New gateway to the mountains – with safety guaranteed
In April 2025, ground was broken for the new 10-person gondola lift. This will replace the two outdated chairlifts and create a new access point to the extensive Brandnertal skiing, hiking and biking area near Bludenz. Labor Strauss (LST) has been involved in the project since the planning phase began in January 2023. The task: comprehensive fire protection for the lift using a combination of several areas from the LST portfolio. This is a milestone for Labor Strauss: "The Loischkopfbahn lift is our first project in the Alpine region to utilise our entire product range, from the fire detection system and the smoke and heat extraction system to the emergency lighting system. We are extremely pleased to have found such a committed project partner in Bergbahnen Brandnertal," says Niko Gorbach, project manager at LST.
Maximum safety for maximum visitor numbers
A modern cable car is not only a technical means of transport, but also a visitor magnet with high demands on evacuation concepts and emergency communication. By combining automatic fire detection, networked alarms, permanently available remote monitoring and sophisticated safety lighting, a system has been created that offers maximum safety in every situation.
The feedback from the project partners has been consistently positive. In particular, the comprehensive system approach – from the control panel to the emergency lighting, from the siren to remote access – is praised by the operators as exemplary.
Comprehensive system with decentralised intelligence
At the heart of the fire protection concept for the Loischkopfbahn is a networked fire detection system that covers the entire area – from the valley station to the middle station to the mountain station. Three BC600 LST fire detection control panels were installed in the respective stations and networked via fibre optic cables. This setup ensures fast communication, short response times and fail-safe operation across multiple elevation levels.
Around 200 automatic fire detectors and 30 manual call points were installed at strategically relevant points for detection purposes. Over 60 base sounders also ensure immediate acoustic alarms in the event of danger. The system is supplemented by a fire brigade information panel with full connection to the Vorarlberg rescue and fire brigade control centre.
An additional special feature: the entire system is linked to REACT – LST's remote access system. This allows the system to be monitored, operated and analysed for faults in real time via mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones or PCs – including visualisation of the stations on a map. For operators, this means complete control and the fastest possible response times, even from a distance.