Year-round, and especially during the summer season, it is crucial for cable car operators to create offerings that guarantee experiences even in less inviting weather.

A great example is the Gipfelwelt 3000 at Kitzsteinhorn (Austria), established in 2011. This showcase experience utilizes natural features  – such as tunnels through the mountain – to provide an always-accessible attraction, particularly for day visitors who arrive regardless of the weather.

Weather-Independent Experiences on the Rise

“We are seeing a trend toward weather-independent attractions that make mountain railways appealing year-round. In South Tyrol, the prime example is the Messner Mountain Museum at Kronplatz, which opened in 2015,” emphasizes Andrea Wisthaler, CEO of South Tyrolean experience designer Geomarketing.

The strategic goal, according to Wisthaler, is to make the use of mountain railways attractive regardless of the weather, ensuring that visitors can enjoy unique experiences even on rainy days.

Smaller-scale ideas

Not everywhere are monumental attractions created like those in Austria at Kitzsteinhorn, Kronplatz, or Gaislachkogel high above Sölden (007 Elements experience, based on the 2015 Spectre James Bond filming). Often, smaller-scale ideas are in demand.

“The goal is to make the magic of the mountains almost as tangible in any weather as it is on sunny days. That’s why interactive experience spaces and digital installations are increasingly being developed to showcase the mountain world in a new way,” explains the South Tyrolean expert.

The key is to complement nature, not replace it. The focus is on creating offerings that combine modern technology with authentic regional identity. “Often, existing but underutilized spaces can be repurposed for this,” says Wisthaler.

Numerous Smart Examples

On one hand, there are highly elaborate attractions that have emerged under special circumstances, such as Café 3440 at the Wildspitzbahn mountain station on the Pitztal Glacier or the new summit station with its ice palace at Dachstein (all in Austria).

Indoor playground

On the other hand, there are numerous well-designed indoor highlights that seamlessly complement the overall offering. In Serfaus, for example, the former valley station of the Komperdellbahn was transformed into PlayIN, an indoor play and climbing world that opened in 2016.

“Twelve climbing walls, a bouldering room, a giant soft play area, a laser room that tests agility and speed, and an interactive digital game wall are available in both summer and winter,” explains Stefan Mangott, head of Serfaus Bergbahnen.

“The feedback from our guests has been very positive. PlayIN is a great alternative to the mountain experience, not just, but especially, in bad weather,” Mangott reveals.

His colleagues in Fiss have created another indoor attraction: the Indoor Arena Fiss, available in summer, with an indoor mini-golf course as its highlight.

Also in Fiss, a large indoor play area – featuring table football, a LEGO corner, educational games, and more – is housed within the Sonnenburg family restaurant at the mid-station of the Sonnenbahn.

Cinema and Triassic Park

At Riesneralm in the Ennstal (Austria), innovation expert Erwin Petz created a weatherproof fun alternative with the Kegelstadl at the mid-station. Additionally, he invites guests to enjoy mountain cinema screenings at the Hotel Berghof, which is closed in the summer.

“From the very beginning, an indoor area was part of our Triassic Park to make the summer more attractive. There, Earth’s history is presented in an engaging way. It features interesting exhibits, interactive sections, areas for children to learn through play, and a shop,” describes Andi Brandtner from Bergbahn Steinplatte (Austria) his offering.

Another indoor experience on Steinplatte is a stalactite cave, which is open year-round.