More info about Tyrol’s cable car of superlatives

3-S Pardatschgratbahn in Ischgl

With its 1,251 metres of difference in altitude, the 3-S Pardatschgratbahn in Ischgl is one of the biggest of its kind. A cable car of superlatives that forms the entry point to the Silvretta Arena – together with the Fimbabahn  and Silvrettabahn  cable cars. Since the opening of the 3–S cable car in January of 2014, the Pardatschgratbahn takes excited holiday guests from all over the world quickly and safely up into the mountains of Ischgl. 

A worldwide novelty are the cable cars themselves – first used in Ischgl. One cable car comfortably fits up to 28 people and takes them up to the Pardatschgrat in only eight minutes. From the mountain station, they can then ski right down into the valley again on a number of different slopes.

By the way:
3-S stands for the construction of the facility. As the name already suggests, it’s particularly wind-safe – thanks to three cables!

... wind safe

3-S

3-S Pardatschgratbahn A2 cable car facts:

  • the 3-S cable car has four engines with a nominal power of 1,880 kW 
  • it covers a difference in altitude of 1,251 metres (!)
  • one cable car fits up to 28 people 
  • the ascent from the valley up to the mountain station takes about nine minutes
  • it transports 2,800 people per hour 
  • during the duration of the ascent, all seats are heated

3-S Pardatschgrat A2

open
nr.: A2 - Pardatschgratbahn
Last update:

Details about the mountain station

The mountain station of the Pardatschgratbahn was added onto the Eastern part of the previously existing mountain station of the cable car with only one cable. To be prepared for any kind of subsidence of the ground, the building sits atop several individual foundations that can be adjusted via heavy-duty hydraulic lifts.

Because of the unique geological situation, it was also necessary to firmly anchor the building with ropes about 140 metres backwards.

Additionally, a wheel-chair accessible connecting passage to the Pardorama restaurant  was built. 

To achieve a harmonious overall architectural impression, the architecture of the new building was designed to go well with the exterior of the old building – but it’s still entirely unique. 

Informations about the construction in 2013 and 2014

Details about the valley station

The planning process of the valley station was a big challenge because of the confined space conditions. It is now split into two parts: the infrastructure part (orographically to the left) and the cable car part (orographically to the right of the Fimbabach stream). The two parts are connected by bridges. 

At the infrastructure part, there is a big ski depot on the lowest floor. Only a few metres from there are the sports shop and the ski rental. The ticket counter – with a sheltered waiting area – is on the ground floor. On the top floor, the cable cars can be accessed. All floors are connected via lifts and escalators. 

In the basement levels of the cable car part, there is a cable car garage and a service area, storage spaces and room for the consignment of goods. In 2015, the pedestrian underpass from the ski bus terminal to the valley station was built. 

One thing is for certain:
The ascent with the Pardatschgratbahn cable car in Ischgl is an experience in itself! Find out for yourself during your next winter holiday! 

3-S Pardatschgratbahn

Technical data at a glance

3-S Pardatschgrat then and now: from a 4-people cable car to a worldwide novelty

Since 1990, the original 4-people cable car with only one cable performed its duty over the span of many years. But after a while, it wasn’t able to fulfil its function as an important entry point into the ski resort of Ischgl anymore. That’s why it was replaced by the new Pardatschgratbahn in 2014. The lower section of the facility was taken down and the 3-S cable car was built – leading directly onto the Pardatschgrat from the Eastern part of Ischgl’s town centre (without an intermediate station). 

A part of the cable car route is still in use, though! The Pardoramabahn leads up onto the Pardatschgrat to slopes number 4 and 5. Perfect for those who can’t get enough of the nicely groomed slopes and who want to quickly get back up to the summit.

 4 EUB-Pardatschgratbahn A2 (Building year 1990)

Technical data

4 monocable gondola detachable Pardatschgratbahn

1973 - 1990

The Pardatschgratbahn was put into operation on March 17, 1973 as the first monocable gondola in Austria.

Technical specifications:

  • 4 people per cabin
  • 128 cabins
  • Transport capacity: 800 people per hour
  • Travel time: 17.10 minutes
  • Travel speed: 3.5 m / s