After more than 12 million trips and 25 000 operating hours, it's time to retire the Fleidingbahn chairlift in Westendorf, at the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental. The lift, which has been in operation since 1983, will carry its last riders at the end of March 2019. The Fleidingbahn chairlift will be replaced by a modern 8-person chairlift that will whisk skiers and snowboarders comfortably to the top of the SkiWelt.
The new Fleidingbahn chairlift will have a capacity of 2730 people per hour and will take just under 5 minutes to reach the top of the Fleiding. Construction has been underway since the beginning of this year and the upgrade is expected to cost €15.5 million. The new chairlift, which will comply with the latest requirements in comfort and efficiency, is expected to be ready in time for the beginning of the 2019/20 ski season. Thanks to the slightly altered trajectory of the lift, the slope leading to the lift will also become slightly longer. The top station will be situated at an altitude of 1892m, the highest point of the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental.
At the top station of the Fleidingbahn chairlift, which is the highest point in the SkiWelt, there is a viewing platform that will provide 360º views of the Wilder Kaiser, Großglockner and Zillertal Alps. The viewing platform will be open year-round and summer guests can enjoy various activities such as themed walking routes with interactive stations to learn more about the region.
Facts & Figures: New Fleidingbahn lift |
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|---|---|
| Top station: Fleiding viewing platform | Length: 1539m |
| Top station altitude: 1892m | Altitude gain: 440m |
| Speed: 6m/s | Duration: 4:50 min |
| Chair capacity: 8 ppl | Total capacity: 2730 ppl/hr |
Nostalgic skiers and boarders who can't bear to part with the old Fleidingbahn lift have the opportunity to buy one of the chairs upon its demolition. One hundred of the old 3-person chairs will be sold at a price of €250 each. Interested parties should contact the Bergbahnen in Westendorf as soon as possible.
The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental has more than 90 lifts and 284km of pistes, with something to suit every level of skier and snowboarder. The ski area enjoys reliable snow cover thanks to its high altitude and many snow cannons. During the ski day, you can choose from 81 mountain restaurants spread throughout the ski area. Families will find no shortage of child-friendly facilities. The SkiWelt and its villages Westendorf, Ellmau, Scheffau am Wilder Kaiser and Söll make up one of Austria's most popular winter sports destinations.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
