The history of the cable cars of Galtür

Expansion and modernisation

The 1960s were characterised by some important developments. 1960 saw the foundation of Alpkogel-Schilift GmbH, the second lift company of Galtür. In the same year, Austria’s longest drag lift, the Alpkogelschlepplift was built. During the 1970s, several drag lifts were built, including the Ballunspitze I, Soppa, Klein-Zeinis and Kops drag lifts. One decade later, the construction of Breitspitze double chair lift and Rückbringer drag lift expanded the range of slopes by one third. From 1990 onwards, it was all about modernisation: A sewage drain and panoramic camera were built for Birkhahnbahn chairlift. In addition, a snow-making system covering a total surface of 20 hectares was built at Ballun-Boden between 1993 and 1996. In 1998, a new 6-seater chairlift was built, and floodlighting was installed at Birkhahnbahn for increased safety after dark.

… newer, bigger, better

During the 2000s, Galtür saw a series of innovative highlights and expansions. At the beginning of the new century, Galtür’s indoor swimming pool was completely renovated, with a new slide, children’s area, adventure pool and event space completing their offers. In 2004, the Alpkogelbahn 8-seater monocable ropeway was opened. Only two years later, there was another reason to celebrate, with the inauguration of Silvapark via ferrata taking place at Ballunspitze on 15 July 2007. In 2009, Galtür for the first time hosted the Telemarkcross World Championships.

More than just winter sports

In addition to numerous tourism and sports highlights, Galtür also made a name for itself for two great art projects during the 2000s: the two snow sculptures “Emil, the snowman” (2009) and “Mammut” (2010). Both were sculpted from several tons of snow by talented artists, adorning the Alpine landscape. 

Current developments

In 2012, the World Freeheel Masters Cup, organised by SC Silvretta Galtür, took place at Silvapark Galtür. Other highlights that year included the Ö3-Pistenbully at Silvapark and the opening of the Kid's Blocks Boulder Park in spring. Two years later, in 2014, the family offers were complemented by a new family via ferrata near Birkhahnbahn chairlift. In 2015, the fascinating YIPPY YEAH track with lots of creative obstacles was built at Action Park. In 2016, Bergbahnen Silvretta Galtür opened the impressive Breitspitzbahn cable car financed with eight million Euros. As a special feature, the cable car has four themed gondolas revolving around the history and legends of Galtür. In 2017, the slopes at Breitspitzbahn were optimised.