Here you will find answers to the most important questions about the current project status of the Rellerli cable car. Find out more about the planning, realisation and future of the mountain railway.
Basics
The new Rellerli cable car gives visitors access to one of the most beautiful vantage points in the Saanenland. As a modern replacement for the previous installation, whose operating licence has expired, it opens up a varied area for hiking, skiing and snowshoe tours. The railway thus creates important added value for locals and guests.
The reopening of the Rellerli cable car is an important milestone for the development of tourism in the region. With our new concept, we are focusing on nature-based tourism that emphasises sustainability and landscape conservation. The railway, which has been missed by many, will thus become a showcase project for sustainable tourism in the Saanenland. See also point 1.
Our main objective is to operate the new Rellerli railway on a sustainable, cost-covering basis. We achieve this through an innovative operating concept with minimal staffing requirements and the option of autonomous, remote-controlled operation. In this way, we are creating a sustainable infrastructure for future generations. See also point 1.
For us, gentle tourism means preserving the unique nature and landscape of the Rellerli. We deliberately avoid groomed ski slopes, snow cannons, ski lifts and toboggan runs. Instead, we are developing the Rellerli as a vantage point and starting point for nature-based activities such as hiking, biking, snowshoe and ski tours. Access for the disabled is a matter of course.
The central element next to the cable car is an inviting bistro at the mountain station, which seats around 70 guests. In addition, the winter and summer hiking trails are professionally groomed and maintained to provide our guests with the best possible experience of nature.
Technology & Environment
Our aim is to realise the quietest orbit in Switzerland. In close cooperation with the forest inspectorate, we have optimised the route so that the impact on the forest and landscape is kept to a minimum. One particular success: the previous massive curve support can be completely removed.
We rely on state-of-the-art technology to minimise noise emissions: A water-cooled direct drive, a special Performa cable and the latest D-Line track system from Garaventa form the technical basis. The reduced travel speed of 4 m/s also helps to minimise noise.
Our concept is deliberately independent of artificial snowmaking and groomed pistes. We focus on natural winter activities such as deep snow runs and tobogganing, which are possible at your own risk if the snow conditions are suitable.
The Rellerli has always been a popular excursion destination and has built up a loyal clientele over the years as a vantage point. We are aiming for visitor numbers similar to those in the days of the former railway.
The existing car park infrastructure of the former railway will continue to be fully available in the future. An additional extension is not necessary.
Legal & Planning
The Friends of the Rellerli initiated the campaign. We work closely with important regional partners, including Gstaad Saanenland Tourism and the Schönried village organisation, who also support the project.
For all media enquiries and stakeholder communication, please contact Heinz Welten as President of the Friends of the Rellerli.
No. The vote on 4 April 2025 is exclusively about the development plan no. 90 for the new Rellerli cable car. The mountain house planned by Mountain View AG is not part of this vote. This project will be dealt with in a separate building permit procedure, for which the Obersimmental-Saanenland cantonal governor’s office is responsible. Although both projects are important for the revitalisation of the Rellerli, they will be treated and approved separately in legal terms.
The development ordinance or rezoning forms the legal basis for the further procedure. It creates the spatial planning requirements for the subsequent planning approval procedure with the Federal Office of Transport. See also point 15.
Following the positive decision by the municipal assembly on the development plan, the planning approval procedure with the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) will follow now. The preparatory work for this is already underway. If everything goes smoothly, the building permits for the Berghaus and railway could be issued in spring 2026.
A rejection of the development ordinance by the municipal assembly would have meant the end of the railway project. The development ordinance forms the spatial planning basis for the new railway.
Construction of the railway on the existing route with the curve would not be approved by the FOT (Federal Office of Transport) unless an intermediate station were to be built. But that would not make sense on this short stretch.
If the project runs smoothly, we will be able to start construction work in spring 2026. Commissioning of the new Rellerli cable car is planned for the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027.
The most important milestone is the approval of the development plan by the people of Saanen. At the same time, we are continuing to develop the architectural planning as part of a quality assurance process and are preparing the documents for the planning approval procedure with the Federal Office of Transport (FOT).
Finance & Operations
A central element of the financing will be the new stock corporation to be founded. The detailed financing structure will be communicated from April 2025.
The operating company is founded as a new, independent public limited company. This will enable the mountain railway to be operated independently. The specific organisation of the company is currently in the final planning phase.
Our innovative, resource-saving railway concept enables very low operating costs. This is the basis for long-term cost-covering operation.
No. The funding stands on its own two feet. We have developed a sustainable concept that does not require financial support from the municipality.
The key to financial sustainability lies in our autonomous operating concept. Through the efficient use of resources and low operating costs, we create the basis for long-term cost-covering operation without risks for the municipality.
Integration into regional fare networks is an important goal of our planning. We will develop the specific ticketing options for locals in close cooperation with regional partners and communicate them in due course.
Support & Information
There are two main ways to provide support: firstly, by approving the development regulations at the municipal assembly on 4 April 2025; secondly, by making a financial contribution via the planned joint-stock company, which will secure the project in the long term.
All the latest developments, news and background information can be found at bergbahn-rellerli.ch.
Your support will help to make one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains in the Saanenland accessible to everyone again. With your commitment, you are helping to secure a wide range of leisure activities on the Rellerli for future generations.
Your question was not included? Then contact us at info@bergbahn-rellerli.ch.
