Construction of the Val Val – Cuolm Val and Val Val – Calmut Chairlifts to begin in Spring 2025
The 4-seater chairlifts Val Val–Cuolm Val and Val Val–Calmut from 1988 are being replaced by modern 6-seater chairlifts
With the planning approval from the Federal Office of Transport (BAV) on March 28, 2025, the path is clear for the renewal of the Val Val – Cuolm Val and Val Val – Calmut chairlifts
The new facilities not only double the transport capacity but are also a key element for the ski area connection between Oberalppass and Milez/Cuolm Val. Construction will begin immediately after the 2024/25 winter season. The construction of the two chairlifts is a significant step in the development of the Andermatt+Sedrun+Disentis ski area and underscores Vail Resorts’ long-term investment strategy in quality and guest experience in winter sports. The existing 4-seater chairlifts will be replaced by modern 6-seater chairlifts. The new facilities double the transport capacity to 2,400 people per hour and significantly reduce travel times thanks to a higher speed of 5 m/s. The new lift to Cuolm Val will take only 3.18 minutes, while the lift to Calmut will take 3.40 minutes. The management of Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG had already given the green light for planning in January 2022. Since then, the project has been comprehensively prepared: from technical clarifications with manufacturers, to spatial planning and architectural studies, to coordination with cantonal and municipal authorities. The new facilities will be planned and built by the company Garaventa. Most of the planning and execution work has been awarded to regional companies.
Tight Schedule – Close Coordination Required
The construction schedule is tight: Between the last operating day on Sunday, April 6, 2025, and the planned opening in early December 2025, dismantling, assembly, and commissioning of the new facilities, as well as the construction of avalanche barriers, must take place. Thanks to special permits from the canton of Graubünden and the municipality of Tujetsch, preparatory measures such as snow clearing and access development can begin immediately after the 2024/25 winter season. A particular focus is on coordination with other construction sites in the region and mutual consideration of all parties involved in the Milez-Cuolm Val area. The construction of the two facilities, avalanche protection measures, the alpine photovoltaic plant Solar Sedrun by Energia Alpina, and ensuring the operational permit until the end of November 2025 require precise collaboration among all partners.
Key Figures of the New Val Val Chairlifts at a Glance
| Feature | Existing Facilities | New Facilities |
| Chair Type | 4-seater chairlift | 6-seater chairlift |
| Feature | Existing Facilities | New Facilities |
| Transport Capacity | 1,200 P/h | 2,400 P/h |
| Feature | Existing Facilities | New Facilities |
| Travel Speed | 2.3 m/s | 5.0 m/s |
| Feature | Existing Facilities | New Facilities |
| Travel Time Cuolm Val | – | 3.18 minutes |
| Feature | Existing Facilities | New Facilities |
| Travel Time Calmut | – | 3.40 minutes |
New lifts, pistes and facilities for winter 2025/26
- Snowmaking West at Gemsstock: Snowmaking on the west side of the St. Anna Glacier is being expanded – for more snow reliability and an even more dependable winter sports experience at Gemsstock.
- Widening of Slope 70a at Gurschen: At the mountain station of the Gurschen-Flyer, slope 70a is being widened – for more space and even more skiing pleasure.
- Autonomous Avalanche Control Systems at Oberalppass: At Oberalppass, Hinter Fell (Slope 30), four new avalanche towers have been installed, and the autonomous avalanche control systems have been completed – for even more safety in the winter sports area.
- New Construction of Chairlifts Val Val – Cuolm Val and Val Val – Calmut: The 4-seater chairlifts Val Val–Cuolm Val and Val Val–Calmut from 1988 are being replaced by modern 6-seater chairlifts. The new installations double the capacity to 2,400 people per hour and shorten the travel time – construction starts in spring 2024, opening planned for early December 2025.
- Avalanche Barriers Val Val: In the course of the new construction of the two chairlifts Val Val–Cuolm Val and Val Val–Calmut, new avalanche barriers are being built – for more safety on and off the slopes.
- Snowmaking Mulinatsch–Clavadi & Valley Run Dieni: Slope 48a and the valley run to Dieni are being newly equipped with snowmaking – for optimal conditions and an extended snow season down to the valley.
- Slope Adjustment Parlet on Cuolm da Vi: In summer, a slope adjustment is being made at the Parlet chairlift to improve the skiing experience. The renewed route is scheduled to open in early December 2025.
- Replacement of Dadens Ski Lift: The Dadens ski lift is being replaced by a modern installation. This significantly improves comfort and capacity. Guests benefit from more efficient access to the ski area.
