Lift Systems and Infrastructure in Nassfeld
Located near the Italian border, Nassfeld is among the most famous and large ski resorts in Austria. Aside from a range of additional winter activities and attractions, it offers a variety of slopes to suit all ability levels of skiers and snowboarders. Modern and efficient lift systems connecting multiple parts of the resort allow guests to access the ski area.
Gondolas, chairlifts, and draglifts are three main types of lift systems used in Nassfeld. Terrain, ability, speed, and comfort determine the advantages and disadvantages of each type. The lift systems are managed by Nassfeld Bergbahnen AG, which also manages the infrastructure and ski area. The company is responsible for the maintenance, safety and development of elevator systems, in addition to issuing elevator licenses and permits.
Gondolas in Nassfeld
From one station to another, passengers are transported by cable to enclosed rooms called gondolas. Because they protect passengers from the weather and provide stunning views of the surroundings, they are the most practical and enjoyable means of transportation. Because they can fit wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles, they are also the most readily available type of lift. However, they are the most expensive and slowest types of elevators because they require more time and energy to operate.
| Name | Capacity | Length | Vertical drop | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millennium-Express | 15-person | 6 km | 1,309 m | 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. |
| Trogkofelbahn | 15-person | 2 km | 560 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Zweikofelbahn | 15-person | 1.3 km | 400 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Gartnerkofelbahn | 4-person | 1.7 km | 550 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Weissensee Bergbahn | 4-person | 2.2 km | 450 m | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Gondola Routes and Stations
In Nassfeld, there are five gondola lifts that allow skiers and snowboarders to move from valley to mountain, or between the many areas of the ski resort. They are:
- Millennium-Express: With a steep drop of 1,309 meters and a total length of 6 kilometers, the Millennium Express is the longest gondola in the Alps. There are three parts, with rooms for fifteen people in each. The first part runs from Tröpolach to Sonnenalpe Nassfeld; the second from Sonnenalbe to Madrichen; The third is from the Gartnerkofel summit. The daily operation of the Millennium Express train starts from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm.
- Trogkofelbahn: The 15-person Trogkofelbahn lift offers a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, connecting the Rudnigsattel and the Trogkofel summit. It is 2 km long and slopes 560 m vertically. Trogkofelbahn’s daily operations begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 4:15 p.m.
- Zweikofelbahn: Continuing the Rudnigsattel to the top of Zweikofel, this additional 15-person gondola crosses the Italian Front. It is 1.3 km long and descends vertically to an altitude of 400 metres. The Zweikofelbahn’s daily operations run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Gartnerkofelbahn: This lift rises from Sonnenalpe Nassfeld to the top of Gartnerkofel, passing through Madritschen. It is 1.7 km long, and its vertical drop is 550 metres. Daily operation of the Gartnerkofelbahn begins at 9:00 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.
- Weissensee Bergbahn: The 4-person Weissensee Bergbahn funicular lift connects the charming plateau with cross-country ski runs and the Naggler Alm winter hiking trails to the town of Techendorf on the coast of Lake Weissensee. It is 2.2 km long and slopes vertically by 450 metres. Weissensee Bergbahn operations run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Capacity and Speed
The track and model determine the capacity and speed of the gondolas in Nassfeld. The Millennium-Express gondola has maximum capacity and has 15 seats in each cabin. While the Gartnerkofelbahn and Madritschenbahn gondolas have 10 seats in each compartment, the Sonnenalpebahn gondolas have 8 seats in each compartment. Although the gondola moves at an average speed of 6 m/s, traffic and wind can affect this speed.
Scenic Views from Gondolas
One of the main attractions is the stunning views of the surrounding areas and wildlife that the gondolas at Nassfeld offer. Gondola rides give visitors the opportunity to see the surrounding towns and cities as well as enjoy the grandeur of the Alps, valleys, forests and lakes. Along with the events and activities hosted by Nassfeld, the gondolas provide a unique vantage point of the ski resort, slopes and infrastructure.
Accessibility Features
Whatever their age, skill or inclination, the Nassfeld Gondola aims to be inclusive and easily accessible to all guests. The gondola’s low floor and wide openings allow bicycles, strollers or wheelchairs to enter and exit. With their comfortable seating and large interiors, gondolas are also suitable for families, groups or dogs. Audio and visual announcements integrated into the gondola provide passengers with information about the trip, destination and safety procedures.
Chairlifts in Nassfeld
Aerial lifts are open chairlifts used to transport people from one station via cable. Since they can overcome most terrains and slopes, they are the most common and fastest type of lift available in Nassfeld. Because they expose users to the outdoors and heights, they also represent the most exciting and adventurous type of transportation. However, they are the least enjoyable and least accessible type of lift, so operation requires more coordination and experience.
| Name | Capacity | Length | Vertical drop | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rudnigsattelbahn | 6-person with bubble and seat heating | 1.3 km | 300 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Mössernbahn “Warm up” | 6-person with bubble | 1 km | 250 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Garnitzenbahn I “La Prima” | 6-person with bubble | 1.7 km | 450 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Garnitzenbahn II “La Perla” | 6-person with bubble | 1 km | 300 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Madritschenbahn | 6-person with bubble | 1.7 km | 450 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Sonnleitnbahn | 4-person with bubble | 1.9 km | 500 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Tröglbahn | 4-person with bubble | 1.8 km | 450 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| FIS-Bahn | 4-person | 330 m | 100 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Watschiger-Alm-Lift | 4-person | 660 m | 150 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
Chairlift Routes and Stations
Nine ski lifts in the Nassfeld Ski Area stretch across a range of slopes and terrain parks. They are:
- Rudnigsattelbahn: Six passengers board this express mountain train, the Rudnigsattelbahn, which features heated bubbles and seats. It connects Mössern to Rudnigsattel and thus provides access to the Zweikofelbahn and Trogkofelbahn. It is 1.3 kilometers long and descends three hundred meters vertically. Daily operations of the Rudnigsattelbahn begin at 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Mössernbahn “Warm up”: From Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, six people can take the Mössernbahn’s express “Warm up” domed lift. From there it is possible to reach the Rudnigsattelbahn and the Kanonenrohrlift. It is one kilometer long and has a steep slope of 250 metres. Daily operations of the Mössernbahn run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Garnitzenbahn I “La Prima”: Six people are transported from Sonnenalpe Nassfeld from Sonnenalpe Nassfeld to Garnitzenalm on the high-speed funicular known as Garnitzenbahn I “La Prima”. From there one can access the FIS-Bahn and the Garnitzenbahn II. With a length of 1.7 km and a steep incline of 450 metres, the daily operation of the Garnitzenbahn I starts at 9:00 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.
- Garnitzenbahn II “La Perla”: Six people ride from Garnitzenalm to Garnitzenköpfl this express bubble funicular, where you can try some of the toughest slopes in Nassfeld. It extends for one kilometer and slopes vertically three hundred metres. Daily operation of the Garnitzenbahn II runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Madritschenbahn: Six people from Madritschen take this express, domed funicular to Madritschenhöhe, from where the Millennium-Express and Gartnerkofelbahn can be reached. Its length is 1.7 km, and its vertical drop reaches 450 metres. The Madritschenbahn’s daily operation runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Sonnleitnbahn: It is designed to transport four people from Sonnleitn to Eggerboden, where they can access the Tröglbahn and the Schlanitzer-Alm-Lift, a 1.9 km long domed high-speed lift that descends vertically 500 metres. Every day at 9:00 am, the Sonnleitzbahn is open. until 4:15 p.m
- Tröglbahn: From Eggerboden to Trögl, this high-speed funicular carries four people in a cylinder where they can reach the Millennium-Express and the Tressdorfer-Alm-Lift. It is 1.8 kilometers long and descends vertically to an altitude of 450 metres. Tröglbahn’s daily operations run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- FIS-Bahn: The four-person FIS-Bahn funicular connects Garnitzenalm with FIS-Hang. Skiers can then negotiate the hill according to international ski racing guidelines. It is 330 meters long and slopes 100 meters vertically. FIS-Bahn’s daily operations run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Watschiger-Alm-Lift: The Watschiger-Alm-Lift funicular, which seats four people, connects Sonnenalpe Nassfeld with the Watschiger Alm. Guests can then reach the Snake and Snowpark Nassfeld. It is 660 meters long and slopes 150 meters vertically. Daily operations of the Watschiger-Alm-Lift run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Seating Capacity and Types
The route and model affect the seating capacity and wheelchair variants in Nassfeld. With a capacity of up to 2,400 people per hour, the four-seater elevator is the most commonly used type. Fixed or detachable handles of four-seat lifts affect the speed and comfort of the ride. While fixed-grip wheelchair lifts are slower and require more knowledge to get on and off, detachable-grip wheelchair lifts are faster and smoother. Moreover, to increase passenger comfort and safety, bubblers, seat heaters and footrests are present in the four-seater elevators.
Two other types of aerial lifts are 6-seater lifts and 8-seater lifts. Each can carry up to 3,600 and 4,800 passengers per hour. Featuring removable handles, bubblers, seat warmers, footrests and modern and stylish 6 and 8 seater chair lifts, it can also fit large parties or families and be more comfortable and spacious.
Accessibility for Skiers and Snowboarders
No matter their degree of ability or inclination, all skiers and snowboarders should find the Nassfeld lifts easy and comfortable. Clearly marked access points for chairlifts have staff and signage. Moreover, the elevators are equipped with automatic gates and detectors, allowing users of their elevator licenses or tickets to use them without any problem. Aerial lifts have moving speeds and heights to meet passenger capacity and height. Seat belts and bars installed on chair lifts also help ensure the safety of passengers during the trip.
In Nassfeld, chairlifts fit skis and snowboards, so passengers do not have to remove their equipment. On chair lifts, snowboard racks and ski racks are placed to help store passengers’ gear throughout the trip. Easy and smooth departure points on the ski lifts help guests get out and resume their skiing or snowboarding activities.
Terrain Access from Chairlifts
You will find all abilities and types of skiing and snowboarding at Nassfeld lifts to suit as they provide access to a variety of slopes and terrain. Ski lifts make up the bulk of the ski area, linking several parts of the resort. Along with some of the more creative and entertaining elements – ski film, speed check, snow park, thrilling slope, Kinderland and adventure park – the lifts provide access to some of the most beautiful, varied and challenging slopes in Nassfeld. The ski lifts also provide access to some of Nassfeld’s sunny, snow-secure slopes, as well as some stunning panoramic views of the Alps and the Adriatic Sea.
Draglifts in Nassfeld
Simple and easy to pull, drag lifts use a cable or rope to move users from one point to another. Because they require little infrastructure and maintenance, they are the most simple and affordable type of elevator. Being slow and gentle, they are also the most suitable type of lift for beginners and children. However, they are the most restrictive and awkward type of transportation because they can only cover short, flat lengths and require users to maintain a grip on the wire or rope.
| Name | Type | Length | Vertical drop | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanonenrohrlift | T-bar | 480 m | 150 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Babydoppellift I | Double pommel | 155 m | 30 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Babydoppellift II | Double pommel | 155 m | 30 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Babylift | Pommel | 240 m | 40 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Skischullift Nassfeld | Rope tow | 80 m | 10 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Eggerbodenlift | T-bar | 500 m | 100 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Schlanitzer-Alm-Lift | T-bar | 1.2 km | 250 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Schlanitzer-Baby-Lift | Pommel | 200 m | 30 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Tressdorfer-Alm-Lift | T-bar | 1.1 km | 250 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Rossalm-Lift | T-bar | 1.2 km | 300 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Kuhalmlift | T-bar | 600 m | 150 m | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
Types of Draglifts
Tow lifts come in two types in Nassfeld: button lifts and T-bar lifts. T-bar lifts T-bar lifts – that is, those that have a circular disc between the passengers’ legs connected by a rope or cable – have T-bar lifts that use a T-shaped bar attached to a cable or rope are known as T-bar lifts. Two people occupy the bar. Although their designs and purposes differ, both types of tow cranes can carry up to 1,200 people every hour.
Locations and Routes
A total of ten surface lifts at Nassfeld Ski Resort; Most of them are T-lifts and lifts, designed for beginners and training areas. They include the following:
- Kanonenrohrlift: From Mössern to Kanonenrohr, a small steep slope suitable for expert skiers, this T-bar lift carries you. It is 480 meters long and slopes vertically by 150 metres. Daily operations of the Kanonenrohrlift begin at 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Babydoppellift I: This double-loop lift, Babydoppellift I, connects Sonnenalpe Nassfeld to the Babyhang, a low slope ideal for beginners and young children. Its vertical drop is thirty metres, and its length is 155 metres. Babydoppellift’s daily operations run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Babydoppellift II: Daily operations of the double-ring crane, Babydoppellift II, begin at 9 a.m. With the same vertical fall and time as Babydoppellift I, it moves from Sonnenalpe Nassfeld to Babyhang in a parallel manner. until 4:15 p.m
- Babylift: The throat lift called Babylift connects Sonnenalpe Nassfeld with Babylift-Hang, and is an additional moderate slope suitable for beginners and young people. It is 240 meters long and slopes 40 meters vertically. Daily operations of the Babylift begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 4:15 p.m.
- Skischullift Nassfeld: The Sonnenalpe Nassfeld is connected to the Skischulgelände, a training area designated for use by ski schools only, by this rope cable. It is ten meters long, submerged vertically, and eighty meters long. Daily operation of the Skischullift Nassfeld starts from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Eggerbodenlift: This T-bar lift connects Eggerboden to the wide, moderate slope ideal for families and beginners, the Eggerboden-Hang. It is 500 meters long and descends vertically to a height of only 100 metres. Eggerbodenlift’s daily operations run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Schlanitzer-Alm-Lift: Access to the Sonnleitzbahn and the Schlanitzer-Baby-Lift allows the T-bar Schlanitzer-Alm-Lift to connect Eggerboden to the Schlanitzer Alm. It is 1.2 km long and slopes 250 m vertically. Daily operations of the Schlanitzer-Alm-Lift run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Schlanitzer-Baby-Lift: This loop lift connects the Schlanitzer Alm to the moderate incline suitable for children and beginners, the Schlanitzer Baby Lift. It is 200 meters long and slopes 30 meters vertically. Schlanitzer-Baby-Lift’s daily operations run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Tressdorfer-Alm-Lift: This T-bar lift connects the Tröglbahn Lift and the Rossalm Lift from Trögl to the Tressdorfer Alm. It is 1.1 km long and slopes 250 m vertically. The daily operation of the Tressdorfer-Alm-Lift starts at 9:00 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.
- Rossalm-Lift: This T-bar lift connects the Tressdorfer Alm and Rossalm, providing access to some of the most beautiful slopes in Nassfeld. It is 1.2 kilometers long and descends vertically at an altitude of only 300 metres. The Rossalem elevator operates from 9:00 AM until 4:15 PM.
- Kuhalmlift: This T-bar lift connects the Rossalm area to a hillside suitable for intermediate skiers, known as the Kuhalmlift-Hang. It is 600 meters long and slopes 150 meters vertically. The Kohalmlift operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Beginner-Friendly Draglifts
Due to their gentle and slow operation as well as their ability to cover small distances, Nassfeld drag lifts are particularly suitable for young people and beginners. For children and inexperienced skiers and snowboarders, tow lifts are also conveniently located for access to Kinderland and Adventure Park, which provides a fun and educational environment. Drag lifts are also supervised by staff and instructors, who guide and assist guests in proper and safe operation.
Magic carpets in Nassfeld
Nassfeld features six magic carpets and conveyor belts used to move skiers and snowboarders on flat or gently inclined surfaces. Mostly used for access to other lifts and for beginners and training areas, they are used like this:
- Bobo-Express: This magic carpet, the Bobo-Express, connects Sonnenalpe Nassfeld to Bobo-Kinderland, and is a safe and fun place for little ones to go snowboarding and skiing. It is ten meters long, submerged vertically, and eighty meters long. Bobo-Express’s daily operations begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 4:15 p.m.
- Sonnalpe-Express: Connecting Sonnalpe Nassfeld to Sonnalpe-Express-Hang by a magic carpet, the modest slope Sonnalpe-Express is suitable for families and beginners. Its vertical diameter is twenty meters and its length is one hundred metres. The Sonnalpe-Express train runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Garnitzen-Express: Connecting the Garnitzenalm to the Garnitzen-Express-Hang, a slope particularly suitable for young children and beginners, this is a beautiful rug. Its vertical diameter is twenty meters and its length is one hundred metres. Daily operation of the Garnitzen-Express begins at 9:00 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.
- Madritschen-Express: The Madritschen-Express is a great mat that connects Madritschen to the perfect slope for families and beginners. It is twenty meters vertically tall and one hundred meters long. The Madritschen-Express train runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Sonnleitn-Express: This impressive trail connects Sonnleitn to Sonnleitn-Express-Hang, a moderate slope suitable for families and beginners. It is twenty meters vertically tall and one hundred meters long. The daily operation of the Sonnleitn-Express begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 4:15 p.m.
- Trögl-Express: Specially designed for toddlers and beginners, this beautiful mat connects the Trögl to the Trögl-Express-Hang. It is twenty meters vertically tall and one hundred meters long. The daily operation of the Trögl-Express begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 4:15 p.m.
Lift Passes and Tickets
Lift passes and tokens allow access to and payment for Nassfeld’s infrastructure and lifting systems. The entity issuing it is Nassfeld Bergbahnen AG, which supervises the infrastructure and ski area. Depending on the guests’ height, season, age and inclination, many variants, prices and discounts are offered. They are also readily available in several forms: smartphone apps, online coupons, and physical cards.
Lift pass prices in Nassfeld depend on guests’ height, season, age and inclination. From December to March, high season, prices are higher; From November to December and from March to April, the peak season results in lower costs. Children between six and fifteen years old as well as adults between sixteen and eighteen years old also pay less. Seniors over 65 and families, who can take advantage of the family bonus, also pay less. Furthermore, affordable season tickets, which offer unrestricted entry for the entire season, and online reservations, which offer a 5% discount.
The table below shows Nassfeld’s lift permit prices for the main season:
| Duration | Adult | Youth | Child | Senior | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 54 € | 43 € | 27 € | 49 € | 135 € |
| 2 days | 105 € | 84 € | 53 € | 95 € | 263 € |
| 3 days | 153 € | 122 € | 77 € | 138 € | 383 € |
| 4 days | 196 € | 157 € | 98 € | 177 € | 491 € |
| 5 days | 234 € | 187 € | 117 € | 211 € | 586 € |
| 6 days | 266 € | 213 € | 133 € | 240 € | 666 € |
| 7 days | 292 € | 234 € | 146 € | 263 € | 731 € |
Lift Operating Hours
The season – which is divided into two separate phases – winter and summer – determines the operating hours of the lifts. The winter season in Nassfeld runs from November to April, and is the main season for snowboarding and skiing. The secondary season for cycling and trekking is summer in Nassfeld, from May to October.
Lift operating hours apply to all lift systems and infrastructure in Nassfeld, during the winter season from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The only lift systems and infrastructure in Nassfeld that fall within the summer lift operating hours of 9:00 am to 4:30 pm are the Millennium-Express gondola, Gartnerkofelbahn gondola and Madritschenbahn gondola.
The sudden and irregular temperature shift in the Alps not only affects the operating hours of the lift, but also the visibility, temperature, wind and snow quality affect the safety and comfort of tourists and staff; All of these factors can change depending on the weather. Weather can also cause technical problems or damage to infrastructure and lifting systems, requiring repair or maintenance.
Nassfeld Bergbahnen AG changes the elevator operating hours in line with its continuous and careful monitoring of weather conditions. Through the official website, mobile app, social media, banners and advertising, Nassfeld Bergbahnen AG provides guests with information on the weather and lift operating times. In addition, Nassfeld Bergbahnen AG advises guests to follow staff safety guidelines and suggestions and to check weather conditions and elevator operating hours before and during their trip.
Elevator operating hours depend in part on guest and staff capacity and demand. The day, week, month and year will affect the demand and capacity of lifting systems and infrastructure; Therefore, they will affect traffic and service. Events and activities hosted by Nassfeld – skating competitions, celebrations, concerts and shows – may also have an impact on demand and capacity.
By timing lift operating hours in line with the demand and capacity of tourists and employees, Nassfeld Bergbahnen AG increases the efficiency and quality of lift systems and infrastructure. To improve and enable tourists’ access and mobility in Nassfeld, Nassfeld Bergbahnen AG also offers them a range of options and solutions including ski bus, season pass, online registration and parking.
