3K K-onnection – final construction phase begins
With the winter break now over, final construction work on the new 3K K-onnection, Salzburg’s first tri-cable gondola from the Maiskogel to the Kitzsteinhorn, is now underway. The new cabins from renowned lift manufacturer Doppelmayr were presented to the world for the first time at the beginning of May during Interalpin 2019, the leading international trade expo for alpine technologies. The spectacular stringing of cables for the 4.3 km-long lift will happen in summer, as will delivery of the 32 custom-designed cabins. The 3K K-onnection will go into operation in November 2019, connecting what has always belonged together: The town center of Kaprun, Maiskogel family ski area and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area will be united as one. For Kaprun, this represents the fulfillment of a generational dream. And the Zell am See-Kaprun region will embark on a whole new era of alpine tourism.
MK Maiskogelbahn - successful winter launch, now open in summer for the first time
The new MK Maiskogelbahn and Kaprun Center, the first stage of Kaprun’s generational project, definitely proved themselves up to the task in their first season. The 10-passenger mono-cable lift, which went into service in December 2018, offers both high-quality access to the popular family mountain and, thanks to the new Stanger mid-station, several completely new options as well. In the snowy winter of 2018/19, the Maiskogel – close to town, with gentle mountainsides at mid-alpine elevations – was an ideal complement to the high-alpine glacier ski area, making it yet another outstanding option for winter sports fans.
Yet another premiere will follow on May 25, 2019: With the help of the MK Maiskogelbahn, for the first time the hiking and biking paths on Kaprun’s local mountain will also be reachable by gondola directly from the center of town.
Final construction work for the 3K K-onnection has begun
In fact, construction of the 3K K-onnection actually began in 2018, parallel to work on the MK-Maiskogelbahn, with the building of the mountain and valley terminals as well as installation of pylons. In April 2019, work got back underway for completion of the 4311 meters-long 3K K-onnection. With the lift technology in place, the elaborate and quite spectacular procedure of stringing the cabling itself is scheduled for July. The cabins will be delivered and installed in August by CWA, a subsidiary of Doppelmayr. The grand opening of the new lift will be on November 30, at which point a long-held dream of Kaprun’s residents, a connection between the two ski areas on the Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel, will become reality.
Ski-in-Ski-out and a superlative chain of lifts
The custom-designed tri-cable gondola lift is being supplied by Austrian company Doppelmayr. The new, top-quality ATRIA cabins which are going to be used on the Kitzsteinhorn will be making their world debut. Aside from exceptionally comfortable ride characteristics, the 360° glass sides guarantee unique panoramic views.
The 3K K-onnection represents the heart and soul of the entire K-ONNECTION, serving as a link from the town center of Kaprun, via the Maiskogel to the TOP OF SALZBURG on the Kitzsteinhorn at 3029 m above sea level. Consisting of six consecutive lifts, not only will it represent the longest uninterrupted lift axis in the Eastern Alps, it will also span the greatest elevation – 2261 vertical meters – providing comfortable, convenient access to a whole new world for everyone. Now boasting ski-in-ski-out between the town center and the 100% snowy glacier, Kaprun will join the ranks of the elite Alpine ski areas. Until the actual lift opens on November 30, 2019, a fascinating animated video provides a first impression of the unique panoramic ride from Kaprun via the Maiskogel to the Kitzsteinhorn.
Link to the animated video
