen, announced how things will continue after the marriage. A new cable car and investments in photovoltaic systems are planned in both ski areas.
On the Pitztaler Gletscher, near the valley station of the Gletscherseebahn (2490 metres), the new Fernerjochbahn will lead over a length of approximately 1700 meters to the yoke below the Linker Fernerkogel (3170 metres). An investment volume of 20 million euros is expected. “Only two lifting supports are planned and no excavation work is required. The power is supplied via the ropes of the cable car,” assures Rubatscher-Larcher.
Weißseefernerbahn planned since 1980
The Weißseefernerbahn, planned since 1980, only needs one support on the Kaunertaler Gletscher. It is to lead over a length of about 2000 meters and 680 meters in altitude from the area of the valley station of the Falginjochbahn to the Weißseeköpfl mountain station (3450 meters) and replaces two T-bar lifts on the Nörderjoch.
Some 25 million euros has been calculated for this track. The power supply is the same as for the Fernerjochbahn.
Extend length of stay, already submitted projects
The two projects were presented to authorities on Wednesday, but it is currently unknown whether an environmental impact assessment is required. Projects for photovoltaic systems on both glaciers will be submitted shortly.
The goal behind the expansion: “We want to extend the length of stay of the guests. Currently we mainly sell 3-day ski passes. In the future it will be 6-day ski passes,” say the directors.
Source: Krone
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