Leitner: Ski resorts in the DACH region have invested in smart ropeway technology

For the 2025/26 ski season, Austrian, German, and Swiss ski resorts have made targeted investments in new ropeway systems from LEITNER. The focus is on energy-efficient drive systems, a high level of automation, and intelligent modernization solutions for existing facilities. A prime example of this is the rapidly increasing popularity of LeitPilot technology for autonomous station operation, which is now in use at Hauser Kaibling in Styria. In the Bavarian Forest, new standards for comfort and sustainability are being set with extensive modernization measures on the Almberg, including two new chairlifts. In Switzerland, the trend towards updating existing installations continues in St. Moritz. In addition, LEITNER was once again involved in the construction of a new chairlift in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise.

The new “Senderbahn” in the Austrian ski resort of Hauser Kaibling (Styria) has been operational since mid-November 2025. The new 10-seater gondola lift with LeitPilot for autonomous station operation offers a significant boost in comfort and capacity. The new system transports up to 2,800 people per hour to the Senderplateau, at a speed of 6 meters per second. Modern Diamond EVO Deep cabins offering high wind stability, and internal ski holders, make for a pleasant 5-minute journey, particularly for families. The 8-seater CD8C “Kaiblinggrat” chairlift, likewise equipped with LeitPilot, opened in the ski area last year.

In the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, a new 8-seater chairlift speeds up the connection from Riffelberg to Gifthittli. Sustainability is at the heart of the project: solar panels support energy generation, tower foundations have been reused, and the LEITNER DirectDrive significantly reduces energy consumption and noise levels. The project features the EVO Premium chair with individual footrests and a protective hood to ensure maximum comfort on the journey. In addition, the stations for the new 8-seater chairlift are built in the distinctive style of the Italian design company Pininfarina.

After almost 30 years of operation, the old 4-seater “Randolins” chairlift in St. Moritz has been comprehensively renovated. The new 6-seater chairlift provides a comfortable ascent from both the Paradiso and Trutz sides. With a capacity of up to 2,400 people per hour – compared to 1,500 previously – and an operating speed of 6 meters per second, the facility meets the highest standards in terms of capacity, efficiency, and operational safety. Despite the complete technical reconstruction, including LeitPilot at the top station, the project focused on sustainable use of resources. Thanks to the good condition of the existing structures, nine of the fifteen ropeway foundations were able to be reused, and the rest only had to be reinforced at certain points. The CD6C “Randolins” thus combines state-of-the-art ropeway technology with responsible further development of the existing system.

At the same time, the “Lej da la Pêsch” 4-seater chairlift, which is also around 30 years old, was also given an upgrade, as part of a targeted retrofitting program. In addition to Leitpilot autonomous station operation at the top station, the modernization program, completed in fall 2025, also included new chairs with upholstered seats, lockable safety bars, individual footrests, and a slightly increased operating speed, which now ensures shorter waiting times. Only minor maintenance work was carried out on the foundations along the route to bring the system up to date. The facility now successfully joins the ranks of LEITNER’s recent Swiss retrofitting projects in Corviglia and Arosa Lenzerheide.

LEITNER is also setting new standards for modernizing skiing areas in Germany. Extensive investments have been made in the Mitterdorf ski center, known as the “glacier of the Bavarian Forest”, to make the destination fit for the future. The Zweckverband Wintersportzentrum Mitterfirmiansreut-Philippsreut has invested around 23.2 million euros in making the center attractive for all year round use. At the heart of the project are two new LEITNER lifts: the 6-seater “Almbergbahn” chairlift and the 4-seater “Kleiner Almberglift” chairlift.

The new “Almbergbahn” offers an impressive combination of wind stability, a maximum operating speed of 5 m/s, and a capacity of 1,600 passengers per hour. 40 comfortable 6-seater chairs with protective hoods, comfort padding, and individual footrests ensure passengers enjoy a pleasant ride. The route was chosen so that the entire slope area can be used without structural obstacles. The new fixed-grip 4-seater “Kleiner Almberglift” chairlift also provides extra comfort for guests with a capacity of 1,400 people per hour and premium modern EVO chairs. Both facilities are designed for summer and winter operation, supporting the goal of creating year-round leisure facilities on the Almberg.