Don’t tell anyone, but sometimes there’s nothing more welcomingthan a nice long ski lift ride when our legs are struggling to keep up. It’s the perfect chance for a sit down and a bit of a breather as you watch theglorious mountain scenery glideby.
So sit back, soak up the views, and marvel at these record-breaking (and not so record-breaking) feats of ski lift engineering…
Opened in December 2017, this shiny Bavarian ski lift is a whopping 4.5km long. The Zugspitze Gondola transports skiers all the way up from the valley floor in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the top of the Zugspitze mountain – Germany’s highest peak and home of a fantastic glacier ski area.
Not content with smashing the longest cable car world record, it also includes the world’s longest unsupported cable span, with a mind-boggling 3.2km stretch between support towers. And it includes the world’s largest gondola support tower, standing tall at 127m. Talk about an overachiever!
During the ten-minute ride, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the vivid Eibsee glacial lake through floor-to-ceiling windows. Hold on to your hats as you ascend past the dramatically steep face of the Zugspitze before arriving at the 2,692m peak to enjoy amazing panoramic views of no less than four countries.
Before the Zugspitze Gondola swooped in and stole the crown, this exhilarating ski lift held the record for the world’s longest ski lift. Spanning 4.4km and boasting an unsupported span of 3km, the Peak2peak Gondola in Whistler is rightfully iconic.
Linking the two famous ski resorts of Whistler and Blackcomb, it’s an impressive creation with even more impressive views. And the chance to ski or board in the best ski resorts in British Columbia on the same day is an opportunity not to be missed.
You’ll need a head for heights for this 11-minute rideas you soar high over thick forests carpeting a plummeting ravine between these two huge peaks. If you dare, travel in one of the two glass-bottomed cabins for the most spectacular ski lift experience around.
If you love being close to the elements, you probably prefer chairlifts to gondolas. And the longest one in the world is this 3.4km beauty. Reaching between the Sugarbush resort’s two ski areas – Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen – it offers skiers and boarders a beautiful four-seater ride above the wooded wilderness.
Feel the sun (or wind) on your face as you drink in incredible Americanscenery. And if you're particularly eagle-eyed, you might spot some of the Slide Brook Basin’s resident wildlife, from black bears to moose.
For the joint-longest chairlift in Europe, you’ve got to head to France. Situated within the vast French ski area of the Grand Massif, this brand new six-seater lift is a jaw-dropping 2.8km in length.
The journey from the village of Samoëns to the resort of Morillon now takes just eight minutes, as the lift speeds visitors along at a speed of 6 metres per second. And with the capability to transport 3,000 people an hour, the chances of having to queue for long in the cold are delightfully slim.
Riding this modern chairlift is a great way to scope out the most appealing runs in the stunning new Coulouvrier Bowl. Skiing and boarding on newly-added terrain is always exciting, but it can really help to get a birds-eye view and see how others are doing it first, especially if reading the piste map is not your forte!
The other longest chairlift in Europe can also be found in France, whisking skiers and boarders around the slopes of Les Arcs. The popular resort andneighbour to La Plagne, is spread over many levels. And that means a great state-of-the-art lift system is essential.
Adding to the resort’s portfolio, this newly-opened six-seater is high-speed, comfortable and a joy to ride for every single one of its 2,825 metres. Oh, and there’s even heated seating to keep your bum warm. Merci Les Arcs!
The Pré St Esprit lift not only takes you on a scenic eight-minute journey over the quaint chalets and snow-laden forests of Arc 1950, it also has one of the nicest lift stations around, complete with turf roof and cosy interior.
If you prefer your ski lift rides on the short and sweet side, you’ll love this teeny tiny gondola in Saalbach and Hinterglemm. The 12er Express is a godsend for ski schools and families, allowing young skiers and boarders to safely cross the roads of Hinterglemm town centre from high above as they explore the nursery slopes on all sides of the valley. Way more fun than carting your skis or snowboard through the streets.
This diminutive gondola speeds you along its compact 236 metres in the blink of an eye - or just one short minute to be precise. Great for getting back to the action, but not much time to catch your breath!
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