With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, the lens of the winter sports world is increasingly focusing on the rich history of the Italian Dolomites. While the region is now synonymous with luxury and the sprawling Dolomiti Superski network, its origins are far more gritty and industrial. Specifically, the story of the Col Alto chairlift in Alta Badia serves as a fascinating case study in post-war reconstruction and ingenuity.
Recently highlighted by the Olympic Channel, the history of the Col Alto lift is inextricably linked to Italian transport pioneer Erich Kostner. In 1947, just two years after the conclusion of World War II, Kostner sought to revitalize the region's tourism infrastructure. A rudimentary sledge lift had operated in Corvara as early as 1938, but the war had rendered it obsolete.
What makes the 1947 Col Alto chairlift historically significant—beyond being Italy's first—is its construction. In an era of scarcity, Kostner improvised. The lift was engineered using materials salvaged from the conflict that had just ravaged Europe. Iron plates from decommissioned tanks were repurposed for structural support, and the system was driven by an engine taken from a Leitner tractor. It is a stark reminder of how the European ski industry often rose quite literally from the ashes of the mid-20th century.
Kostner’s vision extended far beyond a single lift. He was a pivotal figure in the business of skiing, eventually co-founding the Dolomiti Superski consortium in 1974 and establishing the National Association of Cable Car Operators (ANEF). His work laid the foundation for the interconnected ski culture that defines the region today.
The hardware itself has mirrored the industry's rapid technological advancement. The original single-seater with wooden pylons was upgraded to a double chair in 1978, a detachable quad in 1990, and finally replaced by a high-capacity 8-seater gondola in 2006. Today, Alta Badia operates what is essentially an aerial subway system, a far cry from the tractor-driven mechanics of the late 40s.
For those looking to experience this history firsthand, Alta Badia remains a centerpiece of Italian skiing, currently holding a ShredIndex score of 69.6/100. It is a testament to Kostner's legacy that the resort has evolved from a single salvaged lift into a world-renowned destination. If you are planning a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Italian lift-accessed skiing, you can book accommodation in Alta Badia to explore the modern iteration of Kostner's vision.
Erich Kostner passed away in 2018 at the age of 97, but the infrastructure he pioneered continues to drive the economic engine of the Dolomites.
Source: Unofficial Networks
