Eggishorn Project, The Aletsch Bahnen Goes For The Future
Aletsch Bahnen AG is launching a new construction project for the Eggishorn. Those responsible present the details of the challenging structures at up to 2,869 meters above sea level.
In December 2019, the Aletsch Bahnen, together with the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and PostAuto, successfully launched the public transport hub in Fiesch, including the new Fiesch-Fiescheralp gondola lift. Now comes the next strategically important stage: the cable car from Fiescheralp to the Eggishorn will be replaced by a completely new, modern facility. A completely new restaurant and space for the glacier staging is being built in the mountain station on the Eggishorn.
The new buildings on the Eggishorn replace the existing facilities and are able to meet several requirements: they are optimally embedded in the natural landscape and are designed in such a progressive and future-oriented way that they can deal with the melting permafrost and offer guests added value . Those responsible at Aletsch Bahnen AG plan to start the necessary planning approval process at the beginning of summer 2023. The Federal Office of Transport (BAV) is responsible.
The new infrastructure blends harmoniously into the natural landscape
The Great Aletsch Glacier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site "Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch" and protected by the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments (BLN). The Eggishorn vantage point is part of the Unesco area; the planned buildings will be located just outside the BLN perimeter. The new buildings are optimally integrated into this scenically sensitive location. They are less conspicuous and offer a significant improvement over today's voluminous buildings from the 1960s and 1980s. There is no housing for the station, which would lead to a large volume visible from afar. The solar energy that is abundantly available on the Eggishorn should be used.
Valentin König, CEO of Aletsch Bahnen AG, states: "The unique Eggishorn with the extensive view of the Great Aletsch Glacier is finally getting the infrastructure that does justice to this valuable vantage point."
New ropeway with technical innovation
The new cable car from Garaventa AG consists of a cable car with two cabins. From November 2025, this will be able to transport more guests than its current predecessor. This with the aim of being able to bring the excursion guests back down to the valley early in the evening and to allow the mountain to rest. The technical design of the cable car is a novelty: In order to have a higher availability during the inspection times of the system, only one of the two cabins can be sent on the way. And so that the snow in winter doesn't delay the morning start of operations, both cabins can be "parked" in the valley station on Fiescheralp. Last but not least, the track does not need an entrance support, as the current support is located in the slippery area of the terrain. The foundations of the station and the restaurant building Largest glacier in the Alps will ensure that intensive maintenance is no longer necessary due to the melting permafrost according to a special geotechnical concept. The additional cover should even at least preserve the permafrost area.
New restaurant architecturally inspired by the Aletsch Glacier
The architectural firm Bauatelier 12 from Visp was inspired by the Great Aletsch Glacier for the architecture of the new restaurant. Specifically from Konkordiaplatz. This is where the three streams of firn flow together: the Great Aletsch firn, the Jungfrau firn and the eternal snow field. The Great Aletsch Glacier is formed by the confluence of these 3 firn streams. With the floor plan of the restaurant, the architectural office depicted the Konkordiaplatz with the three streams of firn flowing in. In addition, the building is modeled on an alpine stable and is quite flat and elongated. The restaurant has a capacity similar to today's building, plus a terrace with a fantastic view of the glacier.
Eggishorn 2025: a future-oriented project with added value
Renato Kronig, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aletsch Bahnen AG, is completely convinced of the Eggishorn project: "The replacement of the systems on the Eggishorn opens up a new dimension for the entire Aletsch Arena in the spring, summer and autumn seasons. We are certain that we can offer our guests real added value with this lighting project.'
