Zinal And Grimentz Gondola Connection Opens

Zinal and Grimentz have been comfortably connected since last weekend. Thanks to the new construction of a gondola, guests can get to L'Espace Weisshorn without having to change and then take the aerial tramway directly to Grimentz.

The new 10-seater gondola of the D-Line generation of cable cars is built on the same route as the old aerial tramway, which was closed in summer 2020. With a capacity increase from 700 to 1,800 people per hour, passengers reach Sorebois at 2,442 meters above sea level. M. new in 6.5 minutes, which significantly shortens waiting times. Thanks to the second section, skiers can reach La Vouarda at 2,692 m above sea level without having to change. The feeder to the Grimentz ski area is also attractive, as there is a direct connection with the aerial tramway to the village of Grimentz from «L'Espace Weisshorn».

First D-Line gondola lift in Zinal

The D-Line and all of its functions, which Doppelmayr / Garaventa implemented during development, are visionary. The system includes 31 innovations, 14 of which are patent pending. Garaventa sales manager Marcel Nussbaumer explains: “The D-Line combines long-standing tradition and know-how with ultra-modern design and the latest technical achievements. During development, particular attention was paid to driving comfort, quiet operation, attractive design and time-saving maintenance. " The Zinal-Sorebois-La Vouarda gondola is equipped with 59 OMEGA V cabins - the latest generation of cabins from CWA Constructions SA in Olten. The cabins ensure a high level of driving comfort - for example through easy access, the ergonomically shaped individual seats or the well-thought-out ventilation concept.

Integrated evacuation

Since the cable car overcomes difficult to access terrain, it is equipped with an integrated evacuation system. The system enables passengers to be safely guided back to the stations in their vehicles at any time. In addition to the emergency drive in the intermediate station, a third drive is available in the valley station for clearing the entire facility.

The digital RPD Nexo system also monitors the position of the hoisting rope in cable cars directly on the roller batteries: The RPD Nexo detects a rope route out of the groove at an early stage, automatically reduces the travel speed and thus reduces the risk of rope derailment. The RPD Nexo system can be used universally, with one sensor for all types of pulleys, pulley batteries and rope diameters. It brings the cable car operators economic efficiency, a high availability of the cable car and the passengers maximum safety.

Technical specifications

The 10-seater Zinal-Sorebois-La Vouarda gondola has a sloping length of 2,733 meters, overcomes a height difference of 1,024 meters and transports up to 1,800 people per hour. Both sections are driven from the bent middle station by means of a two-groove drive pulley. It is integrated into the existing building fabric. All 59 vehicles are parked underground in the valley station.