The Jasná mountain resort in the Low Tatras has launched one of the most technically demanding operations in its history. The resort’s iconic Funitel cable car, which transports visitors from Priehyba to Mt Chopok, is currently undergoing a complete replacement of its haul rope.
First replacement since the cable car was built
Two giant reels carrying the new haul rope have arrived in the resort from Switzerland. The rope has an impressive diameter of 54 millimetres and a total weight of 105 tonnes. Altogether, almost 8,800 metres of rope will be replaced — roughly the same distance as the route from Demänovská Dolina to Liptovský Mikuláš.
“First, we had to lower the original rope to the ground and use winches to pull the new rope alongside it. The old rope was then cut, the new rope was spliced onto it and gradually pulled across all the pylons and through the stations,” explained Braňo Uličný, cable car operations manager.
The replacement of the haul rope is an exceptional intervention and the first of its kind since the Funitel opened in 2012. Unlike the regular spring rope-shortening procedure — a routine operation carried out by a certified Swiss specialist, during which several metres are removed from the rope to compensate for operational stretching — this project involves a complete replacement of the entire rope system.
Funitel: the technological flagship of Jasná
Funitel is the only installation of its kind in Slovakia. Its 24-passenger cabins are suspended on two parallel ropes, giving the system significantly greater resistance to strong winds compared with conventional gondola lifts. The cable car covers a vertical rise of 655 metres and plays a key role in linking the northern and southern sides of the resort, with a transport capacity of 2,480 passengers per hour.
Investment in comfort and safety for years to come
“Funitel is far more than just a cable car — it is a symbol of Jasná and a guarantee that guests can rely on the connection between the northern and southern sides of Mt Chopok, even in conditions that would force standard cable cars and lifts to stop operating. Replacing the rope means investing in safety, reliability and quality for many years ahead,” said Jiří Trumpeš, resort general manager.
Funitel is expected to return to operation on 6th June after the works are completed. Until then, visitors on the northern side of Mt Chopok can use the chairlift running to Luková, which provides access to the stylish Von Roll restaurant and the area of the Petra Vlhová piste, where the Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup is set to take place on 23rd and 24th January 2027.
Up-to-date information on cable car operations in Jasná is available at jasna.sk, via the GoPass app and on the official resort social media channels.
