The Austrian resort of Ischgl, which already runs one of the world's most state-of-the-art networks of high capacity, high speed gondola and chairlifts will add a new eight-person chairlift this winter, but it's a lift support tower rather than the €14m lift itself that's grabbing the attention!
That's because pylon Number 3 of the new Flimjochbahn, which replaces a quad chair, will also be Pylon Number 9 of the existing Hollboden eight-seater chair, the two lifts crossing over each other before continuing on their separate ways.
And with the new Flimjochbahn able to carry 3,200 skiers and boarders per hour from the main lift hub at Idalp to Flimjoch at 2,752m and the Hollboden eight-seater chair able to carry 3,700 people, it means the lift tower 3/9 will be holding 6,900 people per hour at capacity, a world record.
Another feature being touted as a world first is an ingenious exit system at the new lift's top station means the operation of the new lift will not be so affected by high winds. In high wind conditions a downwind exit will come into use, and the whole unloading area will have a surrounding windshield.
This being the Ischgl area, the resort has more news for 16-17 too. It's also unveiling a €2m 2km long zip wire and just up the valley at the family resort of Galtür, a new €8m 10-seat gondola will replace the existing Breitspitzbahn chairlift, serving the beautiful runs above the scenic Kopsee reservoir. A new 3km piste has also been created sweeping down to the bottom station by the lake.
www.paznaun-ischgl.com