April 14, 2026, 2:36 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The Langkofel Group massif in South Tyrol is a dream destination for nature lovers and especially hikers in the Italian Alps. And for those who shy away from climbing, there’s been a unique way to get close to the summit. And it has been in operation for nearly 70 years. It’s humorously referred to as the “coffin lift” due to the shape of its cabins. Moreover, passengers can only stand in the cabins. Despite the lack of comfort, it’s quite an expensive experience.
Among hikers and nature enthusiasts in Italy’s South Tyrol, the Langkofel is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps of our neighboring country. Standing at 3,181 meters, it towers over the Val Gardena as the crown of the Langkofel Group, also known as “Sassolungo” in Italian. Nearby is the equally spectacular mountain formation of the Tre Cime, making the region a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the cable car that has been bringing guests to the “Sassolungo” for nearly 70 years is a sight in itself. Its cabins have a rather peculiar shape, humorously referred to as the coffin lift.
The wide, spacious gondolas familiar from other resorts are nowhere to be found here. The “cabin” of the Langkofel cable car, the “Forcella Sassolungo,” accommodates a maximum of two guests. And they must stand upright throughout the entire ride in the coffin lift. There are no seats in this “space marvel.” “Our facility dates back to 1959,” says Igor Marzola, a spokesperson for the “Sassolungo” resort, in response to a TRAVELBOOK inquiry. Back then, the ride was even more adventurous, as guests ascended the mountain in a kind of standing basket. The gondola was also open, leaving passengers exposed to the whims of nature, wind, and weather. In 1971, it was replaced by yellow, enclosed standing gondolas.
Plans for Expansion
The cabins in their current design have been in operation since 1992. The adventurous ride on the coffin lift begins at the Sellajoch valley station, known as Passo Sella in Italian. This station is already at an elevation of 2,150 meters. More than 400 meters in elevation are overcome in the cramped conditions of the unique cable car before reaching the Toni Demetz refuge at 2,685 meters. According to Marzola, the special cable car was deliberately built this way because it navigates very narrow passages. “Wider cabins would bump into things here, so it’s remained the same since its maiden voyage.”
Getting into the coffin lift takes some getting used to, as it doesn’t stop for passengers. Instead, they must board during the ride, with the staff of the “Forcella Sassolungo” assisting if needed. According to the Alpenverein Südtirol, there have been plans since the 1980s to replace the rather uncomfortable coffin lift with a larger, more modern system. Mountain enthusiasts strongly oppose this idea, already complaining about increasing tourist influx and the resulting “precarious” water shortage at the Toni Demetz hut.
“Devastating Effects”
The Alpenverein also fears “devastating effects” on the landscape if such a modern system is built. Concrete plans for this were last seen in 2023, as criticized by the South Tyrol faction in a press release at the time. According to them, there was a specific plan for expanding the coffin lift. This included doubling the passenger capacity, more than doubling the concrete supports, and quadrupling the size of the mountain station. Marzola confirms these ambitions, saying only briefly: “But the Greens were against it, so the project is on hold for now.”
A partial victory for the Alpenverein and various conservation groups that protested against the expansion of the coffin lift, calling it “absolutely unacceptable.” What might also upset many guests of the unique gondola are its rather steep prices. A one-way ride up the mountain costs 25 euros, while a round-trip ticket including the return journey costs 35 euros. People aged 8 to 18 still have to pay 17.50 euros or 24.50 euros. Those wishing to bring a dog will be charged an additional five euros. The “Forcella Sassolungo” operates daily between 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m.