In the summer / autumn of 2020, a rebuild and main overhaul of the chairlift was planned.

The plan was originally to move today’s descent down approx. 550 meters (to between masts 12 and 13 for those who are well known in the area). The purpose of this work was to get more operation on the lift, and more frequent use of the trail network in the height.

Without any natural protection from wind, the current descent area has been extremely exposed to wind (which constantly cleans the area of ​​snow), as well as icing of masts and associated equipment. At the same time as the work on the chairlift was in progress, a new ski lift was to be set up with approx. 600 meters length. This would have an ascent below the new intended descent on the Stolheisen, and an ascent on the surface before the upper plateau on the Stolheisen. (30-40 altitude meters below today’s peak / descent).

The main overhaul of the lift should have started in 2019, but this was postponed due to the planned rebuilding of the elevator. The main revision involves in practice dismantling and control of all equipment in the mast, drive and turning station. Access to large parts of the lift is difficult, and the work must largely be carried out by helicopter. The entire project with rebuilding, revision and new ski lift has a cost framework of around 17 million.

A bad start to the 2019/20 season, and subsequent challenges with Covid-19, put an end to this project. Most of the work was to be carried out by personnel from the elevator supplier in France (Poma), and this had not been possible with the current situation.

The supervisory authorities have decided that no exemptions will be granted in connection with Covid-19, and the chairlift will therefore not be in operation in the 2020/21 season.

What happens next?

Before we start a new season, we will have ordered a new ski cover for construction in the summer / autumn of 2021. This project will therefore go ahead regardless of what the result will be of the 20/21 season.

When this cover (T-hook) is in place, we will cover the entire trail network and all popular freeride areas.

By laying the descent just below the top of Grøe (as the mountain is called) we will avoid the most weather-hardy part. Better snow safety, as well as significantly simplified operation versus chairlifts will in all probability give us many more operating days with the entire trail network available.

Drawings and various calculations for rebuilding / shortening the chairlift are ready, and this work will not be completed until 2022 at the earliest. In order for this to be completed, we are dependent on better winters, both snow-wise and financially, than we have had the last two seasons.

We also have strict regulations to abide by, and the lift does not get younger with age.

We will therefore use the coming year to see if it can be more appropriate with other solutions to bring people up to the heights.