Cable car story (2nd part) by Tripack
Qualitative growth (since 1979)The year 1979 marked a turning. By adopting a strict tourist concept, the Confederation put order in the exploitation of the Alps. The high mountain had, as an invaluable landscape, being spared and protected better. The last winter sports resorts of Switzerland were created in Samnaun (1979), Saas Grund (1979) and Évolène (1981). At the same time was born the highest cable car (station at 3820 meters above the sea level): the Klein Matterhorn (Zermatt 1979). Since any other ski lifts was not built in still virgin alpine areas. The phase of fast expansion was over. But the ski lifts industry was not going to fall asleep for as much, since a phase began for an internal development of the existing ski areas to a more qualitative growth. The installations gain there in comfort, effectiveness and safety.
Tendencies (present and to come)
Nowadays many innovations thanks to technical progress are possible.
Examples:
- 1980 Zermatt obtains the first underground funicular to Sunegga.
- 1992 Rotair, first revolving cable car in the world, enters in service in Titlis.
- 1995 in Samnaun it is the first cable car on two floors which is inaugurated. :
- 2000 in Verbier, the Funitel , a fusion between a funicular and a cable car with cabins, with cable without end, able to convey 3000 people per hour.
And more will come to enjoy our future alpine rides?