New Chairlifts To Come To Vail’s Andermatt- Sedrun - Disentis
With the planning approval granted by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) on March 28, 2025, the path is now clear for the renewal of the chairlifts Val Val – Cuolm Val and Val Val – Calmut. The new installations will not only double transport capacity but also serve as a key element in connecting the ski areas between the Oberalp Pass and Milez/Cuolm Val. Construction will begin immediately after the 2024/25 winter season. The construction of the two new chairlifts marks a significant step in the development of the Andermatt+Sedrun+Disentis ski area and highlights Vail Resorts' long-term investment strategy focused on quality and guest experience in winter sports.
The existing 4-seater chairlifts will be replaced with modern 6-seater ones. The new lifts will double the transport capacity to 2,400 people per hour and significantly reduce travel times thanks to a higher speed of 5 m/s. The new lift to Cuolm Val will take just 3.18 minutes, while the one to Calmut will take 3.40 minutes.
The management of Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG gave the green light for planning back in January 2022. Since then, the project has been comprehensively prepared, including technical evaluations with manufacturers, spatial planning and architectural studies, and coordination with cantonal and municipal authorities. The new lifts will be designed and built by Garaventa. Most of the further planning and construction work has been awarded to regional companies.
Tight Schedule – Close Coordination Required
The construction schedule is ambitious: Between the last day of operations on Sunday, April 6, 2025, and the planned opening in early December 2025, dismantling, assembly, commissioning of the new lifts, and construction of avalanche protection must all be completed. Thanks to special permits from the Canton of Graubünden and the municipality of Tujetsch, preparatory work such as snow clearing and access road construction can begin immediately after the 2024/25 winter season.
Particular focus is placed on coordinating with other construction projects in the region and ensuring mutual consideration among all parties in the Milez-Cuolm Val area. The construction of the two lifts and avalanche protection measures, the alpine photovoltaic system Solar Sedrun by Energia Alpina, and securing the operating permit until the end of November 2025 require precise collaboration among all partners.
Key Figures of the New Val Val Chairlifts at a Glance
| Feature | Existing Lifts | New Lifts |
| Chair Type | 4-seater chairlift | 6-seater chairlift |
| Transport Capacity | 1,200 people/hour | 2,400 people/hour |
| Travel Speed | 2.3 m/s | 5.0 m/s |
| Ride Time Cuolm Val | - | 3.18 minutes |
| Ride Time Calmut | - | 3.40 minutes |
Farewell to the "Old Chair" on April 6, 2025
After over 35 years in service, an era will come to an end on Sunday, April 6, 2025: the chairlifts Val Val – Cuolm Val and Val Val – Calmut, built in 1988, will run for the last time. To mark the occasion, representatives from Vail Resorts and Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG will take a symbolic “last chair” ride from Val Val to Cuolm Val.
