Skiing enjoyment without limits awaits visitors to the Kitzsteinhorn in Austria’s Kaprun region. Since the 2019/2020 winter season, a ski-in, ski-out option has been available for the glacier. The reason for this is the new ropeway connection from the center of Kaprun to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area via the family ski resort Maiskogel. A new tricable gondola lift from Doppelmayr/Garaventa is the centerpiece of this link that goes under the name of K-ONNECTION. Salzburg’s first 3S lift is 4.3 kilometers long and offers unprecedented comfort during the nine-minute trip. This is the first installation worldwide to incorporate the very latest 3S cabin – the ATRIA.

Modularity, which was a major focus during the development of this cabin, enables individual styling and flexible seating concepts. As a result, the 3K K-onnection is equipped with two very special carriers. Thanks to their styling options and generously sized panorama windows, the two Explorer cabins provide the opportunity for a unique experience of the impressive landscape in the Hohe Tauern national park. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi access throughout the trip. Top availability was an essential criterion when developing the drive concept. The drive system of the new 3S installation on the Kitzsteinhorn therefore comprises two connected Doppelmayr Sector Drives (DSD). As well as meeting this specific requirement, the system is also part of the recovery concept, which ensures that the cabins can always be returned to the station in a rescue scenario.

The 3K K-onnection sets benchmarks in comfort not only for the guests but also for the ropeway crew. The lift is equipped with the Doppelmayr Connect control system and features a completely new station concept for tricable gondola lifts, which more than satisfies modern operating requirements. The accessibility and maintenance friendliness of the 3S assemblies and components have been significantly enhanced. That simplifies maintenance work for the ropeway crew and increases the service life of the ropeway. Doppelmayr/Garaventa is setting new benchmarks for tricable gondola lifts with the 3K K-onnection.