ArchiveLarge extension of the Kappl ski Instruction facilities: new beginners' area and new downhill slope
Sunny Mountain – a new innovative SunKid solution
The ski area operated by Kappl Lifts strives to be family-friendly and cater to children. In this spirit, the beginners' area was extensively developed for the 2009 ski season. Above the existing Sunny Mountain children's and ski instruction facilities, a new children's area was created, along with a new ski slope. For the necessary lifts, the existing SunKid conveyor belts were complemented with two new SunKid systems. A 96-metre long wonder carpet with enclosure and a 12-metre long wonder carpet function both as lifts and also access and return routes for the new children's area.
The "Sunny Mountain" Adventure Park
Kappl Lifts constructed the Sunny Mountain Adventure Park directly next to the upper station of the Dias Gondola.
The ski school uses these facilities for children and beginners during the winter. In addition to four SunKid wonder carpets, two additional practice lifts are available to skiers and snowboarders. In addition to the newly constructed "Flaxi slope", named after the ski school's mascot, the Sunny Mountain Adventure Park also has wave trains and moguls suitable for beginners. The SunKid Rotondo Ski and Tubing Carousel, and also the curvy snow tubing track, help provide fun during breaks. For those who prefer to take it easier, beautiful hiking trails surround the Sunny Mountain lake are available for visitors to enjoy.
- The Sunny Mountain Adventure Park in Winter. © BB Kappl
During summer, Sunny Mountain is a popular excursion destination for locals and visitors alike. For children, there is plenty of space to play and explore. The SunKid summer tubing track is a special attraction for visitors. Adults enjoy the spa and Kneipp cure facilities for relaxing and recharging.
Because of all these existing attractions, the Sunny Mountain Adventure Park was further enhanced and expanded to become a year-round destination for fun and leisure.
- Sunny Mountain Adventure Park in Summer. © BB Kappl
Expansion of the beginners' area
"More space for children" was the watchword for Kappl Lifts, so they decided to expand the beginners' area for winter 2009 in cooperation with the Kappl Aktiv Ski School, under the direction of Mr. Thomas Jäger. The new facilities are made just for kids and located above the existing ski school area. In order to overcome the 30m height difference between the two areas, Kappl Lifts decided on an innovative solution with the support of SunKid. Children in the ski school can now reach the children's area via a 96-metre long wonder carpet running through an enclosure, as well as an additional 12-metre long wonder carpet.
- The Beginners' Area on Sunny Mountain, with a Total of Four SunKid Wonder Carpets. © SunKid
Forwards - Backwards
The small guests spend their lunch break in the Sunny Mountain Restaurant. To get there, children also use the new SunKid conveyor belts. Right at noon, the 96-metre long wonder carpet changes direction to bring the children, along with their ski instructors, to the entrance of the Sunny Mountain Restaurant. At the end of a day of instruction, children can return again using the wonder carpet. For Kappl Lifts, the fact that SunKid wonder carpets can convey passengers in both directions was the key factor in their decision to employ this logistical solution. “There is no other conveyor system available that provides the needed transport solution in combination with the necessary capacity and comfort!" says operation manager Andreas Kleinheinz, who is pleased with the SunKid wonder carpets.
- The 96-Metre Long SunKid Wonder Carpet with Enclosure Allows
- Transport in Both Directions - Forward and Backward! © SunKid
Additional special features of the Sunny Mountain facilities are the patented SunKid "Radius" side-exit and the SunKid gallery lift enclosure for the 96-metre long wonder carpet. The operator benefits from both features, gaining higher operating safety and reduced cleaning and maintenance requirements, and minimizing shutdowns due to extreme snowfall. The SunKid special design of the side exit offers these benefits by substituting the shutdown switch and circuit box for a security door in the exit area. The enclosure for the conveyor belt allows maximum safety even in the harshest conditions, and also provides optimal comfort for guests - protecting passengers from snow, wind, rain, and cold!
- The Kappl Aktiv Ski School Benefits from the New, Enhanced Beginners' Facilities. © SunKid
he first impressions from this season show the value of investing in the expansion of the beginners' area. The large number of families are excited about the new improvements on Sunny Mountain and pleased with the results. Kappl Lifts also supports the ski school with their investment by providing better instructional facilities for children and beginners. The SunKid Company was pleased to be able to deliver quality and service as a trusted partner in this project.