The Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal Bergbahnen have commissioned enrope to make the Höllwies Lift fit for the future. The T-bar lift originally went into operation in 1962. It provided access to the eastern slope of the Söllereck and, at 1,972 meters, was considered the longest T-bar lift in Germany. It was particularly popular among locals due to its easy accessibility, but ski clubs and vacationers also appreciated it.

After a previous plan to replace the T-bar lift with a 6-seater chairlift and construct a snowmaking system could not be implemented due to objections from individual landowners, the Höllwies Lift was decommissioned in 2020. A refit is now set to change that, allowing the beloved T-bar lift to make a comeback in a shortened form. If all necessary permits are obtained, construction is scheduled to begin in June, with the lift expected to be ready for the 2025/26 winter season.

The base and top stations of the former T-bar lift, as well as supports 1 to 10, will be dismantled. The new LUIS base station will be built approximately 200 meters higher in elevation, making it significantly more snow-reliable. It will also be accessible via the modern 10-passenger gondola “Söllereck.” The newly developed WILLI drive station will serve as the top station. Supports 11 to 19, the cable, and the T-bar carriers will be reused. Henrik Volpert, Chairman/CEO of OK-Bergbahnen, stated: “Together with enrope, we are realizing an ecologically and economically sustainable and well-thought-out project, allowing us to reopen two beautiful, legendary slopes. A large portion of the existing lift technology will be reused in the process.”

Technical Data (old/new)

Lift length (diagonal): 1,896 / 895 m

Lift height difference: 488 / 253 m

Travel speed: 3.5 / 2.5 m/s

Capacity: 950 / 850 P/h

Cable diameter: 29 mm

Motor power: 228 / 90 kW