On 4 April, the municipality of Saanen will vote on the development plan for revitalising the Rellerli. The Friends of the Rellerli and Mountain View AG advocate for a new gondola lift combining state-of-the-art technology with nature-based tourism.

The Friends of the Rellerli Association has worked closely with Mountain View AG to develop a concept for the new lift that contributes to the region’s tourism development. “We are committed to nature-based mountain tourism,” says Heinz Welten, President of the association, in a press release. “Rather than relying on artificial snowmaking and groomed slopes, we focus on the natural experience – in both summer and winter.”

Partnership as the key to success
At the heart of the project is the partnership between Mountain View AG, founded by Ernesto Bertarelli, and the Friends of the Rellerli. “The two projects complement each other perfectly and are inseparably linked,” Welten emphasises. “The new mountain lodge can only be built if it is accessible by cable car. Conversely, the new Rellerli lift can only be realised if the land required for the valley and mountain stations is available – and that land belongs to Mountain View AG.” The association calls it a win-win situation and a model example of successful collaboration for the region's benefit.

Modern technology in harmony with nature
The project is designed to merge innovation with environmental sustainability. The planned gondola will feature low-noise drive technology and a direct route from the valley to the summit. The new alignment requires only 13 support towers instead of the previous 16, thereby reducing the impact on the landscape. Twenty 10-seater gondolas will transport up to 600 guests per hour. The existing parking facilities at the valley station will continue to be used.

A new mountain lodge is planned at the summit station, including seminar rooms and a bistro with approximately 70 seats. “Hikes will start from here along the existing trail network. The facility will feature disabled access and an energy-efficient operating concept. The Rellerli is intended to become a model for forward-looking mountain tourism,” the association states.

GST supports “Gentle Tourism”
According to the association, Flurin Riedi, Managing Director of Gstaad Saanenland Tourism (GST), once highlighted the significance of the project in an interview with the Anzeiger von Saanen: “Both Gstaad Saanenland Tourism and the village organisation of Schönried see this project as a major opportunity to enhance the region’s tourism offering sustainably. The deliberately limited transport capacity and the decision to no longer use the area as a ski resort align with the soft and nature-focused tourism strategy.”

Privately funded – no cost to the Municipality
The investment in the new Rellerli lift and its operation will be entirely privately financed, according to the Friends of the Rellerli. There will be no burden on municipal finances. Should the development plan be approved and the permitting process proceed as scheduled, the lift could begin operations by the end of 2026.

“This vote on 4 April is about more than just a cable car,” says Welten. “It’s about preserving the Rellerli as a local recreation area for future generations. We are deeply grateful to all the residents of Saanen who support us with their vote.”

Based on AvS | JOP