The new 10-seater Ifen I and Ifen II gondola lifts opened for the winter season on December 23, 2017. They passed their first test over the Christmas holidays with flying colors.
p(h3.) Over 40 million euros in a quality initiative for the future of tourism
"Today is truly a beautiful day. Seeing the Ifen in its new splendor was a project close to the heart of OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN. We are proud of what we have achieved and are looking forward to "reopening" the ski area, virtually completely renovated. I would like to sincerely thank all the companies involved, all our partners and supporters, but especially my employees for their commitment," explains Andreas Gapp, Managing Director of the ski lift company links der Breitach.
The first three weeks of operation have amply demonstrated that the new service is a success. "Demand has been consistently high since day one. A total of around 40,000 guests and locals have already used the new lifts. And the feedback has been enormously positive, almost overwhelming," says Gapp happily. With the innovative, interconnected Doppelmayr D-Line Ifen I and II lifts, including Wi-Fi for the online community in the cabins, guests can enjoy skiing much faster and more comfortably: traveling at 6 meters per second from the valley station to the top station at 2,030 meters in 20 minutes. Breathtaking views and the highest level of comfort are guaranteed – noticeably quieter and with wider seats.
The quality initiative at Ifen, involving a total investment of over 40 million euros, was preceded by a comprehensive planning phase. "Our vision was to develop Ifen into a premium ski resort that takes the special features of our Walser local mountain into account. This has been achieved, thanks to the snowmaking system completed last year and the new Olympic cable car. Today, we guarantee a unique skiing experience at Ifen. With the cable cars, we make not only the ski slopes but also the winter hiking trail at Gottesacker, unique in the Alps, easily accessible to our guests. The new Ifen is a sustainable investment in the future of the mountain railways, as well as in the future of tourism in the Kleinwalsertal and Oberstdorf destinations," says Michael Lucke, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Skiliftgesellschaft links der Breitach.
p(h3. A culinary experience at the highest level
The completely renovated mountain restaurant Tafel&Zunder (formerly Hahnenköpfle) rounds out the new offerings. Sitting down and enjoying yourself is the order of the day in the new table service restaurant. "It was clear to us from the start that, as part of the structural renovations, we would also make the mountain restaurant even more attractive for locals and guests – we have remained true to our high culinary standards and excellent regional quality," explains Robert Haller, advisory board member of the Skiliftgesellschaft links der Breitach. Here, tradition and modernity come together: Local woods, such as Swiss stone pine, meet harmonious furnishing elements and give the rooms a feel-good ambiance. The colors, shapes, and materials are harmonious and underline the warm atmosphere.
Press photo from left to right:
- Mayor Andreas Haid
- Advisory board members of the GLB, Anton Haller
- District Administrator Anton Klotz
- Chairman of the GLB, Michael Lucke
- GLB Board Member, Dr. Andreas Gapp
- GLB Advisory Board Member, Hermann Haller
- State Parliament President, Harald Sonderegger
- GLB Advisory Board Member, Robert Haller
