Doppelmayr 3S Gondola Opens In The Dolomites, Campitello Di Fassa Connects With Col Rodella

On Friday, December 19th, starting at 8.30 a.m., Campitello di Fassa will officially open the new connection with Col Rodella. The new 3S gondola, currently the most modern ropeway in Italy, will come into operation, radically changing the way people reach one of the most famous panoramic spots in the Dolomites.

30-TGD Campitello–Col Rodella

• Operator: SITC Canazei SpA
• Location: Canazei, TN (ITA)
• Drive station and garage: Top station
• Tensioning station: Valley station
• Inclined length: 2,571 m
• Height difference: 980 m
• Average gradient: 41.50 %
• Maximum gradient: 71.30%
• Capacity of each vehicle: 30 persons
• Maximum hourly capacity: 2,812 p/h
• Maximum speed: 8.0 m/s
• Number of vehicles: 18/22
• Installed power: 1,115 kW
• Diameter of the suspension cables: 62 mm
• Diameter of haul rope: 52 mm

Col Rodella has always been a key hub for high-altitude mobility, both in winter, thanks to its connection to the ski area and the Sellaronda carousel, and in summer, as a point of access to trails, panoramic views and outdoor activities. The new installation has been built in response to the need to ensure a smoother, more reliable and higher-capacity service, eliminating queues and improving the visitor experience.

The new 3S gondola can transport 2,200 people per hour, with a continuous system that distributes the flow of passengers evenly. This is a real advantage, resulting in less waiting time and more time available for skiing, hiking or simply enjoying the view.

The new three-cable gondola lift has 18 cabins, soon to be 22, each with 30 seats. The cabins travel suspended on two fixed carrying cables, like on two tracks, and are moved by a haul rope that allows high speeds while maintaining excellent stability even in windy conditions. At the stations, the vehicles slow down automatically, allowing easy boarding and alighting for everyone, including families. The interior is designed to offer a high level of comfort: heated seats, careful lighting, information monitors and direct communication with station staff.

The ascent to Col Rodella becomes an experience in itself. The spacious panoramic cabins with real glass offer spectacular considering of the Dolomites, transforming the journey into a trip suspended between the mountains, comfortably seated.

In winter, the comfort of heating makes even the coldest days pleasant; in summer, the open view of the landscape accompanies hikers, families and mountain lovers to one of the most evocative natural balconies in the valley.

The new 3S gondola also becomes a fundamental infrastructure for active tourism in summer. Some cabins are equipped for the transport of hang gliders, while the interior layout can be flexibly adapted for bicycles, paragliders and sports equipment, expanding the possibilities for enjoying Col Rodella even in the summer months.

The stations have been completely designed to improve functionality and reduce the impact on the landscape compared to the old installation. The upper station has been moved back from its previous location, facilitating direct access to the slopes. Most of the technical structures are underground, while a new glass section faces towards Canazei. The lower station, built behind the existing car park, houses the ticket office, ski school, storage and rental facilities, offering visitors a single, well-organised point of reference.

The project also paid particular attention to environmental sustainability. The heat produced by the motors is recovered to heat the stations, the stations are quiet and vibrations along the line are minimised. Daily management is supported by automatic systems for cleaning the cabins and maintaining the supports, ensuring efficiency and continuity of service.

For SITC Canazei Spa, the opening of the new ropeway system is a source of great pride and a strategic investment for the future of the area. As was the case in 1985 with the historic cable car, the aim today is to offer visitors infrastructure that is worthy of the Dolomite setting, combining innovation, comfort and respect for the environment: Col Rodella is opening a new era, in which the journey to the summit on such a unique and innovative installation becomes an integral part of the tourist experience in Val di Fassa.