South Tyrol approves funding and plans for Bolzano–Jenesien cable car

Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy, September 11, 2025

News Summary

South Tyrol’s provincial government has approved updated technical plans and funding for a new Bolzano–Jenesien cable car, moving the project into implementation. The €39.7 million scheme — €31.5 million for construction and €8.2 million for administrative costs — will be largely financed by national recovery funds, with regional and state funds covering the remainder. The approved bicable aerial tramway will use two cabins of about 45 passengers each, three support towers and a valley intermodal hub with covered secure bike and e‑bike parking and a new 60‑space car park. A separate Virgolo cliff design won an architectural competition as a distinct proposal.

South Tyrol approves funding and updated plan for Bolzano–Jenesien cable car

The provincial government has approved updated technical plans and funding for the new Bolzano–Jenesien cable car, marking a major step toward replacing the old lift link to the hills above the city. The project is now part of the region’s Provincial Plan for Sustainable Mobility and will be planned and built by the region’s transport company STA‑Südtiroler Transportstrukturen AG.

Funding and cost at a glance

Total project costs are estimated at about €39.7 million. Of that, roughly €31.5 million is set aside for construction work and around €8.2 million for administrative and project management needs. The vast majority of construction money — €37.5 million — will come from the national recovery fund for the 2026 fiscal year, with the remaining roughly €2.2 million covered by regional development funds and state contributions.

What was approved and who is responsible

The approval covers updated technical specifications and the financing plan after a submission from the province’s mobility minister. STA has been formally commissioned to carry out detailed planning and manage construction. Officials say the project aims to deliver a sustainable, fast, and convenient link for local residents and visitors and to better connect walking and cycling routes to public transport.

Key features of the updated design

The updated plan calls for a bicable aerial tramway running from the existing valley station in Bolzano up to San Genesio (Jenesien). The system is designed with two large cabins, each accepting about 45 people, and a maximum throughput of roughly 350 passengers per hour. A mid‑station that was previously included has been removed from the plan. The line will pass through the municipalities of Bolzano and San Genesio and will be supported by three towers along the route.

Several small but practical changes have been introduced to improve access and user experience. The upper route is slightly shifted for better accessibility and the valley station building will be shifted about four metres closer to the road. Covered bicycle parking and secure bike and e‑bike areas will be provided at both valley and mountain stations. Access to the secure bike parking will require a regional access pass. A new 60‑space parking lot is planned near the valley station, and planners expect strong links to bus stops, footpaths and cycle routes so users can mix modes of transport at a single hub.

Timeline and next steps

With the technical approval and funding green‑lit, STA will move into the next stage of planning and permitting. Much of the construction budget is earmarked in the 2026 fiscal plan, so preparatory work and detailed design are expected to proceed before actual construction begins. Officials carried out an on‑site inspection at the mountain station during winter 2025 as part of the review process.

Separate design proposal for Virgolo/Virgl cliff by an international architecture practice

Separately, an internationally known architecture practice has won a design competition for a new cable link to the steep Virgolo cliff near Bolzano. This proposal is an architectural and tourism‑focused scheme distinct from the Jenesien tramway that the province is funding.

Design highlights and visitor offer

The winning design sketches a compact, high‑frequency link that would carry visitors from a base near the river to an upper platform in about one minute and eleven seconds, offering panoramic views over the town and the mountains. The scheme frames the system using two ring‑like structures embedded into the site: one at the base and one at the summit. The upper area would be a mixed‑use platform with a restaurant, café, event spaces and leisure facilities such as an infinity pool. The plan calls for a flexible “mountain square” that could host markets, concerts and other events.

Reports on the concept list different technical options: one description mentions 16 small cars carrying eight passengers each, while other reports of local projects use larger cabins carrying about 45 people. These numbers relate to different projects and design approaches and should not be taken as interchangeable. The Virgolo design also emphasizes local materials and cultural touches, such as cladding in local stone and possible collaboration with regional artists for cabin finishes.

Context and outlook

The two items in this report represent separate efforts: one is a provincially backed public transport upgrade with confirmed funding and a clear implementation lead; the other is a privately promoted architectural scheme intended to reconnect a historic cliff railway site and boost visitor experience. Both aim to improve access to the surrounding hills and viewpoints above the city, but they differ in scale, funding, timeline and intended use.

The next months are likely to bring technical design documents, permit applications and public consultation for the Jenesien tramway, while the Virgolo scheme will need further approvals and developer decisions before it can proceed.

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Frequently asked questions

Key features at a glance

Feature	Bolzano–Jenesien tramway	Virgolo/Virgl design
Project lead	STA‑Südtiroler Transportstrukturen AG (commissioned)	Architectural practice (competition winner)
Funding	€37.5M from national recovery fund + €2.2M regional/state	Developer‑led; private funding to be confirmed
Estimated cost	€39.7 million total	Not officially stated in the current reports
System type	Bicable aerial tramway, two large cabins	Ring‑based cable link with small cars (concept)
Passenger capacity	About 350 passengers/hour; two cabins ~45 people each	One reported option: 16 cars × 8 passengers; trip ~1:11
Stations & amenities	Valley and mountain stations; intermodal hub; bike parking; 60‑space lot	Base and summit rings; restaurant, café, event space, pool

Photo inspection referenced in planning materials occurred in winter 2025. Project descriptions compiled from public planning documents and design competition reports.

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Additional Resources

• Snow Industry News: Jenesien cable car — financing secured
• Wikipedia: Bolzano
• Architect Magazine: Snøhetta wins cable car competition in Bolzano
• Google Search: Snøhetta Bolzano cable car
• Dezeen: Snøhetta cable car alpine viewing platform
• Google Scholar: Snøhetta Bolzano cable car
• Designboom: Snøhetta & Signa Group Bolzano cable car proposal
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bolzano (search)
• Architectural Digest: Snøhetta cable car in Bolzano
• Google News: Bolzano Jenesien cable car