When the ski lifts take a break, that’s when things really get going for our team. Perhaps the busiest time of the year started just a day after the skiing area closed, and has yet to show any signs of letting up: it’s maintenance season. From now until the end of November, we’ll be doing all kinds of maintenance work to keep the Bad Kleinkirchheimer Bergbahnen infrastructure in perfect shape. More than 20 cable cars and ski lifts need to undergo a strict inspection process during this time. After all, running cable cars is a huge responsibility and demands some of the highest safety standards. So: helmets on, safety harnesses ready – and let’s get to work!
Time to say goodbye to the snow!
Our snow groomers aren't heading for the shed – they are being put to work again. This time, though, instead of grooming the slopes, they are being used to break up the remaining snow in certain areas, which is then spread out over a wide area to help it melt faster. While that might sound unusual for a skiing area, there’s a good reason for it: it allows the meltwater to seep back into the ground more quickly and in a controlled manner, meaning the land can be used for farming and alpine pastures sooner.
Next step: fencing.
As soon as the ground is clear of snow, our team gets to work fencing off the alpine pastures. The pastures are prepared so that the animals can be brought out again in good time. This is an important part of our collaboration with local farmers and a visible sign that the mountains are coming back to life. Find out more here.
In-depth cable car inspection.
Cable cars are the world’s safest mode of transport – and that’s not by chance. They’re subject to strict legal standards and require a huge amount of maintenance. Our two cable cars Kaiserburgbahn and Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach, are the first to undergo a thorough inspection. After all, both of these cable cars operate in both summer and winter and have to be ready to go in good time. All the other lifts only operate in the winter months, which means we can focus on checking them over in the summer. Strict checks are carried out on:
- Cables, clamps & hangers: The cable, which is up to 54 mm thick, is regularly ‘X-rayed’ using magnetic-inductive testing methods to detect even the slightest damage at an early stage. Clamps are also inspected at regular intervals; the haners are maintained as part of these checks.
- Sheave assemblies & bolts: Each individual sheave assembly and its associated bolts undergo overhaul at multi-year intervals. For this purpose, our team accesses the tower using a service carrier. On site, the sheave assemblies and their components are cleaned, lubricated and carefully inspected. If necessary, individual components or bolts are replaced. A head for heights is essential, as this work requires precision at significant elevation. For towers that are difficult to access, cranes or even helicopters may be used.
- Braking system & drive: Brake tests, adjustments and oil level checks are carried out, and insulation resistance measurements are performed on the drive motor.
- Towers & structures: Towers, weld seams and foundations are inspected to ensure the structural integrity of the entire installation.
- Cabins & chairs: The ropeway vehicles are thoroughly cleaned inside and out.
In addition to daily, weekly and monthly checks, all of our facilities are inspected every five years by external specialists (TÜV) – similar to a car’s MOT, only far more extensive.
Maintenance at the Kaiserburg Bob alpine rollercoaster.
It’s not just the cable cars that need to be checked: the Kaiserburg Bob also undergoes comprehensive maintenance work. We individually check 36 sledges, inspect around 1,500 metres of track and cable, and test safety systems and brakes. No detail is left unchecked. When you hurtle down to the valley in the bobsleigh, beaming with joy, you can be sure that everything has been put through its paces.
Ready for any emergency.
Of course, safety isn’t just about the technology. Even in the summer, our team regularly drills for emergencies: abseiling from cable cars and chairlifts in realistic conditions. Every move has to be perfect, because in an emergency, every second counts. Find out more about emergency training in this blog post.
An overview of further summer work .
In addition to the major maintenance projects, there are countless other small tasks that make a big difference:
- The vehicle fleet and snowmaking systems undergo comprehensive maintenance – including 10 snow groomers, 10 snowmobiles and 5 quads, as well as 50 low-pressure propeller snow guns and 750 snow lances, representing a significant operational effort.
- Trees and shrubs along the cable car corridors need to be trimmed back.
- The 15 km Flow Country Trail needs to be prepared for the upcoming cycling season – find out exactly what that entails here.
- The Pump Track within the bike parcours needs to be set up.
- The Active Park & Mountain Yoga Trail need to be kept in good shape.
- For fire safety: fire extinguishers and fire alarms need to be checked.
- Some signage needs to be replaced.
- Painting and minor repairs need to be carried out at the valley and mountain stations.
What matters most.
As you can see: even when the ski lifts aren’t in operation anymore, we’re still working flat out. Everywhere, things are being checked, repaired and updated. And that’s a good thing! After all, comprehensive maintenance work on our lifts and infrastructure is crucial to ensuring we have a smooth season – and ultimately that you feel safe and comfortable with us at all times.
