Overhaul work is ongoing on the Blombergbahn - at least during the week.
The facilities on Tölzer's local mountain are in operation on Saturday and Sunday.
And there are already some plans for the winter.
Wackersberg
- A few years ago, when skiing on the Blomberg was stopped, they started not to close completely, even during the revision period, says mountain railway boss Hannes Zintel. “Especially in November and December there are often great hiking days.” That is why the chairlift and the Blombergblitz are in operation on the weekends. The Blomberghaus is also open.
But work on the track is going on from Monday to Friday - if the weather is reasonably good.
"We're happy with fog and five degrees," jokes Zintel.
The biggest task in this overhaul is to replace the roller batteries on the supports over which the rope runs.
The track has 26 supports, each with two sets of rollers.
"It takes four men a day to swap one of them," explains Zintel, explaining why the work will probably take until March.
After 50 years, it was time to do it, especially because the maintenance effort was getting bigger and bigger.
"Today there are also completely different materials that minimize wear," says Zintel.
The material value of the new roller batteries alone is 130,000 euros.
Then there is the work performance.
Snow cannons are exterminated
Work is also underway on the winter toboggan run from the middle station - the upper area remains closed.
“The trees at the edge are being relocated and the safety fences are being built.” In addition, “we have exterminated the snow cannons”.
Snow has been made on Blomberg since November 15th - but it's not cold enough at the moment.
The snow is collected in depots before it is taken to the winter toboggan run.
From Christmas - that's the plan - it should be possible to drive there.
From the New Year onwards, night tobogganing could also take place there on Saturday evening.
+
Working at lofty heights: At the moment, the roller batteries are being exchanged on all 26 supports.
© Blombergbahn
If there is not enough snow, the evening offer, which is becoming increasingly popular, is still available on the Blombergblitz.
It is in operation all year round.
There are only minor revision work to be done there.
The rail guide is checked.
“At one point or another we may have to fill in with gravel.
We also have to service the sledges, ”says Zintel.
The new toboggan lift should finally be able to go into operation
He also hopes to finally be able to put the new toboggan lift below the Blomberghaus into operation this year.
He's been waiting for this for three years: First there was too much snow, then none, then Corona came.
The offer is aimed primarily at families.
“While the parents are sitting at the Blomberghaus, the children can go tobogganing.” If you want to go back up after your descent, you can comfortably take the lift up and pull your sledge behind you.
“We also bought 200 Zipfelbobs that you can borrow,” says Zintel.
"It's a great thing for families."
+
The new toboggan lift below the Blomberghaus should finally go into operation this winter.
© Blombergbahn
A camera was newly installed on the chairlift.
Shortly before the mountain station, she takes souvenir photos that you can buy if you want.
The users of the summer toboggan run are already familiar with this: a snapshot is taken shortly before the finish line.
The laying of the fiber optic network is finished, which now opens up the entire mountain.
This also makes it possible to upgrade the webcams so that they will also deliver images in 4K in the future.
POS system is being converted
One of the biggest measures is the conversion of the cash register system.
So far it has been rather nostalgic - with paper cards that can be torn off.
Now everything is becoming more digital - including online purchase options.
"Then you just print out your QR code and go straight to the lift," says Zintel.
A pay machine is also being considered.
But it is not supposed to replace the staff - on the contrary.
The new system should give the employees a little more breathing space in order to be able to advise those looking for relaxation properly, says Zintel.
Around 200,000 euros will be invested in the new system, which is due to run from Christmas.
The parking ticket system will be changed in 2022
The parking fees at Blomberg caused some discussion in the spring. Since then, five instead of two euros have been charged for the day ticket. "All in all, there were maybe 50 complaints," says Zintel. “We listened to all of this and also thought about it.” Ultimately, however, the acceptance was quite high. "With the income we had the chance to survive Corona and the money will be reinvested."
The income will flow, among other things, into the conversion of the parking ticket system, which is to take place in 2022.
"After that there will also be hourly rates," promises Zintel.
And he has another idea for the parking lot.
He would like to "roof" part of it with a photovoltaic system.
As a result, part of the parking space would be shaded, and charging stations for e-cars could be created, and the power requirements of the mountain railway could at least partially be covered from renewable energies.
The construction of a toilet at the mountain station is also planned for 2022.
Bad Tölz newsletter
: Everything from your region!
Our Bad Tölz newsletter informs you regularly about all the important stories from the Bad Tölz region - including all the news about the corona crisis in your community.
Sign up here.