Schräglift Alpmatten

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(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)

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 (2000-07-03).[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. Bettmeralp Bahnen AG (31 May 2006), "Transportanlagen", Geschäftsbericht 2005/06 (in German), p. 19
  2. "Bettmeralp Alpmatten Dorfzentrum", standseilbahnen.ch (in German)
  3. "Opposition gegen Schräglift: Gemeinde will Siedlungsgebiet Alpmatten mit automatischem Aufzug besser erschliessen", Walliser Bote (in German), p. 19, 26 March 1998
  4. Schräglift Mieschgihalta AG in Liquidation (in English, French, and German), Handelsregisteramt Oberwallis, CHE-101.200.996
  5. "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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