Bartholet Ropeways drives the future of mobility through Swiss engineering, innovation, and next-generation ropeway solutions
Since its founding in 1962 in Switzerland, Bartholet Ropeways has evolved from a small agricultural machinery workshop into an internationally active specialist in ropeway systems. Today, with more than 300 employees, the company develops, manufactures, installs, and maintains customized solutions for alpine destinations and urban mobility applications worldwide. Since joining the HTI Group in 2022, Bartholet Ropeways has combined its Swiss engineering heritage and focus on quality with the reach of an international network. Guided by its promise, ‘we move. we connect,’ the company continues to develop innovative ropeway solutions that bring people, places, and experiences closer together.
“Our success in 25 countries is based on a combination of innovation, flexibility, and a strong customer focus,” Markus Menzi, Chief Executive Officer of Bartholet Ropeways, begins. “One of our greatest strengths is our ability to develop tailored solutions that are precisely adapted to the specific requirements of each project and location. This allows us to efficiently meet a wide variety of customer needs and market demands.
“Another important success factor is our focus on design and passenger experience. Together with Studio F. A. Porsche, we have set new standards in ropeway design by combining technical excellence with aesthetics and passenger comfort,” he adds. “Alongside our Swiss engineering expertise, international project experience, and high-quality standards, these strengths form the foundation of our successful ropeway projects worldwide.”
With its extensive experience and expertise, Bartholet Ropeways is opening new possibilities for urban mobility, with gondolas, funiculars, and cable cars helping cities ease congestion while reducing noise and emissions. Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing urban environments, these flexible, efficient, and sustainable solutions support modern planning needs while creating more connected, liveable cities.
The company’s new Ropera gondola system showcases the new era of ropeways. “Ropera combines the best aspects of three worlds. Together with the other ropeway manufacturers within the HTI Group, we have developed a detachable monocable ropeway platform that brings together the proven strengths of each brand in a future-oriented solution,” Markus explains. “The platform is designed with a strong focus on efficiency, ease of maintenance, and long-term operational reliability. Its powerful and energy-efficient technology sets new standards while also ensuring particularly quiet operation.
“One of its major advantages compared to existing systems is its strong focus on workplace safety and efficient maintenance. In addition, the modern and durable tensioning system as well as the modular design provide a high level of flexibility for planning, operation and servicing. The concept is complemented by an optimized station roof design created in cooperation with Design Studio F. A. Porsche, combining functionality, protection, and aesthetics.”
Another of Bartholet Ropeway’s innovations is its new RopeTwin system. RopeTwin is the company’s latest-generation aerial tramway, designed to provide efficient and reliable access across challenging terrain, from steep slopes and deep gorges to wide cable spans. This technology has already been effectively delivered in Bartholet Ropeways’ first-ever RopeTwin systems in Rodi-Tremorgio and Fidaz, Switzerland.
“These are particularly important because they are the first RopeTwin platform installations. With these projects, we successfully introduced an innovative and modular platform for aerial tramways into real-world operation,” Markus elaborates. “They demonstrate the flexibility and performance of the system under practical operating conditions and provide valuable references for future projects worldwide. RopeTwin is based on modular components and can therefore be individually adapted to customer requirements. This enables short planning and implementation times while offering a high degree of flexibility for a wide range of applications.”
In other developments, Bartholet Ropeways is making significant strides in its international growth. One such project is its Muttrah cable car project in Oman, which demonstrates the company’s abilities to overcome unique geographical challenges and produce the same, high-quality results.
“The Muttrah ropeway project involves several specific technical challenges,” Markus says. “High temperatures and salty sea air require specially adapted materials, effective corrosion protection, and durable components to ensure reliable long-term operation.
“At the same time, the project represents an important milestone in Bartholet Ropeways’ international growth. It demonstrates our ability to successfully deliver ropeway systems under very different climatic and geographical conditions.”
As Bartholet Ropeways continues to expand its international presence, the company remains focused on the principles that have driven its success for more than six decades: Swiss engineering, innovation, flexibility, and a deep understanding of customer needs. From pioneering urban mobility solutions to tackling demanding alpine terrain and challenging climates, Bartholet Ropeways is demonstrating how ropeway technology can connect people and places in increasingly diverse applications. With a growing portfolio of modular, efficient, and sustainable systems, the company is well positioned to shape the future of mobility worldwide for generations to come.
“We see the greatest opportunities in the areas of RopeTwin, urban mobility, and retrofit solutions. With RopeTwin, we have an innovative and flexible platform that opens new applications for smaller ropeway systems. At the same time, interest in urban ropeways as a complement to existing transport networks is increasing worldwide,” Markus concludes, optimistic for the company’s future ahead.
“Another important growth area is the retrofit business, as many existing installations require modernization and technical upgrades. Furthermore, being part of the HTI Group gives us access to a broader product portfolio and creates valuable synergies in development and production. This enables us to offer our customers even more comprehensive and future-oriented solutions.”
