SL1 ropeway design has been started at the All-season Tourist and Recreational Complex Arkhyz in Karachay-Cherkessia; the ropeway will be built from the top station of the gondola lift B10 towards the ridge of Abishira-Akhuba at the height of 3100 metres.

The facility will include a passenger ropeway and a multifunctional centre. The length of the lift on the slope will be 2240 meters, the throughput is 1200 persons per hour. The elevation difference between the lower and the upper stations of the ropeway will be 895 metres. The ski lift will provide access of tourists to the freeride area and the R8 track of “black” category of complexity, to view points and a viewpoint restaurant.

“This elevation point is a popular view point for hiking mountain trails. From here, one can observe the main Caucasian Ridge, the Valley of Arkhyz, the Sophia glacier and the glacial lakes. We will do our best to take into account these features when designing the multifunctional center, which will include a high-mountain restaurant and view points, said Svyatoslav Vilk, NCR OJSC Deputy Director General for Development. Thus, according to him, the facility will be of interest not only for skiers, but also for tourists coming to the resort for sightseeing in the winter and summer seasons.

The design of the multifunctional centre will provide the maximum proximity of the upper station of the cable car, the building of the centre, the view points and the launch sites for the preparation and skiing down to the freeride zone and the route R8. The site will also have a first-aid post and a room for rescuers. The multifunctional centre will be provided with all necessary engineering networks.

The completion of the facility design is scheduled for December 2015.