The detachable Schwemmeregg 6-seater chairlift from the Doppelmayr D-Line series in Santa Valburga (BZ) in the Ulten Valley will replace, from December 2024, the previous fixed-rope quadruple chairlift built in 1997 (elevation gain 313 m, length 858 m, 2,200 passengers/hour at 2.4 m/sec, 15 towers), on almost the same route (with the top station relocated).
The Funitek control system on this lift confirms the familiar design adopted on numerous Doppelmayr detachable lifts, including those from the D-Line series and even those with a DSD drive (Falzeben gondola lift at Merano 2000). The operating company Ultner ski- und Sesselift GmbH, together with Doppelmayr and Funitek, had worked with complete satisfaction on the construction of the Muteg 4-seater detachable chairlift (2,108 – 2,625 m) in 2007 and the Kuppelwies (1,145 m) – Schwemm alm (2,169 m) 8-seater gondola lift in 2008.
Given the positive experience with Funitek in its construction and subsequent management, the partnership was renewed, welcoming Funitek’s new proposal with interest. The mid-mountain lift, located in the best position for skiability, plays a key role in connecting the gondola lift from Kuppelwies to Schwemmalm and the ski area in the side valley served by the Breiteben two-seater chairlift (1,505–1,905 m).
The valley station (1,864 m) is a tensioning and storage facility. Its positioning is the same as the previous lift, and the skier entrance is aligned with the lift’s axis.
Next to the cable car station, with a Doppelmayr R1 roof, are the command and control cabin with related equipment and a restroom for the operator. On the opposite side of the cable car station is the storage facility for all the lift’s chairs.
The line develops with a fairly regular trend in a partially wooded environment.
The top station (2,199 m), the drive station, is equipped with the necessary technical rooms for the winch, including the electrical transformer cabin, the command and control room, and the command and control station, complete with a restroom for the station attendant. All of this is located in a semi-underground structure on the slope behind and slightly to the side of the station turnstile. Skiers exit longitudinally. Due to the characteristics of the lift, Doppelmayr chose the DSD hybrid drive system from among the three drive types. The recovery motor has a power output of 124 kW. Designed for 2,600 passengers per hour, for the first season it will operate at 2,200 passengers per hour with 45 chairs at a speed of 5.0 m/sec.
The supports are: 7 supported, 2 restrained, and 1 double-acting. The automated chair storage system features a comb-shaped design with three inclined parking beams for gravity-assisted movement, supported by motorized pneumatic units during the pushing phase.
The six-seater chair is equipped with a fairing and individual footrests; the seats are not heated.
TECHNICAL DATA
Height difference: 335 m
Length: 1,028 m
Max. speed: 5.0 m/s
Capacity: 2,600 p/h
Six-seater chairs: 55
Supports: 10
Rope diameter: 47 mm
Main motor: 649 kW
