Saalbach-Hinterglemm: New 12er NORD Gondola Is Open

After 35 years, the Zwölfernordbahn in Hinterglemm was retired. Over the summer months of 2024, a state-of-the-art 10-seater monocable gondola lift (EUB) was built by the cable car manufacturer Doppelmayr. The cable car's new cabins offer comfortable seating for passengers and have an integrated interior storage system that makes the transport of skis and snowboards even more efficient. On December 18, the 12er NORD was officially opened with a ceremony.

With an hourly capacity of 2,600 people, after eight months of construction, all winter sports enthusiasts can now say: “Please take a seat!” By replacing the old standing cabins with modern seated cabins, not only is comfort improved, but waiting times in the valley station are also significantly reduced.

As part of the new cable car, two investments were made in safety: a new ski bridge over the state road provides additional protection and connects the valley stations of the Hochalmbahn and the 12er NORD. Thanks to the new route, the existing infrastructure of the Hochalm valley station can now also be used for the 12er NORD, which creates additional efficiency.

At the ceremonial opening on December 18th, the two managing directors Peter Mitterer and Hans Georg Bachmann agreed: "We are now well prepared for the upcoming World Championships. The new 12er NORD plays a central role in logistics. It ensures efficient transport of athletes, coaches, track marshals and volunteers and takes them directly to the summit of the Zwölferkogel. At the same time, the modern facility makes a decisive contribution to reducing peak times and ensuring the smooth running of the event."

At the official opening of the cable car on December 18th, which has been in operation since December 6th, the numerous guests of honour were able to enjoy the comfort of the new 12er NORD. Governor Dr. Wilfried Haslauer was visibly enthusiastic about the new project and said: "The new 12er NORD will enrich the 'World Cup mountain' Zwölferkogel not only during the Ski World Championships. The new cable car is also representative of one of numerous projects that were implemented in the run-up to the ski spectacle in the Glemmtal - also with active support from the state - and will have a lasting effect as an offer for the local population and the numerous guests."

The celebratory event culminated in the subsequent leisurely skiing on the Zwölfer North slope, which noticeably increased the enthusiasm for the new track and the anticipation of the exciting World Cup period.

A perfect start for the new cable car and a promising start to the 2024/25 winter season!

Facts & Figures "12er NORD"

• Type: 10-person monocable gondola lift
• Manufacturer: Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH
• Travel distance: 1936 m
• Difference in altitude: 875 m
• Valley station: 1,111 m (rope height)
• Mountain station: 1,986 m
• Number of lift supports: 13
• Number of cable car cabins: 56
• Transport capacity: 2600 people per hour
• Travel time: 6.5 minutes
• Start of construction: April 2024
• Commissioning: December 2024

With 270 kilometers of slopes, the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is not only one of the most versatile ski areas in the entire Alpine region. Thanks to the high level of investment, it is also among the absolute top in terms of modern infrastructure and is therefore well prepared for the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in 2025.