A lot has happened since our first construction site diary. Back then, the initial work was still bathed in late summer light and the vibrant colours of autumn. Now, a few weeks later, the project has taken on a completely new atmosphere: cool air, clear mountain views and a hint of winter, ushering in a new chapter for the construction site.
Our videos – one still autumnal, one already shot in winter – impressively show how quickly and precisely the project has progressed. And how close the two new chairlifts on the Aussichtsberg are already to their final appearance.
The first major steps: supports, stations and masterpieces on the cableIn autumn, the focus was still on work on the supports: precise manoeuvres, assisted by helicopter and accompanied by impressive teamwork. The supports are now firmly anchored to the mountain, giving the new cable car the striking profile that will later accompany your journey.
At the same time, the two mountain stations have taken shape. What were initially just foundations and steel scaffolding have gradually become recognisable buildings: the stations, the technical rooms, the lift buildings for our employees. The interplay of wood and modern architecture already shows where the journey is headed – functional, clear and in conscious dialogue with the mountain world.
A particularly complex step has also already been completed: the splicing of the cables. This involves intertwining the ends of the carrying cable. It is a complex, millimetre-precise process that ensures that each chair will later float smoothly, powerfully and reliably over the mountain landscape.
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Once the cables were complete, one of the most emotional milestones followed: the first new chairs were installed. From then on, it was no longer just possible to imagine what the lift would look like, you could feel it.
And some of our apprentices even got to try it out. The very first test sit was a special moment for the team and a taste of what you can expect from next season onwards.
(c) DAG, Matthias Hirscher
With the first snowfall, the construction site has changed its appearance once again. The shapes of the stations stand out more clearly in the winter light. Paths that previously appeared rough and earthy now lie in a calm, bright contrast.
Where construction machinery dominated in autumn, we now see a picture that shows how close we already are to the finished project.
The winter video on the blog immerses you in this atmosphere. You can see the new supports against a white background, the stations with their clear lines, and the interplay of nature and construction progress that only this season can produce.
Shared valley station: contours becoming clearerIt's not just on the mountain that things are happening. The shared valley station – a central hub for both new lifts – is also taking shape. What was just a jumble of steel girders and formwork a few weeks ago is now starting to look like a real structure. Step by step, the station is growing taller, and the further construction progresses, the clearer the future ski operations will become.
(c) DAG, Matthias Hirscher
The last few weeks have impressively demonstrated how many hands and how much knowledge are behind a project of this magnitude. From the precise cable pull to the helicopter deployment to the woodwork at the mountain stations – each section is a chapter in itself, ultimately leading to a common goal.
Winter has already given us a taste of what the two new lifts will be like. And now we are taking a big step towards the finale.
We will continue to take you with us, whether you are there live or online, when our new lifts go into operation. Let's enjoy this milestone in the history of Dachstein West together! See you there!