Gardena Ronda Express funicular, Underground funicular in Val Gardena, Italy
Gardena Ronda Express is a funicular railway running underground through Val Gardena, connecting the Col Raiser area to the Sasslong and Ciampinoi zones in the Dolomites. The 1.24 kilometer route travels entirely within a tunnel, moving passengers between different sections of the ski region.
The funicular opened in December 2004, bringing rail transport back to the valley for the first time in four decades after the closure of the historic Val Gardena Railway. This new connection was built to link the expanding ski infrastructure across different elevations.
This transportation system forms an integral part of the winter sports infrastructure, enabling access to different sections of the Sellaronda ski circuit.
The ride is smooth and requires no special preparation or skill from passengers. The tunnel design means the service operates reliably regardless of weather conditions outside.
The entire system was designed by manufacturers who specialize in cable transport for steep terrain, with advanced rope mechanisms. The two trains operate using engineering principles that allow them to handle challenging underground gradients effectively.
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