Grindelwald, Switzerland - On February 4, 2025, the Firstbahn ski lift was forced to halt operations due to significant technical issues, marking a frustrating day for winter sports enthusiasts eager to hit the slopes.
The closure was prompted by ice formation from water infiltration at one of the lift's structural supports, which led to bulging and raised safety concerns. "It was quite disappointing to see long lines form at the base station," one frustrated skier remarked. "Expensive ski ticket and then nothing; it's just not fair!" This sentiment echoed among many skiers, as reported by Blick.
According to Kathrin Naegeli, Head of Corporate Communication at Jungfraubahnen, the situation necessitated immediate action. "At the entrance to the intermediate station Schreckfeld, water had entered one of the supports and frozen, resulting in this bulging," she explained. Safety experts conducted thorough checks and concluded the affected support required reinforcement with steel rods before operations could safely resume.
Consequently, the Firstbahn was unable to operate between Bort and First on this day. Nevertheless, skiers were granted access from Grindelwald to the first intermediate station, Bort. For the full range of winter sports access, guests were instructed to travel to the Grindelwald Terminal to utilize the Eiger Express or Männlichenbahn (GGM) to reach the Jungfrau Ski Region.
Naegeli reassured guests, stating, "The winter passes remain valid throughout the entire Jungfrau Ski Region, alleviating some of the disappointment." Meanwhile, shuttles were scheduled every fifteen minutes from the Firstbahn to the terminal to assist those needing alternate means of transport.
Despite the vibrant snowy conditions outside, ski enthusiasts quickly learned about the situation, leading to calmer scenes as guests shifted their plans. While there were evident frustrations due to the sudden disruption, many understood the necessity for safety precautions.
The Firstbahn is expected to resume normal operations by February 5, pending the completion of the necessary reinforcement measures. This disruption arrives as the Jungfraubahnen conglomerate gears up for future enhancements, including plans for the construction of a new gondola, projected to cost roughly 100 million Swiss francs. The concession for the current lift is set to expire in 2034, prompting the need for upgrades.
The importance of safety cannot be understated, especially during the busy ski season. With many eager to enjoy the winter sports offerings, this was just one unforeseen hiccup. The projected recovery of the Firstbahn just the next day brings hope back to Grindelwald's winter sports community.