San Martino di Castrozza, nestling in the heart of the spectacular Dolomites, is taking a further step towards improving its ski area with the planned inauguration of a new, modern and fast ski lift in the 2024/25 season: the cabinovia Valcigolera. The project, located in the Pale di San Martino nature park, represents a major step forward in terms of technical performance, connectivity and respect for the environment, and is part of an overall strategy to modernise and revitalise the area.
Valcigolera, cutting-edge technology for a new experience
The Valcigolera cabinovia project represents a significant investment for the Dolomiti Ski Group. Equipped with cabins for up to 10 passengers, this LEITNER gondola lift has a modular hourly capacity of up to 1,500 people, a major advance on previous installations. It will replace the Valcigolera lift, a two-seater chairlift dating from the 1980s.
One of the major advantages of this facility is its two-way service:
- On the way up, skiers can access one of the highest areas in the ski area, culminating at 2,383 metres at the top of the Cima Tognola.
- On the way down, the lift takes skiers to the charming Malga Valcigolera, an essential rest and refreshment point for mountain lovers.
This new infrastructure drastically reduces journey times. Whereas the old lift took more than 10 minutes to cover the 465 metre difference in altitude, the Valcigolera does the job in just 3 minutes and 30 seconds. This efficiency means better flow management on the slopes and more time spent skiing.
By requiring just 6 pylons instead of the previous 21, the installation limits its footprint on the landscape and preserves the beauty of the unique natural heritage of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The direct-drive motors guarantee low energy consumption and, as with the entire ski area, will be powered by certified renewable energy sources.
Valcigolera, a strategic connection for Carosello delle Malghe
Located at the heart of the ski area, Valcigolera strengthens the synergy between the two main centres: Tognola and Ces. These areas, with a total of 45 kilometres of pistes, make up the Carosello delle Malghe ski area, an area appreciated by skiers for its diversity and exceptional panoramic views.
Thanks to the speed and efficiency of the new infrastructure, travel between these two areas will be simplified, providing a smoother ride that is essential for skiers wishing to explore the whole area without wasting time. The new lift will also provide improved access to emblematic areas, such as Cima Tognola, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
Valcigolera, part of an overall development strategy for San Martino du Castrozza
The creation of the Valcigolera cabinovia is part of a wider framework of structural investments designed to support the sustainable development and appeal of the region.
One of the major projects announced by the Autonomous Province of Trento is the construction of the San Martino di Castrozza road alternative, with an initial budget of €8 million for the first functional unit. The project aims to
- Improve access to the resort: by improving traffic flow in the valley, this variant will reduce traffic jams, particularly at weekends and during holiday periods.
- Facilitate visitor transport: by creating faster, more direct access, the region hopes to increase the number of tourists, which is crucial to the local economy.
- Reduce the environmental impact of road traffic: by reducing delays, vehicle-related CO2 emissions can be reduced, reinforcing the region’s image as an environmentally-friendly destination.
This road variant is a response to the growing need for mobility in a region where winter tourism generates large numbers of visitors. It will be built in several phases, allowing gradual integration into the local landscape while minimising disruption during the works. In addition to the road improvements, the ski area is benefiting from a comprehensive investment plan designed to modernise its facilities and make San Martino di Castrozza one of Italy’s top ski resorts:
- Development of cable transport infrastructure: La Valcigolera is just one of the many stages in the modernisation of the ski lifts. The resort has recently completed work on the Tognola sector, which will provide better links between the different areas of the resort.
- The modernisation of the ski lifts will also continue at Passo Rolle, where work is continuing in preparation for the construction of the San Martino-Passo Rolle link. The work has been entrusted to the Leitner company, which will be responsible for building the link in coordination with Collini lavori spa, Misconel srl and Grisenti srl.
- Promotion of the four-season offer: in addition to winter activities, San Martino di Castrozza is striving to attract visitors all year round with initiatives in the fields of hiking, cycling and eco-tourism.
This series of significant investments has accelerated the overall modernisation process of the San Martino di Castrozza ski area, which has already been well underway in recent years: in less than ten years, four ski lifts have been replaced, two hill reservoirs have been built and major work has been carried out to modernise the snowmaking system.
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