Furggen

Beginning in 1952, this machine transported skiers – without pylons – over three kilometers from Plan Maison above Breuil-Cervinia to the 3,491 meter high Furggen. Ski Run 9, which began from this point, was considered one of the most spectacular and dangerous in the Alps.

Breuil-Cervinia was considered a particularly modern ski resort at this time. It was within this era that the Italian architect Carlo Mollino was commissioned to design the mountain station. His original design envisaged spacious platforms floating above the vertical expanse, supported by elegant structural elements and housing a restaurant with a wide, glass façade.

Ultimately, and despite his grand design, the building was only constructed in the minimum possible form in order to ensure the functioning of the mechanics. Inside was a bar, for which Carlo Mollino designed the furniture. This cube structure, which still exists today, only allowed a short stay for the few skiers who were either brave enough or did not recognize the dangers of the Furggen descent. An accompanying walk through a rock tunnel constructed in 1956 was – like the cable car ride – part of the terrifying experience. Together they granted skiers access to the glacier, and the starting point of Ski Run 9.

Cable car service came to an abrupt end in March 1993 when a night storm swept through the valley. As a result of this tenacious storm, ice as thick as a tree trunk formed along the few centimeters-thick suspension and hauling ropes. Under the strain, the haul rope broke and the gondola atop the station shot down into the valley.