Schräglift Alpmatten
Funicular at Bettmeralp, Valais, Switzerland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
| Schräglift Alpmatten | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Other name | Schräglift Mieschgihalta |
| Status | In operation |
| Owner | Aletsch Bahnen AG (since 2017); Schräglift Mieschgihalta AG (2000–2005/2006), Bettmeralp Bahnen AG (2005/2006–2017, name change) |
| Locale | Bettmeralp, Valais, Switzerland |
| Termini |
|
| Stations | 2 |
| Service | |
| Type | Funicular (inclined elevator) |
| Rolling stock | 1 |
| Ridership | capacity: 105 persons/hour |
| History | |
| Opened | 9 December 2000 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 133 m (436 ft) |
| Number of tracks | 1 |
| Electrification | from opening |
| Operating speed | 1.8 metres per second (5.9 ft/s) |
| Highest elevation | 1,935 m (6,348 ft) |
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.
