Farewell to the Sonneckbahn railway
Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, marked not only the end of the winter season, but also the last day of operation for two cable cars that had shaped the skiing experience in the Schladming-Dachstein region for over 25 years:
The Senderbahn on the Hauser Kaibling and the Sonneckbahn on the Planai retired after millions of trips.
Their commissioning in 1998 marked a milestone: these two 4-seater chairlifts completed the 4-mountain ski area – the continuous connection between Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm. A quantum leap for the ski area at the time – and a foundation for today's winter tourism in the region.
Figures that make history
- 11 million guests were safely transported by the Senderbahn cable car.
- The Sonneckbahn cable car completed over 9 million journeys.
- A total of over 55,000 operating hours in service of the 4-mountain ski area.
- Now these two cable car pioneers are making way for the next generation of comfort and performance.
Planai
- New 10-person gondola lift ‘Senderbahn’ (Hauser Kaibling)
- Transport capacity: 2,800 people/hour
- Travel time: less than 5 minutes
- Manufacturer: Leitner
- Even faster connection between Planai & Hauser Kaibling
Hochwurzen
- New 8-seater chairlift ‘Mitterhausalm I’ (Planai)
- Transport capacity: 3,000 people/hour
- Travel time: approx. 3 minutes
- Manufacturer: Doppelmayr
- Seat heating, weather protection hoods & maximum comfort
Commissioning winter season 2025/26
Both facilities are scheduled to begin operation in time for the 2025/26 winter season, taking the connection between Hauser Kaibling and Planai to a whole new level. Over the coming weeks, we will be providing regular updates on the progress of the construction work, special behind-the-scenes insights and milestones on the way to the new connection.
