It was ironic that this was a major break-through for a Swiss company in Switzerland because Stadeli has, of course, erected several such high-capacity lifts (up to 1,440 passengers/hour) abroad, especially in the U.S.A.
The owners of the Verbier ski operations needed the increased capacity to reduce lift lines. The distance covered by the Medran III chair is 6,068 feet, the vertical rise 2,460 feet.
In constructing the Medran III Stadeli has again introduced a number of technical innovations and refinements. The novel variable-speed (0—492 ft/min) drive is fitted with a specially developed transmission unit, which readily absorbs rope pull, and a direct-action service brake designed to ensure rapid and trouble-free braking. In the event of a current failure the installation can be operated by means of a compact standby drive unit, which moves the 11.5-ft drive wheel by way of a separate transmission. The main drive shaft can be disconnected from the bull wheel easily and quickly, with the result that conversion from main to auxiliary drive requires at the most only one minute. In case of damage to the main transmission unit or to the main drive motor the bull wheel is simply connected to the shaft of the standby drive, which means that skiers can be conveyed safely to the bottom terminal.
The facility provides for bullwheel loading and unloading. A loading barrier is used to control skier access to the loading point. The incoming chair closes the barrier and the outgoing chair opens it. A red/green light signals to the approaching skiers.
The facility has open terminals and the 1½-in haul rope is carried by sheave assemblies incorporating 15¾-in sheaves.
