5 March 2025
The construction of a new chairlift is always an exciting development for any ski resort, and at Perisher, the installation of our new Mt. P 6 chairlift is no exception. Among the many intricate steps involved in bringing an ultra-modern, high-speed lift to life, one of the most fascinating and technically demanding processes is the splicing of the haul rope—the massive steel cable that carries chairs and their riders up the mountain.
This week, with the support of the Perisher crew, the highly skilled Doppelmayr team worked tirelessly to prepare for and successfully splice the new chairlift's haul rope. Watch how it all came together below!
The Art and Engineering Behind Rope Splicing
Splicing a chairlift rope is a highly precise and time-intensive process that demands specialised skill, patience, and teamwork. Unlike traditional ropes, a chairlift's haul rope is intricately engineered. This particular rope consists of six strands, each containing 36 individual wires, resulting in a total diameter of 47mm. Since these cables are manufactured in a continuous length, splicing is a critical step to seamlessly join the ends, ensuring both structural integrity and smooth operation.
How a Chairlift Rope is Spliced
- Preparation & Positioning: The haul rope, which arrives on a massive spool, is pulled around the lift with a smaller 'guide' rope that is already in place over each sheave assembly and bullwheel.
- Unwinding the Strands: The individual strands at each end of the rope are unwound in preparation to splice the two ends together.
- Interweaving the Strands: The separated strands at each end are laid into each other to become the endless rope. The excess strands are straightened and tucked into the rope to become the finished splice.
- Tensioning: Once the splice is completed, the rope is tensioned. This helps to blend the splice seamlessly into the rest of the rope, ensuring smooth travel over sheaves and bullwheels.
- Final Inspections: The entire haul rope is then non-destructively tested to ensure the integrity of the entire rope.
Why Splicing is Important
A properly spliced haul rope is essential for the longevity and safety of the chairlift. Any imperfection in the splice could lead to premature wear, potential failures, or a rough ride for skiers and snowboarders. This is why experienced rope splicing specialists, often with decades of experience, are brought in for the job.
An Entirely New Experience Awaits You on Mt. Perisher!
The new Mt. Perisher 6-seater chairlift will increase uphill capacity, reduce lift lines, and provide improved access to some of the resort’s most beloved terrain.
As we eagerly anticipate the first chairs spinning, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship, engineering, and dedication that goes into something as seemingly simple—but absolutely crucial—as splicing a chairlift rope.
Want to be among the first to ride the brand new Mt. Perisher 6 chairlift this season? Unlock unlimited laps at Perisher, Falls Creek, and Hotham with the 2025 Epic Australia Pass. Plus, enjoy exclusive Pass holder benefits like discounts on accommodation, lessons, rentals, and heaps more as well as access to the best resorts in the Northern Hemisphere for the 25/26 season!
