Leitner: The new ropeway standard ROPERA starts its first winter season

The new standard for monocable ropeways will be used for the first time in the coming winter season. At Speikboden in South Tyrol's Ahrntal valley, a vision is now becoming reality: the new benchmark, ROPERA®, combines the entire know-how of LEITNER, Poma and Bartholet, offering customers the best of all three worlds. The focus is on maximum results, especially when it comes to performance, sustainability, low noise levels and ease of maintenance.

Work on the first ROPERA® system is currently in full swing at the production site in Sterzing. This is a major project that requires the cooperation of a large team, as well as the precision of high-tech machines and all the manufacturing processes. These range from robot- assisted operations in the welding area to the large finishing area, where the final assembly of the station modules takes place and the components are pre-mounted to ensure a smooth final installation process. A delegation from Speikboden AG, the customer of the first ROPERA system worldwide, also visited the LEITNER site in Sterzing a few days ago to see the production process for themselves. The management, the board of directors and the numerous employees who accompanied them were all very enthusiastic about the progress.

The common goal of the production team in Sterzing is clearly defined: the integration of individual products, components and applications to ensure optimization in all areas that are important for daily ropeway operation. The new standard will create an unprecedented level of performance, sustainability, low noise and ease of maintenance. In this way, LEITNER is meeting the requirements for future-orientated product development, which is focused more than ever on the efficient use of resources.

ROPERA® achieves the perfect symbiosis of proven components such as LEITNER DirectDrive gearless drive technology and new developments that offer customers an optimized product in terms of ease of maintenance, occupational safety, cost-effectiveness and resource conservation. In addition to the technical and visual optimization of classic components such as the rope guide, the clamp and the premium station design by Pininfarina, digitalization with LeitPilot for gondola lifts and chairlifts and an integrable resort management system also play a central role in ROPERA®. The technology is rounded off by efficient and sustainable construction, which enables a service life of over 40 years and is up to 95% recyclable. This significantly optimizes the life cycle costs of monocable ropeways.

Anticipation at Bergbahnen Speikboden is high

Another significant advantage of the system is its individual application possibilities. Thanks to its modular design, with short manufacturing and installation times, rapid project completion within a few weeks is guaranteed. Franz Wieser, President of Bergbahnen Speikboden, is also enthusiastic about this fast and flexible implementation. Installation work on the ‘Glück’ 6-seater chairlift is in full swing already. ‘The integration of the new system is running smoothly in every respect – the short installation time and the perfectly coordinated integration of the individual parts, have once again confirmed that we have made the right decision. We are now looking forward to the approaching start of operations, which will take not only our ski area, but also the skiing enjoyment of our guests to a whole new level,’ says Wieser.