Revolutionary New Ski Lifts in Europe 2024: 8 Game-Changing Mountain Transport Systems

Europe's Ski Resort Revolution: 8 Cutting-Edge Lift Systems Reshaping Mountain Access in 2024

The 2024/25 ski season marks a revolutionary moment for European ski resorts, cutting-edge lift technology and next level comfort will transform how we access the pistes. From heated seats to record-breaking gradients, these eight new installations aren't just moving more skiers – they're redefining the entire mountain experience from start to finish.

#8 Transarc Gondola , Les Arcs:

Les Arcs' legendary Transarc gondola receives a complete modernisation, featuring 138 new 10-person cabins and a renovated base area with modern escalators. The system now covers 840 vertical meters in just 9 minutes, doubling its efficiency while maintaining energy consciousness.

#7 12er NORD Gondola, Saalbach Hinterglemm:

The iconic 12er NORD gondola at Saalbach-Hinterglemm features a new 10-person gondola with innovative valley station positioning. A ski bridge over the main road creates fluid connections between lifts, while 56 cabins transport 2,600 riders hourly over 875 vertical meters. The design will match that of the 12er Kogel lift that opened last season and is found right beside this new lift.

#6 Vallon Gondola, Val-d'Isère:

Val-d'Isère's new environmentally conscious 10-person gondola replaces multiple older lifts while reducing environmental impact. Moving 3,000 riders hourly over 467 vertical meters, it maintains the existing lift line and removes 32 old pylons, demonstrating how modern lift technology can enhance both access and conservation.

#5 Mottolino Gondola, Livigno:

Preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Livigno's €30 million investment delivers heated seats and a revolutionary triple-loading system. This 10-person gondola spans 564 vertical meters in just over 5 minutes, with capacity for 3,200 riders per hour.

The summit station of the 12er Kogel lift at Saalbach-Hinterglemm. ©AndreasPutz_71

#4 Couis-Platta de Grevon Gondola, Pila:

Italy's Aosta Valley welcomes a stunning 10-person gondola, replacing a 36-year-old double chair. This LEITNER creation combines architectural beauty with performance, covering 558 vertical meters in 4 minutes and 20 seconds while transporting 2,400 people hourly.

#3 FlemXpress, LAAX:

The World's First "Ropetaxi" in LAAX introduces a revolutionary concept. This on-demand system allows passengers to select their destination and board stationary cabins, eliminating traditional waiting times. Three new sections opening for 2024/25 will complete the Startgels-Cassons network, offering year-round accessibility with bike transport capabilities in summer.

#2 Jandri Express, Les 2 Alpes:

High-Alpine Speed Machine Les 2 Alpes' backbone is being transformed with a state-of-the-art 3S system. This two-section marvel covers 1,504 vertical meters, connecting the base to 3,200m in just 17 minutes – less than half the previous time. Each 32-person cabin cruises at 8 meters per second, moving 3,000 people hourly as part of a €135 million investment.

#1 Schilthorn 20XX, Mürren:

The World's Steepest Aerial Tramway Opening December 2024, Switzerland's Schilthorn-Piz Gloria will make history with its 160% gradient aerial tramway. This engineering marvel features an 85-person cabin that enters through the station's roof, climbing 775 vertical meters from Stechelberg Valley to Mürren in just 4 minutes. By 2026, this James Bond-famous location will complete its three-section connection to the peak, featuring a wind-stable Funifor system carrying 100 passengers at 12 meters per second.