Frequently asked questions

Basics and aims of the database

Which content can be found in the database?

The database includes all currently operating and former (abandoned or replaced) ropeways in Germany and Switzerland. Each individual installation represents a data set for which various technical and geographical information is stored. A detailed list of what information the database includes for each installation can be found in the database manual.

On which sources is the database based?

The database draws on a large number of different sources, the detailed listing of which would go beyond the scope of this section. Basically, these are references found in statistics and listings of authorities, associations or operators, reference lists from the individual manufacturers, relevant journals, brochures, anniversary publications of operators or technical literature. In addition, maps, slope plans, postcards and photos are consulted, especially for geographical data. Current developments, such as closures or construction projects, can also be taken into account through online references. In addition, information from communities, contemporary witnesses or other trustworthy sources is included in individual cases.

How does Bergbahnen.org guarantee the correctness of the data?

The database follows a precautionary principle. This means that, as a rule, data must be confirmed by at least two independent sources in order to be included. Changes made by registered users must be supported by a corresponding source reference and are always subject to verification. Despite all measures, however, Bergbahnen.org cannot give any binding guarantee about the correctness of the data, on the one hand because of contradictory sources and on the other hand because of the volatility of certain parameters (e.g. minor modifications to installations that are not (yet) known and taken into account).

The database is administered by a single person who knows the respective regions and ropeways largely from his own visits. This enables the maintenance of a uniform standard as well as a continuous precise and critical examination of the data stock. Together with the aforementioned principle of substantiation of each entry by trustworthy sources, a very high data quality can thus be achieved.

What distinguishes Bergbahnen.org from other ropeway databases?

The aim of the database is to compile basic information on all installations and thus provide as complete a picture as possible of the spatial and temporal extent of ropeways in Germany and Switzerland. The focus is primarily on historical, geographical and basic technical aspects. It is not the aim of the database to record all technical parameters of individual ropeways. Likewise, a geographical limitation to Germany and Switzerland is deliberately made in order to keep the existing data stock at a manageable level so that it can be fully administered.

Content of the database

Are there plans to expand the database to other countries?

At present, the database of ropeways in Germany and Switzerland comprises around 5,000 entries. Maintaining this amount of data already requires an enormous amount of time. To ensure that the contents can be continuously checked, it is necessary to have a sufficient number of sources and to make regular on-site visits. If expanded to other countries, the current data quality could no longer be assured. A further geographical expansion is therefore not planned.

How can I search for specific ropeways or other content?

In addition to a geographical limitation from countries via cantons / states to individual locations on the main page of the database, there is the possibility to search the database specifically for certain parameters. An instruction of the search function can be found on this page.

Why does Bergbahnen.org use different type designations than other databases?

The classic designations for the individual ropeway types, which have become established in linguistic usage over the years, are well suited for quick communication and have a high recognition value. However, they do not allow a logical-systematic categorization of the individual ropeway systems in the sense of a typology with complete and disjunctive categories. For this reason, the database further categorizes the individual installations according to a specially developed system. The derivation of this system categorization can be read in the section Technology & History (only available in German).

When are newly created installations added to the database?

Ropeways that are newly built will be added to the database collectively towards the end of the current year. At the same time, the operating status of the replaced installations is updated. During the year, the Projects page provides information on the current status of new constructions.

How can minor discrepancies from other sources, e.g. in year of manufacture, heights or vehicle sizes, be explained?

The deviations result from different reasons. The year of construction is generally understood to be the date of official acceptance. A ropeway that is built in the course of 2000, for example, but is not approved and opened until 1/1/2001, has the year of construction 2001. Not every source follows this interpretation, so deviations of one year are possible. Elevation data may vary, for example in the case of installations on glaciers, whose recession also affects the technical data.

In the course of time, the cabins of many aerial tramways are replaced by new ones. In most cases, the maximum number of passengers is reduced in the interests of comfort or due to changes in specifications. In order to maintain uniformity, however, the original number of passengers is retained in the database for the type designation. The deviation is indicated in a separate field.

When is a ropeway considered rebuilt and when is it considered replaced?

It is not always possible to say unambiguously whether a ropeway is being completely replaced by a new one, for example when stations or towers are taken over from the predecessor. The transition between a conversion and a replacement is therefore fluid and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In principle, a ropeway is considered to be replaced if the major part of the building fabric is newly constructed. Conversions, on the other hand, include, for example, replacing the cabins, converting a surface lift from a short to a long bar and installing an additional tower after the valley station, or similar. Minor adaptations or extensions (e.g. increasing the number of vehicles) can be noted in the respective data record, but are not considered to be a conversion.

Does the database contain information about ski resorts?

The database primarily contains individual ropeways. The installations are recorded regardless of whether they serve skiing operations or other purposes. Indirectly, information on individual ski areas can be retrieved from the stored data (e.g., the history or extent of a ski area by looking at all the ropeways there). However, no aggregated data, such as general elevation, time of opening or closure, etc., on ski areas are stored in the database.

Contributing to the database and export

How can I report missing or possibly incorrect data?

Bergbahnen.org is a project that lives from the active participation of a large number of people interested in ropeways. Everyone can join our community and actively contribute to the content of the website. As a registered user you have the possibility to update and add entries to the database at any time. How you can edit the database and add photos, you will learn in our detailed instructions on this page.

Can I report missing or possibly incorrect data by email?

Adjustments to the database must be made directly using the forms provided on the website. This is the only way to ensure the correct assignment of sources. Data reported by e-mail or other (external) channels can therefore unfortunately not be taken into account.

Is it possible to obtain a full image of the database?

The database is a complex structure of individual tables that have to be linked to form a logical overall picture. This linkage requires appropriate programming, which only the adapted system on the website can provide. An export of the database (also in extracts), e.g. as an Excel sheet, is therefore not possible for technical reasons, but also for copyright reasons.

Bergbahnen.org in general

Is Bergbahnen.org affiliated with ski resorts or ropeway manufacturers?

Bergbahnen.org is a thematically relevant journalistic information service with no links to companies active in the industry.

Where can I find information about opening hours, prices or similar information?

Bergbahnen.org provides information on the technology and history of individual ropeways. For information about the operation, opening hours, prices or transport conditions, please contact the respective operators directly. Bergbahnen.org cannot provide any information in this regard.

Where can I get used gondolas or other items for decorating purposes?

Bergbahnen.org cannot provide godolas or similar items. It is advisable to contact the operators of ropeways directly when they shut down or replace an installation.