Enrope Undertakes Refit Of Höllwieslift At Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal Bergbahnen
The Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal Bergbahnen commissioned enrope to make the Höllwieslift fit for the future. The drag lift originally went into operation in 1962. It served the eastern slope of the Söllereck and, at 1,972 meters, was considered the longest drag lift in Germany. It was popular with locals due to its quick accessibility, but ski clubs and holidaymakers also appreciated it.
After an earlier plan to replace the drag lift with a 6-seater chairlift and build a snowmaking system could not be implemented due to objections from individual landowners, the Höllwieslift was closed in 2020. A refit is now intended to remedy the situation and enable the popular drag lift to restart in a shortened form. If all permits are in place, construction work is scheduled to begin in June so that the lift will be ready for the 2025/26 winter season.
The valley and mountain stations of the former drag lift, as well as towers 1 to 10, will be demolished. The new LUIS valley station will be built around 200 meters higher and will therefore be significantly more snow-sure. It is also accessible via the modern 10-seater "Söllereck" gondola lift. The newly developed WILLI drive station will be used as the mountain station. Towers 11 to 19, the cable, and the towing devices will be reused. Henrik Volpert, CEO of OK-Bergbahnen, commented: "With enrope, we are implementing an ecologically and economically sustainable and well-thought-out project that will restore two beautiful, legendary slopes to skiable condition. A large portion of the existing lift technology will be reused."
Technical data (old/new)
- Towing length inclined: 1896/895 m
- Towing height: 488/253 m
- Travel speed: 3.5/2.5 m/s
- Capacity: 950/850 P/h
- Rope diameter: 29 mm
- Motor power: 228/90 kW
