Canton Of Bern: Procedure For Replacing The Firstbahn Is Prioritized

Firstbahn AG operates the First cablecar from Grindelwald to First – Top of Adventure. Many attractions await guests on the experience mountain: mountain vista from the vantage platform «First View», spectacular tour of the First Cliff Walk by Tissot, a fast-paced ride with the First Flyer (Tyrolienne) or the First Glider, an adventurous ride in the Mountain Cart and a downhill ride with the Trottibike. With its five winter sports facilities, half-pipe and the Snowpark, the sunniest ski area of the Jungfrau Ski Region is popular in winter with locals, freestylers and holidaymakers from all over the world. At the mountain station guests will find the restaurant with catering offerings, shop and a tourist accommodation.

The Firstbahn concession expires in 2034, and the Grindelwald-First gondola lift must be completely replaced. A new route is planned from Grindelwald station via the Bort mid-station directly to the new First mountain station. The connection to Schreckfeld will be provided by a separate gondola lift. Furthermore, the construction of the new Isch-Schonegg chairlift is planned. This project is important for tourism in the Grindelwald-Lauterbrunnen region. At the same time, it will contribute to the preservation of numerous jobs. For these reasons, the cantonal government has decided to designate the project as a priority for the relevant land use plan amendment. This will accelerate the review of the project.

A 'Triline' tricable system from Doppelmayr/Garaventa has been chosen. The system convinces with an impressively high level of transport comfort, smooth running, energy efficiency, high wind stability and load-bearing capacity, as well as long spans for the cable bays. Thanks to the high cable guide, the best possible distance from affected residential buildings can be achieved and no forest path is necessary. Around 70 cabins offer twelve seats and standing room for an additional five people at peak times. In the future, queues at stations will belong to the past. The total costs are currently expected to exceed CHF 100 million, including a new mountain lodge on First and an expansion of the current snowmaking system