New state-of-the-art cable car cabins have been fitted to the Dachstein lift providing access to the near year-round snow sports at the Austrian ski area close to this year's World Alpine Skiing Championships venue - Schladming.
The new lifts have been fitted at a good time because heavy June snow falls have left the snow 3 metres deep on the glacier and the ski area is currently reporting 'powder conditions in summer with the start of July only days away!
The new lift ascends 1000 vertical metres to nearly 3000m above sea level at heights of up to 210 metres above the southern face of the Dachstein.
A great deal of glass has been used in the lift's construction to provide superb views of the spectacular landscape all around. Video screens inside the cabin inform visitors about all the attractions on the Dachstein and provide entertainment during the journey.
Travelling at up to 12m per second, the 5.5 minute journey is 15% faster than with the old cabins. Each can carry up to 50 people with a capacity of 550 people per hour.
Novel features are reported to include a 'roof-top balcony' with space for ten people to provides a completely unique experience.
The new gondola lift will be officially inaugurated in July, when another dramatic new feature the Dachstein suspension bridge will also be complete and open to visitors.