System - Bell Wallmansberger
Lower Terminal - 1,583 m (5,194 feet) above sea level
Upper Terminal - 2,281 m (7,486 feet) above sea level
Difference in altitude between Upper and Lower Terminals - 698 m (2,292 feet)
Length of Track - 1,560 m (5,120 feet)
Horizontal Length - 1,370 m (4,498 feet)
Average incline - 51%
Diameter of track ropes - 34 mm (1 11/32 in)
Diameter of hauling rope - 28 mm (1 3/32 in)
Weight of tracking rope - 21,103 kg (46,587 lbs)
Weight of hauling rope - 9,490 kg (21,091 lbs)
Travelling speed of gondolas - Maximum 4m (13.33 ft) per second
Travelling time between terminals - 8 minutes (each direction)
Hourly capacity in each direction - 650 passengers
Maximum height above ground - 38 m (125 ft) (Tower 2)
Driving unit - located at the Upper Terminal consisting of a 250 H.P. electric motor, a diesel/electric and a diesel/hydraulic stand-by.
Original Construction - September 1958 to July 1959, opened July 17, 1959. Work done by Bell Engineering Works Ltd, Kriens Lucerne, Switzerland.
Reconstruction - November 1997 to February 1998, Re-opened March 6, 1998.Work by Garaventa AG, Goldau, Switzerland.
40 - Four Passenger CWA Gondolas
Summit Complex - Construction begins in 1980 of a multi-level complex replacing a small restaurant commonly referred to as 'The Teahouse in the Clouds' originally built in 1961. The new complex, completed in 1982 consists of a gift shop and snack bar on the main level, a 160 seat Summit Restaurant on the second level and a 90 seat group dining room on the third level. A renovation in 1996 transforms the dining room. Another renovation in 1998 gives the original Summit Restaurant a new look.
Lower Terminal Complex - Renovation begins in November 1997 resulting in a new Administration Office, Deli-Cafe and Gift Shop. Work is completed in March of 1998.
Total visitors as of fall 1999 - Over 13,000,000 people.