lower energy consumption expected
according to own calculations
people per hour max. capacity
between the Segneshütte and
Ils Cugns
are selected before boarding and
automatically navigated towards
1,500 people per hour max.
capacity (at full load, the capacity
can be increased to max. 1,800
people per hour)
operate on demand
capacity with bikes: five people incl. bikes
are equipped with two phone charging
stations, a ventilation system and lighting
seats per gondola
which are safety relevant were
manufactured in Switzerland
different parts were used to
build each gondola
2014: Ils Cugns was
viewed and chosen
as a destination
2014 – 2019:
Development of
different options for
accessing the Tectonic
Arena Sardona World
Heritage Site (routes,
gondola systems, etc.)
2014: Development of
the Y option: Flims-
Foppa-Startgels line
and an aerial tramway
between Startgels and
Ils Cugns
2017: Initial design by
Olgiati: aerial tramway
with a capacity of 250
people; Flims (Stenna-
Tobel)-Nagens, Nagens-
Ils Cugns (later from Foppa)
2020: During the first
wave of the COVID-19
pandemic, the innovative
gondola system Ropetaxi
was conceived
(R. Bartholet and
R. Gurtner)
Dec 2021: ‘Flims2Flums’
event for residents and
those for whom the area
is a second home took
place in Flums
Jan 2022: The relevant
documents for the appli-
cation for a building
permit were submitted
to the Federal Office of
Transport (BAV)
Summer 2022:
Construction of the Flims-
Foppa-Startgels stations
and lines; arenaexpress is in summer operating mode
April – Dec 2023:
Construction of the
Startgels – Segnes –
Nagens Sura –
Ils Cugns stations
and lines
Dec 2023: Opening
of the Flims – Foppa
– Startgels sections
to skiers; the Grau-
berg gondolalift
stays in operation
as a rail link
April – Dec 2024:
Opening of the Segnes
visitor centre
Dec 2024: Opening
of all sections
Select your destination before boarding.
The gondola makes its way onto the line.
Board the stationary gondola as soon as the doors open.
The gondola automatically navigates towards your destination.
Flem Xpress has invested in the ‘greenstyle’ sustainability concept implemented by Weisse Arena Group in 2010. The new gondola lift not only uses less energy but also has significantly lower operating and maintenance costs. That is because the sustainable Ropetaxi system only travels on demand when there are guests who actually want to board. That way, unnecessary empty trips can be avoided.
Roland Bartholet
CEO of Bartholet Maschinenbau AG
The gondola lift is operated in a fully automatic and demand-driven way. The technology used to make this possible was specially developed for this project by the Weisse Arena Group and the company Bartholet AG. Like with any gondola lift, the gondolas move on a cable throughout the journey. However, in the station, the cabins move autonomously on rails by way of their own drive system. If any gondolas are unoccupied, they will not be on the line. The innovative technology used allows guests to comfortably board the stationary cabin with their luggage or sports equipment and makes the gondolas accessible to all.
‘We have made it our goal to place an increased focus on values and improve quality of life. With this new project, we are well on our way to creating an entry point into the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona within the next two years.’
Martin Hug
Mayor of Flims
Flem Xpress offers breathtaking landscapes and exciting experiences in an innovative, sustainable and accessible way. The goal was to make the Tectonic Arena Sardona UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona accessible to all by way of a tourist-oriented, pioneering flagship project. The Ropetaxi system, a world first, transports you directly to your destination regardless of the season. Six different stations are planned. Choose your destination, get on board and discover the area for yourself. Flem Xpress uses just one system, but offers the highest level of guest comfort, a low environmental impact and reduced energy use. What more could you want?
