Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn (AG) is dismantling the last remaining T-bar lift on the Nördlicher Schneeferner. In the future, there will be no more T-bar lifts on the glacier.

The ice is melting

Due to glacial melt, the ice is shrinking and the terrain at the Nördlicher Schneeferner has changed significantly. The slope has become much steeper, making it technically impossible to operate the lift. “The lift track is now far too steep for safe operation,” says Matthias Ostler, operations manager for the lifts on the Zugspitze and responsible for the dismantling. For this reason, the facility is now being completely dismantled.

Dismantling begins with cutting the glacier retention cables

Since the pillars are not firmly anchored to the ground but stand on ice, the structure is secured solely by two glacier retention cables. These cables keep the pillars upright. To ensure the pillars fall to the ground in a controlled manner, both glacier retention cables must be cut simultaneously at the mountain station using explosive charges. “The crucial moment,” says Matthias Ostler. Next, the six pillars will be dismantled one by one and transported down to the valley via the cogwheel train.

Educational Activities in the Natural Snow Area

Glacier melt is a serious concern for BZB. “Up here, you can actually watch the glacier melt,” says Klaus Schanda, BZB’s Head of Sales and Marketing. “We’ve noticed that interest in this topic is growing, and we’re receiving an unusually high number of questions about it.” The focus here is on informing and raising awareness among guests. That is why educational programs have been created: In the summer, glacier excursions with the local mountain and ski school Vivalpin take place once a week, and daily glacier tours are led by BZB staff. With a winter hiking and tobogganing program, the company is preparing for a future without glaciers.