Groundbreaking ceremony for two new cable cars
On 10 June 2025, the ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony took place for two major infrastructure projects on the 4-mountain ski area in Schladming. In the presence of Governor Mario Kunasek, representatives of the municipalities of Haus im Ennstal and Schladming, and the managing directors of Hauser Kaibling Seilbahnen and Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen, the symbolic starting signal was given for the construction of two new cable cars. Two new cable cars for greater comfort and shorter travel times.
Connection between the two ski mountains
With the construction of the new 10-seater gondola lift ‘Senderbahn Hauser Kaibling’ and the 8-seater chairlift ‘Mitterhausalm I’ on the Planai, the connection between the two ski mountains will be even more comfortable, faster and more efficient from the 2025/26 winter season onwards. The new lifts will replace two facilities from 1998 that have provided valuable service for over two decades. The new cable car facilities are a targeted measure to further develop the 4-mountain ski area and are intended to accommodate the increased number of guests. In recent years, the connection between the ski mountains in particular had increasingly reached its capacity limits. The new construction will now create the conditions for a modern, comfortable and high-performance skiing experience.
The new facilities in detail
10-seater gondola lift ‘Senderbahn Hauser Kaibling’
The existing 4-seater chairlift is being replaced by a high-performance 10-seater gondola lift from Leitner. The new lift has a capacity of up to 2,800 people per hour and transports winter sports enthusiasts to the Senderplateau – a central starting point for the summit – at a speed of 6 m/s in less than five minutes.
Highlights:
Enclosed cabins with wind protection and ski racks inside
Particularly suitable for families and children
Low wind susceptibility thanks to aerodynamic design
8-seater chairlift ‘Mitterhausalm I’ on the Planai
The trusty 4-seater chairlift ‘Sonneck’ is being replaced by a modern 8-seater chairlift from the manufacturer Doppelmayr. The new lift reduces the journey time to around three minutes and will be able to transport 3,000 people per hour in future.
Highlights:
Comfortable seats with upholstery, seat heating and weather protection hoods
Conveyor belt in the entrance area for easier access
Fixed footrests for additional safety – ideal for children
A strong symbol for the region
The construction of the two new lifts represents an important step towards the future – both in terms of guest comfort and the sustainable development of tourism in the Schladming-Dachstein region.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Mario Kunasek emphasised that the investment was a clear signal of quality, innovation and the strength of regional cable car companies. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, especially the landowners, without whose support the project would not have been possible.
