New FlemXpress gondola lift in Flims begins operation

After a three-year development phase followed by two months of intensive testing, the new 10-seater FlemXpress gondola lift will commence operation on Saturday, December 23, 2023, with the opening of the two sections Flims–Foppa and Foppa–Startgels. The Federal Office of Transport has successfully completed all tests, meaning that nothing stands in the way of safe operation. By the 2024/25 winter season, the three additional sections Startgels–Segnes, Segnes–Nagens Sura, and Segnes–Cassons will be completed and ready for operation. The FlemXpress is characterized by its unique operating technology called "Ropetaxi."

World first from Switzerland

The new technology was developed specifically for this project by Weisse Arena Bergbahnen AG in Laax and Bartholet Maschinenbau AG in Flums. As before, the journey along the route is by cable. However, in the stations, the cabins move autonomously on rails. This is thanks to each cabin having its own electric drive. When the gondolas are not in use, they are not on the cable. This significantly reduces the energy consumption of the cable car. Thanks to the innovative technology, boarding the stationary cabins is hassle-free and completely barrier-free. Simply select your destination at the touch of a button, get in, and enjoy the ride in the panoramic cabins.

Milestone for mountain railways and the region

At the opening of the bypass tunnel in 2007, the mayor at the time spoke of "heavenly times for Flims." "This statement still applies today," says the current mayor of Flims, Martin Hug, adding: "The opening of the first two sections marks the beginning of a new era for our municipality and indeed for the entire region, and we are all excited to see how heavenly times in Flims and the destination will be once the railway is completed." He is referring to the long-awaited reopening of the Casson and the first-ever rail connection to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona – both popular hiking areas. From winter 2024/25, the FlemXpress will be in operation all year round with all five sections. This is a commitment to year-round tourism, which Flims Laax Falera is striving for as a tourist destination.

Each cabin can seat ten people and has a transport capacity of up to 1,800 people per hour. In summer, up to five bikes can be transported per cabin, including passengers. "The grand opening ceremony, entitled 'Flem radical,' will take place in summer 2025," announces Reto Gurtner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Weisse Arena Bergbahnen AG. This makes sense, he says, because the FlemXpress is primarily a summer lift that will not open up any new kilometers of slopes.