LEITNERs innovation push: ROPERA impresses experts at Mountain Planet 2026

At the newly designed exhibition stand in Grenoble, trade visitors gained structured insights into the innovative technologies and applications of the new standard for monocable uni-directional ropeways, ROPERA®. The focus was on innovations in the fields of automation and digitization, the major drivers of development in the industry.

A key component is the LeitControl 2.0 control system, which boasts a modern, application-oriented operating philosophy and web-based technology. It enables intuitive control and efficient, location-independent facility operation.

Proven technologies such as LeitPilot also come into play. The system enables autonomous station operation through real-time monitoring of the loading and unloading areas and makes a significant contribution to the efficiency and operational safety of modern facilities. State-of-the-art safety technologies – including LIDAR sensors to monitor the carrier pit – create the basis for automated operating procedures even with no personnel at the station.

ROPERA® combines these technological developments into a holistic approach that meets key requirements for performance and low noise, efficiency and sustainability, occupational safety and ease of maintenance, as well as optimized life cycle costs, thus defining the next generation of ropeway systems. As a result, the new standard is also becoming increasingly important when it comes to the implementation of projects.

The new ROPERA® standard is in high demand and will shape numerous major projects in 2026. In Italy, the GD10 “Kronplatz I+II”, a new 10-seater gondola lift with two sections, is being built as a central feeder lift for the skiing area in Alto Adige. This project combines increased capacity and energy efficiency with a modern cabin design, a new midstation and an optimized route.

In Austria, the CD6C “Schartenkogel-Express” on the Glungezer is celebrating its premiere as the first ROPERA® facility in the country. The detachable 6-seater chairlift with LEITNER DirectDrive and Premium EVO chairs with seat heating replaces an existing facility and provides access to a new viewpoint, while marking the company's first collaboration with the skiing area.

In Germany, the Fellhorn and Nebelhorn skiing areas are also implementing the new standard. The CD6C “Scheidtobelbahn” and the CD6C “Koblatbahn” are two high-performance facilities with capacities of up to 2,900 passengers per hour, LEITNER DirectDrive and Premium EVO chairs with seat heating, which significantly increase the convenience and capacity of the skiing areas.

The CD6C “Patrullarve” in Zermatt is the first ROPERA® facility by LEITNER to be built in Switzerland. The 6-seater chairlift replaces an existing facility, connects central parts of the skiing area towards Blauherd and combines LEITNER DirectDrive, LeitPilot and high capacity with a panoramic route at the foot of the Matterhorn.