Garaventa AG Modernises Two Lifts In Saas-Fee

Garaventa has completed two major projects in Saas-Fee: the Metro Alpin funicular and the Hannig gondola. Both are modernizations that involved both technical and logistical challenges. In particular, they improve ride comfort and accessibility to the Allalin and Hannig destinations.

Reconstruction of the Metro Alpin: New vehicles for the highest underground funicular

The Metro Alpin, the highest underground funicular in the world, connects the Felskinn with the Mittelallalin glacier and summer ski center at 3,500 meters above sea level. Originally built in 1984 by Von Roll, the funicular's vehicles were replaced by new, ultra-modern vehicles from Carvatech to mark its 40th anniversary. The new cars offer passengers greater comfort and more space. In addition, the new platform doors allow passengers to wait on the platform and thus board more quickly. The electrical control system was also completely renewed by Frey Stans.

The conversion was a challenge due to the geographical location and the tight schedule. Precise logistics and planning were crucial for transporting the new vehicles and materials to their destination in the tunnel at almost 2,980 m above sea level. The delivery had to be made using a special low-loader trailer through car-free Saas-Fee. The vehicles were then transported up using the Felskinnbahn (reversible cable car) and brought to their destination through the narrow access tunnel. The conversion was completed within two months and public operations began on schedule.

Redesign of the Hannigbahn: A new chapter for a historic tourist destination

The Hannigbahn, which first went into operation in 1969 and has since become an integral part of the overall offering of the Saas-Fee destination, has been replaced by a comprehensive new building. Since skiing operations on the Hannigberg ceased in 1992, the mountain has remained a popular destination for hikers, tobogganers and cyclists. When the concession for the existing facility, the last Giovanola cable car in Switzerland, expired in April 2023 and no extension of operation was approved, it was decided to completely redesign it and build a new cable car.

The new, modern 10-person gondolas from CWA meet high standards of ride comfort and enable the problem-free transport of leisure equipment such as sledges and bikes. The gondolas are designed to be barrier-free to make them easy to use for people with limited mobility and families with strollers. The modernization of the Hannigbahn ensures that the Hannigberg will remain accessible to a wide audience all year round in the future.

95-FUL Felskinn–Mittelallalin (Metro Alpin), Saas-Fee, Switzerland