Ski & Snow
First Ride On The Brand-New Giggijoch Mountain Gondola
No more waiting! After only seven months of construction the new Giggijoch mountain gondola has gone into operation on the third weekend in November. Skiing enthusiasts and snowboard aficionados reach the giant Sölden ski area in a record time. We have already tried and tested the new gondola and are eager to share our experience with you.
The new base station in all its glory © Benedikt Steiner / Ötztal Tourismus
920 altitude meters in just under 9 minutes
Record-beating would be the right word to describe the hourly capacity and the high level of modern comfort of the ultimate Giggijoch mountain gondola. This superb mono-rope gondola with 10-person cabins has reached a new dimension by transporting 4500 persons in only one hour.
Another breathtaking feature is the gondola’s eye-catching architecture of the new base station and the top terminal. The slim, tower-shaped building of the base station rises up to the sky. But the access area, towering some 13 meters above the ground, is easy to reach thanks to top modern elevators.
The fact that the new mountain gondola was erected in only 7 months is even more stunning. Helmut Kuprian, the technical coordinator of Bergbahnen Sölden and project manager of the new Giggijoch gondola, explains that the construction works started exactly on 18 April 2016. The following video gives a fabulous insight into the construction progress over the past month.
The two most powerful feeder mountain lifts which are currently available world-wide can be found in our superb ski area
Jakob Falkner
And off we go – in the most comfortably way, of course!
A marvelous elevator takes us up to the access area hidden behind a huge perforated foil displaying the scenic mountain panorama of the Ötztal Alps – the lighting effects from inside and outside create a very special atmosphere.
The tightly arranged gondola cabins attract the skiers’ attention instantly: this new concept is called level walk-in guaranteeing a comfy, stress-free and barrier-free access to the mountain lift. Without hesitating, I take the first available cabin!
Gondola cabins in rank and file © Benedikt Steiner / Ötztal Tourismus
First I notice how smoothly the cabins leave the base station. And I can also stretch my legs as there are 20 centimeters more space – compared to other 10-person cabins of its kind. Huge windows promise uninterrupted panoramic views of the winter wonderland.
On our way up to the top I can make out a very special gondola cabin some 150 meters behind me. Among the 134 cabins there is only one 10-person cabin in Ferrari-red, all the others are black. With a twinkle in his eyes, architect Johann Obermoser has set his personal, eye-catching feature. Besides the Gaislachkogl mountain gondola and the ice Q gourmet restaurant, it is already his third successful project built in Sölden.
Time-Lapse Of The First Gondola Ride
Arriving At The Top Station
Once reached the top terminal, you can indulge in the whole new dimension of this outstanding lift station: a foil-coated steel construction comprises not only the gondola terminal but also a superb sports shop and a comfy ski storage area. Of course, I don’t spend much time indoors as I can’t wait to hit the dreamlike slopes. All ski runs are in perfect conditions – simply take a look at the images.
It won’t be long until I return to Sölden to enjoy another ride on the new Giggijoch mountain gondola. In any case, I want to try the only Ferrari-red cabin: unfortunately I don’t drive a real Ferrari, so I want to ride at least on a Ferrari gondola!
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