Ski-lift manufacturer Doppelmayr and lift-ticket experts Skidata have been working together on making the lift-boarding process easier, and have come up with a new way to make boarding gondolas a lot less stressful than the usual scrum to grab a place.
The new “Easy Boarding Gate” allows just the right number of people to fit in the next gondola cabin through the ticket turnstiles to lift-side, similar to the system used for boarding cable cars. However, clear electronic information screens explain the boarding process and count down the number of spaces left in the cabin before groups pass through the ticket barrier lighting, so that groups and families can see whether they will fit in the cabin or whether they should wait for the next one. Once through, a traffic light system with red, amber and green lights gives a clear signal to those preparing to board.
Associated benefits of the new system include better use of cabin space, fewer emergency stops to the lift, and staff having more time to help people needing help such as children and seniors.
The system was tested on the Stubnerkogelbahn lift in Bad Gastein, Austria, last winter and proved a huge success, the companies say.
“Our ski guests took to the new system right from the word go and enjoy a significantly easier and more comfortable boarding experience. We’re very pleased with the new access solution. The regulated access flows mean we make optimal use of gondola lift capacity,” said Franz Schafflinger, CEO of Gasteiner Bergbahnen AG.