SAM Magazine—Vancouver, B.C., April 2, 2024—In a rare visit to North America, the 12th International OITAF (International Organization for Transportation by Rope) Ropeway Congress will be held June 17-21 in Vancouver, Canada.

The conference, with the theme of “Smart Transport Solutions,” will include information on both urban and tourist area ropeways, ropeway operations, emerging technology, and sustainability.

Held just once every seven years, the OITAF meeting will include discussions on projects utilizing cable cars and gondolas for public transportation in cities like Toulouse and Brest in France and Mexico City, as well as a proposed gondola in Burnaby, B.C., that would link the city’s SkyTrain station and Burnaby Mountain, which is home to a campus of Simon Fraser University.

“If you own, design, build, operate, or are just interested in large ropeway systems, detachable or fixed-grip chairlifts, tramways, or material transport systems, the 12th International OITAF Congress is for you,” said Tom Scully, president of OITAF’s North American Continental Section. “This is a great opportunity to listen to papers presented by some of the world’s leading tramway people on a multitude of subjects where we can delve into the forefront of ropeway advancements, explore the latest developments, cutting-edge technologies, and industry best practices.”

Scully said the congress provides a platform for engaging in discussions on current challenges and emerging trends, with a significant international flavor and a broad selection of papers presented and reviewed in English.

Experts from companies like Doppelmayr and Poma will present sessions on topics such as operations, maintenance, training, and increasing the lifespan of ropeways; the general manager of Metro de Medellín will talk about what it has taken to keep an urban cable car running for more than 20 years.

Weather, fire risk, cybersecurity, climate change, and even the intersection between ropeways and snowmaking will also be discussed. Conference excursions will include a trip to experience the Grouse Mountain cable car, the Peak 2 Peak cable car at Whistler to Blackcomb, and the scenic Sea to Sky gondola over Howe Sound in Squamish.

OITAF is comprised of lift manufacturers, engineers, and other ropeway global leaders. Conference registration is now open online.

— Reported by Bob Curley

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