For many years, Chur has been discussing, arguing and polemicizing about what should become of the cableway to Chur's local mountain, Brambrüesch. It only rides thanks to a generous subsidy from the city. In addition, the upper section of the cable car has been in operation for almost half a century and is in urgent need of renovation. The "uffa!" project aims to unite the two sections into one so that passengers can travel the 1000 meters in altitude without having to change trains. The costs are estimated at CHF 24.4 million, an amount that Chur Bergbahnen will not be able to cover itself. The proposal, which was approved by the Chur electorate on 19 May with 55% of votes in favor, provides for the city to assume the investment (i.e. the CHF 24.4 million) and amortize it over the next 33 years. Among other things, the city currently pays the interest on the borrowed capital that Chur Bergbahnen takes out in order to maintain operations. This interest (CHF 175,000 per year) will cease as soon as the new Brambrüeschbahn transports its first passengers. A panorama restaurant is planned in the new middle station, which should ensure additional guests and turnover. A good sign is that visitor numbers have already risen in recent years, from 92,000 to 113,000 annually. With 1,400,000 visitors a year five years after opening, the costs are covered, according to Chur Bergbahnen.

A race against time

The people responsible for the Brambrüeschbahn must now work out a concrete project. The new lift must go into operation by 2029 at the latest, otherwise the investment contribution from Chur will be forfeited. "The voters have allowed us to get started. The race is only just beginning," says Reto Küng, member of the Board of Directors of Bergbahnen Chur, describing the situation. According to Küng, the earliest possible opening date is the 2023-24 winter season. The project envisages a completely new construction, with a new valley station closer to the foot of the mountain. An interruption to operations during the construction work can therefore be avoided - provided the upper section of the lift can hold out that long. Its concession runs until 2026, as Küng explains once again: "We have bought all available spare parts and are looking after the lift like a classic car. But the increase in visitor numbers has taken its toll. It is no longer used to so many passengers."

And what do the mountain bikers get out of it?

The Brambrüeschbahn takes gravity bikers to the trails of the Alpine Bike Park. If the Brambrüeschbahn had had to cease operations due to a lack of funding, it would have been the end of this park, which is particularly popular with downhillers and hardcore freeriders. Instead, they can now look forward to gliding to the start of the trails a few minutes faster and without having to change trains in a few years' time when the new lift goes into operation.