Cable car successfully overhauled.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Spring 2025 marks the end of the most extensive overhaul work since the Wankbahn cable car was built. On Good Friday, April 18, the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG (BZB) will start its first day of summer operations on Mount Wank.

“It was a tough winter because we were under time pressure to have everything ready in time for spring. But now we've done it. The team really pushed hard!” says Robert Kirchdorfer, Operations Manager of the Wankbahn cable car.

Extensive overhaul work completed: Renewed drive motors - facility becomes more efficient

The system was completely renewed and the entire winter was worked through due to unscheduled maintenance. As a result, the lift has not been in operation since November 2024.

“We are very proud of the entire Wankbahn team and the companies involved. This is an extraordinary achievement! Now we are looking forward to the opening. This was a large-scale project, with total costs amounting to 1 million euros,” says Karl Dirnhofer, Technical Director of BZB.

The drive motors in both sections and the associated control system were completely renewed, as the manufacturers of the installed control system have meanwhile gone off the market and spare parts are no longer available. Powerful frequency converters were also required for the new motors, which are installed in control cabinets weighing 1.5 tons. The emergency drive control system was also redesigned and the braking system overhauled.
The fire protection requirements were also increased. For example, the electrical switching components were separated from the drive motors by fire protection walls.
At the same time, all regular maintenance work was carried out, such as replacing pulleys, replacing wearing parts and working on the rope.

Restaurants open on Mount Wank

With the start of the summer season on the Wank, the associated restaurants also open. The Wankstüberl (daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), directly in the valley station of the Wankbahn cable car, has been open since April 7. The Sonnenalm in the mountain station (daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm) opens with the opening of the cable car. On Easter Saturday, April 19 at 13:30, the 7-piece band John Blow will be playing Tyrolean brass music on the terrace. The concert will be supported by GaPa Live.

Guests can find all information about summer operations at Mount Wank.