Imst Municipal Council Decides On New 20.5mil Euro Lift Construction

The renewal of Imst's liftsis on track: the 20.5 million euro project was unanimously approved at the latest municipal council meeting. The first preparatory work for the construction will begin after the current winter season.

After the approval of the municipality of Imst in the last meeting, nothing stands in the way of the construction of the new cable cars in Hoch-Imst. The construction project financed by the Imster Bergbahnen, the municipality of Imst and Imst Tourismus provides for the construction of two 10-person monocable gondolas (EUB) from Hoch-Imst to the Untermarkter Alm and from the Untermarkter Alm to the Alpjoch. “With its participation in the financing of the new building, the city of Imst is making a commitment to an important local recreation area. We are proud of our mountain railways and look forward to the new offer with our citizens, ”said Stefan Weirather, Mayor of Imst.

In spite of the valid operating system permit and concession, the existing systems have meanwhile reached the end of their operating cycle. The cable car to Untermarkter Alm has been in operation since 1991, the Alpjoch cable car was acquired second-hand and installed in Hoch-Imst in 1995 (first installation in 1987).

The focus of the new building concept takes into account the very long summer season by Tyrolean standards. This lasts in Imst from May to October. Numerous families with prams or older people and international guests particularly appreciate the Alpine Coaster during these six months. Passengers on the new gondola lift will expect significantly more comfort in the future. Ground-level, barrier-free entry and exit, spacious 10-person cabins, easier transport of strollers and bicycles, shorter travel times and weather security are guaranteed. An additional advantage in winter: the cabins enable safe transport of children (essential for ski courses or ski days for school classes) and people with disabilities. Due to the low speed in the station, the passenger has enough time to get on comfortably.

“Our skiing and hiking area in Hoch-Imst is Imst's most central tourist attraction. Together with the city and the mountain railways, we create an important perspective for the many tourism companies in the entire region. From children to seniors: our guest structure extends over several generations. Especially for the many families who are already coming to us, this new building opens up a completely new quality of offer, ”emphasizes Evelyn Krismer, member of the board of directors of Imst Tourismus.

Last but not least, the construction costs are reduced by the gondola lifts, as the corresponding lift systems allow a greater distance between the supports. In addition, the ongoing maintenance costs are lower due to the lower number of gondolas compared to armchairs. Calculated over the entire term, this results in considerable cost advantages. Gebi Mantl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Imster Bergbahnen, is also delighted: “With the new building, we are laying the foundation for a successful future for Imster Bergbahnen. The new systems guarantee significantly more comfort and, above all, significantly lower maintenance costs than before. "

The new "UAlm-Bahn" takes its passengers to the top in eight minutes. It is also relaxed towards the Alpjoch, where the new mountain station will be in the same place as before. With a transport capacity of 1,000 people per hour, skiers and hikers can reach this destination in around seven minutes.

The two systems are run separately, but share the station building at Untermarkter Alm. The routing of the two systems remains largely unchanged. In addition to the cash desk area, the valley station also houses the administrative premises of the Imster Bergbahnen. A new, suitable workshop for maintenance work on the vehicle fleet or on parts of the system will be set up at the middle station. “We can now carry out revision and maintenance work in a professional environment. This is a relief for ongoing operations that should not be underestimated. Up until now, we sometimes had to make do with tents outdoors. In addition, the snow groomers are now carefully stored and no longer exposed to the weather all year round, ”emphasizes Bernhard Schöpf, Managing Director of Imster Bergbahnen.

The preparatory work for the dismantling of the Alpjoch-Bahn will already begin after the current winter season, the construction of the new “UAlm-Bahn” will start at the beginning of September 2021.

The summer operations of the lower section and the Alpine Coaster will not be affected by the construction work: The Untermarkter Alm Bahn and the Alpine Coaster are open daily from May 21 to September 5, 2021. The upper section will be out of service in summer 2021.

The two lifts will open in the 2021/2022 winter season. The expected start of operations and opening date is December 17, 2021.

Technical specifications