February 11, opens the new cable car Diavolezza

Dieter Bogner, Head of Marketing at Bergbahnen Engadin St. Moritz explains: “We intend to establish ourselves as one of the best ski regions in the world, and have therefore opted for the best technology currently available on the market.”

Garaventa, market leader in the field of Swiss cableway construction, has been engaged as general contractor for the project. The new drive mechanism and motor will be supplied by ABB (Oerlikon), while the braking and control systems come from Frey AG (Stans). While all of these new developments will hardly be perceived by passengers, as they are hidden away inside the building of the Diavolezza bottom station, the cabins promise to be a real eye-catcher. Already at first glance, the new cabin of the Diavolezza aerial cable car stands out as a result of its futuristic appearance. Overall it is slightly smaller, but heavier, than the old model. Thanks to the windows that extend right down to the cabin floor, passengers do not feel quite so cramped and can also enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine scenery. A revolutionary new loading concept, with three electric sliding doors, makes it easier and more efficient for the max. 107 passengers to board and alight from the cabin.

All the modernisation measures will be end on 10th February 2012, for the opening of 11th February.  Markus Meili, CEO of Bergbahnen Engadin St. Moritz, gives the reasons for this choice of dates as follows: “On the Diavolezza, the spring is the optimal time for skiing in the firn snow, and the area is also ideal for high-altitude tours. In the summer, we can offer some of the best climbing and hiking in all of the Engadin. And if we were to start this renovation work in the autumn, we would not be able to kick off the ski season already in October. Consequently, we have opted for the “least of the evils” and shall be commencing the building work while the other rail- and cableways are in operation. This means that our winter-sport enthusiasts will still have at their disposal a wide selection of railways, cableways, lifts and ski pistes throughout the valley.”