Cableways Impact Assessment Study - Final Report - saferail.nl

Risk & Policy Analysts
Price Changes
According to data from Domaines Skiables de France (2011) it is estimated that the
cost of cableways installations has increased during the decade from 2000 to 2011.
For example, based on the average cost of the capacity of an installation, detachable
chairlifts have seen an 83% increase in price; from €3,100,000 in 2000 to €5,750,000
in 2011 (Domaines Skiables de France, 2011). Fixed grip chairlifts have also
experienced price increases and the average cost has risen from €1,850,000 in 2000 to
€2,350,000 in 2011 (an increase of 27%) (Domaines Skiables de France, 2011).
Maintenance Costs
As well as the cost of purchasing and installing the cableway, operators must also
consider the cost of maintenance of the cableway following its installation as this is
not covered by manufacturers. It is estimated that the cost of annual maintenance of a
cableway installation is 1.5% of the initial cost of the cableway (Commission de la
Sécurité des Consommateurs, 2009). By means of example, surface lifts are subject
to an annual visit and a detailed inspection when it reaches 30 years old; it is
estimated that the detailed inspection can cost between €15,000 and €50,000
(Domaines Skiables de France, 2011b). Furthermore, chairlifts are subject to an
annual inspection as well as the inspection of certain components every few years;
detachable grips cost €350,000 to inspect every five years while cables are inspected
every three years (Domaines Skiables de France, 2011b). Chairlifts are also subject to
a detailed inspection at 15 years, 25 years and every five years following which costs
approximately €200,000 (Domaines Skiables de France, 2011b)
2.6.3 Research and Innovation Intensity and Innovation Performance
Historically, cable cars have been one of the main driving forces behind Alpine
tourism. However, with demand for winter sport stagnating, it has been suggested
that cable car innovations implemented by tourism entrepreneurs could serve as a
means of differentiating the product to meet new consumer preferences (Mayer,
2009).
Product innovation is a key aspect of the research and development (R&D)
undertaken by cableways manufacturers, even though due to the bespoke nature of
every installation, R&D has to be carried out for every installation, even where these
installations are based on similar technical solutions. Thus, it can be expected that (at
least some) cableway manufacturers invest significant resources into R&D activities.
By way of example, following the acquisition of Poma by the Seeber Group in 2001,
Leitner and Poma have conducted joint R&D operations, and it has been estimated
that Poma invests approximately 2% of its annual turnover in R&D (Le Moci, 2010).
Innovations within the cable car industry have recently focused on increasing the
speed, capacity, comfort and safety of installations. Some of this innovation is driven
by customers (such as ski lift operators) who, in order to remain competitive want to
transport more people, over longer distances and at faster speeds.
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