The launch took place in summer 2019, completing the first step in the quality initiative: The new Schrattenwang 6-seater chairlift began daily operations on December 20, 2019.
More comfort and quality
"The gradual modernization of the ski area is bringing a leap in quality to the Söllereck. Together with our diverse offerings in both summer and winter, we are developing into Germany's most attractive year-round family mountain," says Henrik Volpert, CEO of Oberstdorfer Bergbahn AG. In the first phase, the over 50-year-old Schrattenwang T-bar lift, which runs on the same route, was replaced in just four months with a modern premium 6-seater chairlift from LEITNER ropeways. The new facility shortens waiting times and, thanks to its weather protection hood, protects skiers from wind and weather. "Another advantage is the integrated safety bars, which ensure a safe skiing experience for parents with small children," continues CEO and family man Volpert. Not only the technology but also the design is impressive. Modern leather seats with an elegant design and high-quality, non-slip surface materials complete the enhanced comfort. "With the investment by the local mountain railways, they will offer a completely new experience for guests and locals in the future. Our children can learn to ski on the most modern facilities. This strengthens us as a tourism region and offers sustainable added value for the entire region and beyond," says Laurent O. Mies, Mayor of Oberstdorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Oberstdorfer Bergbahn AG. "We proceeded with a sense of proportion because we will be renovating the Söllereck without any new developments and only on the existing lift routes and slopes," adds Mies.
Technical Details:
- Detachable 6-seater chairlift with child safety lock and weather protection hood
- Length: Inclined length 561.36 m
- Vertical drop: 166.40 m
- Height: Valley station 1,279.60 m / Mountain station 1,446 m
- Number of towers: 7
- Drive: 100% green electricity from alpine hydropower
Looking ahead: Completion by 2022
In the coming years, the "Wanne" (construction start: 2021) and "Höllwies" surface lifts (construction start: 2022) will be replaced by 6-seater chairlifts. The heart of the major project is the renovation of the Söllereckbahn, including the valley, middle and mountain stations (construction starts in 2020/2021): The existing Söllereckbahn will be extended and will in future start directly at the parking lot with the Walserbus stop. Together with a covered pedestrian bridge, the two innovations will ease the crossing over the B19 federal highway and allow skiers to start their skiing adventure directly, without detours or lugging. "With this construction, the mountain railways are achieving one thing above all: safety and comfort. This is a crucial factor in increasing the well-being of our guests, especially on excursions with small children," says Laurent O. Mies. Renewed snowmaking systems on all slopes guarantee snow reliability and even distribution at the start of the season. This planning security is supported by the expansion of the near-natural reservoir.
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