The new Kreuzwankl eight-seater chairlift on the Hausberg mountain in Garmisch-Partenkirchen will begin operation after a long wait. As reported by Merkur journalist Christian Fellner, the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn (BZB) railway invested €18 million in the state-of-the-art facility.
Three Years of Planning and Approval for the Lift – A Zugspitzbahn Board Member Called It “Torture”
The €18 million facility will open on December 11 at the family ski resort on Hausberg mountain. Modern technology, including AI support and an automatic children’s platform, will ensure greater safety and comfort.
“I think this project took the most nerves from the company over the past four years,” emphasized Anton Huber, a board member of Bayerische Zugspitzbahn AG, speaking before the municipal council. Specifically, he referred to the three-year approval and planning phase as “torture.” But now, anticipation prevails: “We made it.”
The technical acceptance has already been completed, and the operating permit from the Government of Upper Bavaria is pending. “The timelines and finances are completely on track,” Huber proudly noted. The only factor of uncertainty remains the weather: snowmaking has been underway since November 15. “A disruption is really only possible if we get a proper heatwave,” the BZB head stated confidently.
The Zugspitzbahn will celebrate the opening with a grand event. Not only VIPs and politicians are invited for Thursday, December 11, but also the most loyal guests: 2,500 season pass holders from the region received invitations. About 300 spots are available for guests on the opening day, which will also provide an opportunity for those interested in technology to view the new facility. The cost of attendance, including food and drinks, is ten euros.
Regular Season Start Scheduled for December 13
A children’s ski day is planned for Friday, December 12. From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, local schoolchildren will be able to exclusively test the new chairlift for a symbolic fee of €6.50, which includes food. “It is truly only a symbolic fee to give it some value,” Huber explained. The regular start of the season in the Classic area is scheduled for December 13.
The Kreuzwankl lift is located at an altitude between 1,300 and 1,500 meters—a factor that may be critical for many in the future. However, Huber expressed confidence: “We believe that even in 20 years, we will still be able to teach children to ski there, as many generations have done.” He considers the facility snow-secure “for its entire planned lifespan.”
Source: Merkur
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