Ischgl, in the Austrian Tirol, has announced the details of its new €18.5 million (approx. £15.6m) cable car which is nearing completion ready for the upcoming ski season.
The new lift will open up an area of freeride skiing on slopes which can accumulate deep snow slopes and were previously virtually untouched, accessed from the Piz Val Gronda peak at 2812m. In the past these powderfields were accessed only by the most dedicated skiers and boarders who were towed up by snowcat.
A pisted red run from the top station will allow skiers and boarders who prefer to stay on the slopes to also enjoy the stunning views of the Fimbatal valley and peaks including the Fluchthorn, Wildspitze and Hohe Riffler.
The Piz Val Gronda (PVG) lift is 2,400m (1.5 miles) long – approx. and will whisk passengers up to the peak in about 5.5 minutes from its base at Vesiltal.
“This new area will enhance Ischgl’s status on the freeriding scene and present skiers and snowboarders with an exciting new challenge,” said Andreas Steibl, Paznaun-Ischgl Tourist Director, “The new lift is the first expansion to the ski resort of Ischgl since 1989 and has been in the planning for 28 years.”
Regular consultations were held with the state of Tirol, environmental and nature protection agencies and the Republic of Austria’s Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology.
Ischgl’s season will run from 28 November 2013 to 4 May 2014.
