10 of the world’s most extreme ski lifts | Traveler by Unique
Skyway Monte Bianco, Courmayeur, Italy
The infamous skyway of Mont Blanc was extended and completed above the charming village of the Italian Alps, Courmayeur. This new skyway extension that reaches Pointe Helbronner, replaced the cableways that were used in the area. This state of art new triple lift is made of glass and steel. The most impressive highlight is that the lift features rotating spherical cable cars which are made of glass. These cable cars are able to offer to skiers some of the most breath-taking views over the area on a 360 degrees mode. Once reaching the Pointe Helbronner, skiers can enjoy views over the infamous Mont Blanc from a terrace that has a diameter of 14 meters. This experience is definitely one of a kind and offers a first class opportunity to admire the beautiful landscape.
Vanoise Express, La Plagne and Les Arcs, France
Vanoise Express connects two French ski resorts, the La Plagne and the Les Arcs. In fact, this spectacular lift consists of two decks that are floating over a gorge for approximately one mile. The lift promises one of the most spectacular experiences a person ever had with multiple breath-taking views and lots of natural beauty. The joint ski area that the Vanoise Express created is now called Paradiski and usually, this extreme ski lift is crowded during the mid-week as skiers from one resort visit the other.
Roca Jack, Portillo, Chile
Roca Jack is the biggest lift of the Va et Vient lifts. These lifts are able to carry multiple people and provide access into the steep slopes of the ski area. Va et Vient lifts carry skiers and offer access to the avalanche-prone terrain. Right after that, skiers should follow a certain process in order to return back. They have to dig the wires of the lift out, flatten the debris and enjoy their return! In particular, Roca Jack allows five skiers who are standing side by side at a T-bar shaped lift. In reality, this lift gives you the sense of uphill ski experience.
Galzigbahn, St Anton, Austria
This impressive lift station is a truly exceptional example of engineering and modern design. Located in the infamous ski resort of St Anton, Funitel Galzigbahn is often characterized as a big wheel. Inside, there are 28 gondolas which are rotating on the top of the wheel in order to lift towards the mountain. The interesting highlight of this lift station is that during the night it looks like an impressive and modern art gallery.
The Gondola, Gulmarg, India
The infamous ski lift called Gondola is situated at a village called Gulmarg. This Indian village can be found on the western side of the Himalayas at an area close to the Indian and Pakistani borders. What makes this Gondola listed as one of the world’s most extreme is its altitude. It was constructed during 2005 and since then, this particular lift forms an international attraction for the ski lovers. The Gondola can access the ski area from the resort at an altitude of 4000m. In addition, it offers more than 2200 meters of vertical descent with stunning views over the area. The resort, where The Gondola is, aims in becoming India’s most known and well-reputed ski area and recent developments include, among others, the installation of new lifts and the creation of new terrains.
Peak2Peak, Whistler, Canada
Peak2Peak lift is one of the most exciting and adventurous one around the world. Located in British Columbia in Canada, this lift is the connection point between the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb. An interesting highlight is that the lift speeds over two miles of unsupported cable. It has to be noted that, some of them feature a glass bottom, enabling skiers to enjoy a breath-taking view of the valley from 436 meters above. For those who are not lucky enough to enjoy the view over the valley, the views over the nearby mountains are also exceptional.
Hirafu Peak Chair-Lift, Niseko, Japan
Unlike the modern lifts that skiers can find all over the world, there are few places where the old school single chair lifts are still in use. Such lifts can be found mainly in Eastern European countries and in Japan. However, the Hirafu Peak chair lift is an experience like no other! The lift uses old technology and features single chairs. The extreme element, in this case, is that the chairs are missing the front safety bar and have limited back support. This extreme chair lift promises a lonely and adventurous ride up to the mountain.
l’Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, France
In Chamonix, skiers will experience another lift that is listed among the world’s most extremes. L’Aiguille du Midi features two twin cable cars that were originally installed during the 1950 and 1955 respectively. Both of the cable cars undergone a major renovation during the early 1990s in order to be improved in terms of safety and adapt to modern technology. The terrain of the lift is characterized as one of the most extreme in the world as passengers are able to enjoy a ride that lasts for approximately 20 minutes. After the ride, the cable cars arrive at the pick of the mountain at an altitude of 3842 meters. From there, visitors can enjoy imposing views over French, Italian and Swiss Alps. There, in 2013 the infamous The Void was constructed which features a glass-made terrace box offering extremely spectacular views.
The Tram, Jackson Hole, USA
Visitors of Jackson Hole should know that there is only one thing to take for granted; that there is not an easy way to reach it. The lift, known as The Tram is definitely a must-visit attraction. During the ride towards the top of the mountain, a recorded message explains everything you need to know about this spectacular lift. Once you reach the top, the view is spectacular and the mountain has its own unique aura.
Titlis Rotair, Engelberg, Switzerland
The ski resort of Engelberg in Switzerland has its own unique and extreme ski lift. The lift, called Titlis Rotair is the first ever revolving aerial cable car. Once you are in, the lift is rotating from the point where the middle station is and up to the top of the mountain at an altitude of 3020 meters. The approximate duration of this ride is five minutes and during this time, the gondola turns for 360 degrees enabling passengers to enjoy incredible views of the area.