Gondolas and chairlifts are an essential part of the Levi experience throughout the year. But what does it take to keep them operating safely in all weather conditions? We took a behind-the-scenes look at lift operations together with Levi Ski Resort's Slope Operations Manager, Teemu Hämäläinen.

Gondolas and chairlifts are an essential part of the Levi experience throughout the year. In winter, they transport skiers to the slopes, while in summer they carry hikers, cyclists and sightseers to the top of the fell. But what does it take to keep the lifts operating safely in all weather conditions?

Teemu Hämäläinen, Slope Operations Manager at Levi Ski Resort, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at lift operations, maintenance and safety procedures.

Scenic Rides Since 2000

Levi is known for its extensive slope network and modern lift system. Among the resort's 26 lifts, two stand out in particular: the gondolas, which offer passengers spectacular views of the landscapes of Fell Lapland all year round.

Gondoli2000 was opened in the year 2000. It was Levi's first gondola lift and marked an important milestone in the resort's development. The lift carries visitors directly to the top of the fell and has a capacity of up to 3,000 passengers per hour.

In 2007, a second gondola, the Express Gondola, was opened at the Front Slopes. By then, Levi had already established itself as one of the leading ski resorts in the Nordic countries.

When Does a Lift Close?

Lift operations are affected by weather conditions, safety considerations and technical factors. The most common reason for closing a lift is strong wind.

– Wind direction is just as important as wind speed. If the wind blows along the lift line, it is less problematic than a crosswind or a diagonal wind. If wind speeds exceed approximately 15 metres per second from an unfavourable direction, the lift is closed for safety reasons, says Teemu Hämäläinen.

It is not uncommon for conditions in Levi village to be calm while strong winds are blowing at the top of the fell. This is why weather conditions are continuously monitored across the mountain.

During exceptionally strong winds, gondola cabins are removed from the cable and stored safely.

Extreme Cold Can Stop a Lift

During winter, severe cold can also affect lift operations. Levi's lifts have a temperature limit of -25°C.

Temperatures can vary significantly at different elevations on the fell. During temperature inversion conditions, it may be considerably colder at the base station than at the summit.

– It is possible for the base station to be at -25°C while temperatures at the top are close to zero. However, if temperatures at the upper station reach -25°C, the lifts are closed. We also have to consider potential emergency situations. If a lift stopped and passengers needed to be evacuated, waiting in extreme cold would be very uncomfortable, Hämäläinen explains.

Thunderstorms and Summer Storms

In summer and autumn, thunderstorms are the most significant weather-related risk.

If a thunderstorm approaches the area, lifts are closed as a precaution. Thunderstorms are often accompanied by strong gusts of wind that may affect safe lift operations.

– We continuously monitor weather forecasts. Stopping Gondoli2000 and moving the cabins into storage takes about half an hour. If it appears that the storm will pass quickly, the cabins can remain on the cable, but then a grounding cable is used as lightning protection, says Hämäläinen.

Ice and Snow Require Constant Monitoring

Winter weather can create challenges that are less visible to guests.

Especially early in the season, damp conditions and freezing drizzle can cause ice to accumulate on lift cables.

– When temperatures hover around freezing and ice starts forming on the cable, the situation must be monitored closely. The conditions in Levi were once so unusual that lift manufacturers came here to see the phenomenon themselves. Today, we use a system that sprays anti-icing fluid onto the cable when necessary, Hämäläinen says.

Trees growing alongside lift lines are also monitored throughout the winter. Heavy snow loads can accumulate on branches and create a potential hazard for lift operations.

Every morning, lift lines are inspected by snowmobile before opening.

Levi's Rope Rescue Team Is Ready Year-Round

Although lift safety is primarily based on prevention, all possible situations are carefully planned for in advance.

If a lift cannot be restarted even with the auxiliary diesel-powered drive system and passengers remain inside the gondola, a specially trained rope rescue team is called into action. Rescuers evacuate passengers one at a time using specialised lowering equipment.

– In such a situation, the emergency services are notified first, after which Levi's own rope rescue team is called out. During winter, the team reaches the lift line by snowmobile. Rescuers climb the lift tower, move along the cable to the gondola and descend onto its roof. Passengers are then lowered safely to the ground one by one, explains Hämäläinen.

Levi also has a dedicated rescue vehicle equipped with a 16-metre boom, which can be used to evacuate passengers from both chairlifts and gondolas.

Although extensive rescue procedures are in place, passengers have never had to be evacuated from a lift by Levi's rope rescue team.

Preparedness is maintained through regular training. Levi's rope rescue team practises twice a year, while the Lapland Rescue Department conducts annual training exercises at the resort. Levi also cooperates closely with Ylläs, and rescue equipment can be shared between the resorts when required.

Rope rescue operations are governed by strict regulations and international safety standards that define both rescue procedures and training requirements.

Lift Safety Relies on Continuous Maintenance

Safe lift operations are based not only on modern technology, but also on continuous monitoring, maintenance and inspections.

Every lift is inspected daily before opening. Lift operators carry out routine morning checks, and any irregularities are immediately reported to the maintenance team.

In addition, lifts undergo regular maintenance throughout the year.

During monthly maintenance inspections, the upper and lower stations, lift towers, roller assemblies and cable alignment are thoroughly checked. Bearings, bolts and other wear components are also inspected.

Annual inspections are carried out by an independent inspection body. At Levi, these inspections are performed by Kiwa, one of the world's leading testing, inspection and certification companies.

Wear components are monitored according to manufacturer-defined maintenance schedules.

– For example, the turnaround wheel bearings have a service life of approximately 20,000 operating hours. After that they are monitored more closely or replaced. Since Gondoli2000 was commissioned, these bearings have been replaced twice, says Hämäläinen.

The lift cables are inspected with specialised measuring equipment every four years, making it possible to detect issues such as broken strands. The anchoring structures of the lift foundations are also inspected regularly.

Major maintenance work is carried out during periods when the lifts are not in daily operation. In addition to technical inspections, safety relies heavily on staff training. Lift personnel regularly practise various emergency and malfunction scenarios to ensure quick and safe responses whenever needed.