Zell im Zillertal (OTS) – Even though the new “Wilde Krimml” connecting lift has been transporting guests quickly and comfortably to the Zillertal Arena for around two months, those responsible were keen to hold an official opening ceremony including the blessing of the new lifts. “The redesign of the connection between Zell and Gerlos is a milestone project – not just for the Zeller Bergbahnen, but for the entire region. With the merger of the Zell-Gerlos-Königsleiten ski areas to form the Zillertal Arena in 1999, the starting signal for a success story was given. The “Krimml-X-Press” connecting cable car made this possible – but over the past decades the lift has always given us headaches,” says Managing Director Franz Kranebitter, looking back on the beginnings of the Zillertal Arena.
At the highest and probably coldest point of the Zillertal Arena, the icy laps in the Krimml-X-Press lift were notorious. That is a thing of the past, because the second construction phase ended with the commissioning of the new 10-seater gondola lift “Wilde Krimml” at the start of the 2024 winter season and has since ensured that, together with the 8-seater Kapauns chairlift, which went into operation last winter Commuting within the Zillertal Arena is faster and more comfortable. The total investment in both projects amounts to approximately 28 million euros.
Energy-saving drive & viewing platform at 2,500 m
During the planning, we not only relied on the latest cable car technology from LEITNER and used an almost silent and energy-saving drive system with the LEITNER DIRECTDRIVE, but also made an architectural statement in collaboration with the internationally renowned architects’ office Snøhetta. The new stations impress with their simple design and not only create a state-of-the-art workplace for the employees, but also another highlight for all visitors: from the mountain station there is a viewing platform on the highest point of the Zillertal Arena with a 360-degree panoramic view.
At the same time, an overall concept for the two mountain stations at the Transition Pass at 2,500 m above sea level ensures a comprehensive experience for visitors. As the highest point, the Transition Pass offers panoramic views and an incomparable Alpine panorama. The spectacular view is staged using an elongated viewing platform, called “the long bench”. Just below the Kreuzjoch, the highest mountain in the Kitzbühel Alps, “the long bench” invites you to enjoy the views and linger. In addition, three impressive sculptures by the sculptor Magnus Pöhacker create a place of power around “the long bench”.
“In the spirit of a sustainable and careful treatment of nature, the focus on architecture was particularly important to us,” confirms DI Franz Kranebitter, CEO of Zeller Bergbahnen.
In bright sunshine on Saturday, January 27, 2024, the two new facilities were blessed, but also duly celebrated in a celebratory setting together with partners, property owners and the construction companies involved. LH deputy ÖR Josef Geisler looked back on the historic past of the “Wilden Krimml” and the top cable car operator and colleague in the Zillertal Arena, NR Franz Hörl, was also happy about the positive development in the region since the merger to form the Zillertal Arena.
FACTS 10-seater gondola lift WILD KRIMML
- Wind-stable 10-person gondola lift with heated seats from LEITNE
- Capacity: 2,400 people/hour
- Elevation meter valley station: 2,065 m
- Altitude at the top station: 2,501 m
- Elevation difference: 436 m
- Oblique length: 1,870 m
- Speed: 6m/s
- Travel time: approx. 5 minutes
FACTS 8er Sesselbahn Kapauns
- Detachable 8-seater chairlift with weather protection cover and heated seats from LEITNER
- Capacity: 2,940 people/hour
- Elevation meter valley station: 1,905 m
- Altitude at the top station: 2,502 m
- Elevation difference: 597 m
- Oblique length: 1,829 m
- Speed: 6m/s
- Travel time: approx. 5 minutes
Construction report on the new 10-person gondola Wilde Krimml
Questions & Contact:
Zillertal Arena – Zeller Bergbahnen Zillertal GmbH & Co KG
Johanna Fiechtl
+43 (0) 5282 7165
johanna.fiechtl@zillertalarena.com
www.zillertalarena.com