Schräglift Alpmatten
Overview
Other name(s)Schräglift Mieschgihalta
StatusIn operation
OwnerAletsch Bahnen AG (since 2017); Schräglift Mieschgihalta AG (2000–2005/2006), Bettmeralp Bahnen AG (2005/2006–2017, name change)
LocaleBettmeralp, Valais, Switzerland
Termini
  • Alpmatten
  • St. Michaels Zentrum
Stations2
Service
TypeFunicular (inclined elevator)
Rolling stock1
Ridershipcapacity: 105 persons/hour
History
Opened9 December 2000 (2000-12-09)
Technical
Line length133 m (436 ft)
Number of tracks1
Electrificationfrom opening
Operating speed1.8 metres per second (5.9 ft/s)
Highest elevation1,935 m (6,348 ft)

Schräglift Alpmatten is a funicular at Bettmeralp in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It leads from the Alpmatten neighborhood at 1870 m to the centre of the car-free resort Bettmeralp at 1935 m.[1][2] The single-cabin line functions with a counterweight. It has a length of 133 m and a difference of elevation of 65 m.[1]

It is operated by Aletsch Bahnen AG. Journey time is 1.47 minutes.[1]

History

Alpmatten is located below the centre of the car-free village of Bettmeralp. While other installations provided access for skiers, the Schräglift ("inclined lift") was proposed for non-skiers, seniors, and families with children by a transport commission set up in autumn 1996.[3] A bus line, a chair lift, and a covered escalator were considered as alternatives.[3]

The assembly of the municipality of Betten approved the project in 1998, despite opposition favoring expansion of the existing installations.[3]

For the construction, the company Schräglift Mieschgihalta AG[note 1] was formed on 3 July 2000.[4] Shares were subscribed by the municipality of Betten, Bettmeralp Bahnen, and local residents and businesses.[5]

The lift was built by Garaventa and inaugurated on 9 December 2000.[5]

In 2005/2006, Bettmeralp Bahnen AG took over the line.[1] After a merger, the company was named Aletsch Bahnen AG.

Notes

  1. ↑ initially "gi" were inverted[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Bettmeralp Bahnen AG (31 May 2006), "Transportanlagen", Geschäftsbericht 2005/06 (in German), p. 19
  2. ↑ "Bettmeralp Alpmatten Dorfzentrum", standseilbahnen.ch (in German)
  3. 1 2 3 "Opposition gegen Schräglift: Gemeinde will Siedlungsgebiet Alpmatten mit automatischem Aufzug besser erschliessen", Walliser Bote (in German), p. 19, 26 March 1998
  4. 1 2 Schräglift Mieschgihalta AG in Liquidation (in English, French, and German), Handelsregisteramt Oberwallis, CHE-101.200.996
  5. 1 2 "Mit dem Schräglift ins Zentrum: Auf der Bettmeralp ist am Samstag die Verbindung zwischen den Alpmatten und dem Dorfzentrum eingeweiht worden", Walliser Bote (in German), 11 December 2000
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