A new 11 million EUR chairlift coming to Štrbské Pleso

The first step is to remove the existing drag lift. This will be followed by groundwork and preparation of the foundations for the chairlift stations and towers. Once the technology is installed, the chairlift will undergo the necessary certification process and will be fully ready to welcome skiers for the 2025/26 winter season. 

The new chairlift will introduce an entirely new transport solution within the resort. It will carry skiers up to Medvedia kopa, from where they will be able to ski down either towards the Interski and Turistická pistes, or towards the Furkota chairlift, which until now could only be accessed from Solisko. This means the new lift will connect two key areas, something the old drag lift could not achieve. The current Interski drag lift, built in 1976, is now well past its prime and will be completely replaced. Its limited capacity, noise, slow speed and overall inefficiency make it an outdated piece of equipment that no longer meets modern standards. The new lift will ensure greater operational safety, faster and more efficient transport and improved comfort for all visitors. It will also remain operational in less favourable weather conditions in the upper parts of the resort, when the Solisko Express chairlift cannot run.  

The new chairlift, along with its adjoining runs and snowmaking system, will make hundreds of additional metres of blue runs accessible to beginners and less experienced skiers. Moreover, it will comfortably serve skiers of all age groups and abilities — something drag lifts cannot always do. The Mostíky chairlift primarily serves the ski jumping hills. During jumping competitions, it is the only way to transport jumpers to the top of the hills, so it will continue to serve that purpose. However, this lift cannot provide access to Medvedia kopa, and it is not planned for regular daily operation.  

The climatic conditions for snowmaking and skiing at Štrbské Pleso are among the best in Slovakia — thanks to its high altitude and unique microclimate. Experts expect these favourable conditions to continue even into the late 21st century. Considering the steady popularity of skiing and the fact that the last major investment in the transport infrastructure at Štrbské Pleso was made in 2010 (the Furkota chairlift), this project is timely and justified.  

As part of the construction permit for the new chairlift, we are required to remove the existing drag lift. The Poma drag lift, 865 metres long and built in 1976, will therefore be dismantled — just as a similar lift on the Solisko slope was removed some time ago.  

No. The Mostíky chairlift is a service lift for the ski jumping hills. It will remain in place to support ski jumping competitions, as it is the only means of transporting jumpers to the top. However, it is not planned for regular daily use.  

Yes. The new chairlift will have a capacity of 2,400 persons per hour, replacing the combined capacity of the previously used installations: Interski drag lift – 650 persons/hour, Mostíky chairlift – 1,350 persons/hour, dismantled Solisko drag lift – 650 persons/hour.  

First, the old drag lift will be removed. Groundwork and the foundations for the stations and towers will then be prepared, followed by installation and testing of the new technology. The aim is to have the chairlift fully operational by the start of the 2025/26 winter season. 

The new chairlift is being constructed based on a valid building permit. As part of the project preparation, a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out, which resulted in a positive opinion for the construction. Throughout the entire process, great care is being taken to protect the surrounding natural environment. The project uses existing clearings, avoiding any interference with forested areas. The operation of the new chairlift will also help reduce noise levels in the location. The design of the lower station is minimalist, with no additional structures, ensuring a low environmental footprint. The chairs will be garaged within the lower station when not in use, so there is no need for a separate building. The chairlift will also feature certified bird flight deflectors, which are the most effective method for preventing bird collisions with the transport system. By removing the old drag lift, the project will also reduce water and electricity consumption, as it will no longer be necessary to maintain and snow-cover the drag lift line.