TL;DR
Vail Resorts is set to modernise two key chairlifts at Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, doubling capacity and enhancing the ski area's connectivity. The ambitious project will commence after the 2024/25 season, marking a significant development for the Swiss ski destination.
Vail Resorts Invests in Major Chairlift Upgrades at Andermatt
The Swiss Federal Office of Transport has given the green light for a significant upgrade to the Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski resort. Vail Resorts, the owner of this Swiss alpine gem, is set to replace two crucial chairlifts: Val Val – Cuolm Val and Val Val – Calmut. This move aims to enhance the resort's infrastructure and improve the overall experience for skiers and riders.
The project, slated to begin immediately after the 2024/25 winter season, will see the current 4-seater chairlifts replaced with modern 6-seater versions. This upgrade is not just about adding seats; it's a complete overhaul that will double the transport capacity to 2,400 people per hour and significantly reduce travel times.
The new chairlifts, designed and built by Garaventa, will operate at a higher speed of 5 m/s. This increase in speed means the journey to Cuolm Val will take just 3.18 minutes, while the ride to Calmut will be completed in 3.40 minutes. These improvements are crucial for connecting the ski areas between the Oberalp Pass and Milez/Cuolm Val, enhancing the resort's appeal to skiers and riders of all levels.The construction schedule is tight, with work set to begin on April 6, 2025, immediately after the last day of operations for the 2024/25 season. The goal is to have the new lifts operational by early December 2025. This ambitious timeline includes dismantling the old lifts, assembling the new ones, and constructing necessary avalanche protection measures.Vail Resorts and Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG are working closely with local authorities and regional companies to ensure the project's success. Special permits have been obtained to allow for early preparatory work, including snow clearing and access road construction. The project also requires careful coordination with other initiatives in the area, such as the Solar Sedrun alpine photovoltaic system by Energia Alpina.
