Verbier’s first D-Line has been in operation since December. The new 10-passenger gondola lift known as the Barnes Line provides passengers with a significantly shorter trip time, an over 50% increase in capacity and a high-comfort ride experience.

The Barnes Line 10-passenger gondola lift in the Verbier 4Vallées ski area replaces a 6-passenger gondola that went into service in 1984. The new installation acts as the main feeder into the Verbier ski area in the winter. During the summer months, hikers use it to access mountain trails.

Top performance
Verbier’s first D-Line can carry 3,200 passengers an hour, which is almost twice the capacity of its predecessor. The new lift replaces one of the two existing gondolas that run parallel and link Verbier with Les Ruinettes. The two adjacent gondola lifts enable a combined hourly transport capacity of 4,400 passengers initially and 4,800 at a later date.

Industrial look & barrier-free access
As the bottom station is a protected historical building due to its architectural significance, the new ropeway station was integrated into the existing structure. Both the top and bottom station feature an industrial look that meets the regulations for listed buildings. The large concrete stairways were replaced with two escalators in order to optimize passenger flows and enhance comfort. Moving the elevator has made it possible to access the bottom station directly from the road from Verbier. Passengers have barrier-free access to the loading area using the elevator or the escalators, where level walk-in ensures convenient cabin boarding. Téléverbier CEO Laurent Vaucher is delighted: “With the new gondola lift, we can provide fast, comfortable uphill transport for our winter sports guests and, at the same time, we are boosting the attractiveness of our ski resort.”

10-MGD «Barnes Line», Verbier

Inquiries:

Garaventa AG
Andreas Bonifazi
+41 79 476 51 15
media@garaventa.com