Narvik Gondola Station תחנת רכבל

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The Narvik top station is the mountain top station for the new gondola on the top point of the ski slopes in Narvikfjellet, a ski resort directly above the Narvik city centre and characterised by one of the steepest height to length ratios - from a 1000 meter above sea level down to the sea, offering some amazing scenery with the view out the Ofoten fiord to the World Heritage area of Lofoten.

Dimensions & Packaging

Length: 41m
Width: 15-26m
Top height above average terrain: 12m

Tags

gondola, topstation, skiresort, narvik, narvikfjellet, alpineresort, skiing

Production Technology

The construction planning focused on optimising shape, construction and materials against heavy wind force and snow loads. Steel frame construction. Reinforced concrete foundations. Matte black metal cladding.

Design Challenge

Optimisation of the combination of gondola requirements and natural forces to be accounted for.

Research

Optimal positioning of gondola cable line, specific bottom and top station location as seen in connection with complete slopes, flow of people and overall organisation of resort. Climatic conditions, wind forces, snow loads and snow drift patterns. Functional requirements (visitors, skiers, technical requirements). Structure optimisation, shape and minimising material usage.

Inspiration

The design forms part of the overall design philosophy of the Narvik Arctic Resort which seeks to express a connection between the city's industrial history and the surrounding dramatic nature. Narvik is shipping-port for the rail and ship transportation of iron ore, represented in the black metal cladding and shaping of the buildings of the resort and the forested mountains represented in the wooden interiors.

Project Duration

Built during fall of 2018, opened for the 2019 winter season in Narvik, Norway.

Operation Flow

The structure is tailor made to gondola specifications and also climatic conditions, while at the same time adhering to the overall design strategy of the resort. It provides safe landing at the top of the mountain for the gondolas with visitors and skiers exiting or boarding the gondola in a sheltered space which also organise the traffic flow of people.

Image Credits

Rune Dahl - photos