Countdown to the new cable car in Valsesia, a 23-million project

A 23-million investment to revitalise an infrastructure project – the Scopello-Mera cable car – which has the potential to transform the Alpe di Mera, on the Piedmontese side of Monte Rosa, into a year-round tourist destination. The project saw Finpiemonte Partecipazioni – the Region’s financial holding company – act as the ‘financial arranger’ and was able to draw on approximately 10 million in funding from the Ministry of Tourism and credit support from Banco BPM.

Later today, senior members of the Piedmont Regional Government are due to visit the construction site to inspect an infrastructure project designed to reshape the development model for the whole of Valsesia. This is one of the most significant tourism infrastructure projects carried out in recent years in the Piedmontese Alps and stems from the institutions’ commitment to supporting the competitiveness of mountain resorts.

The new facility will replace the chairlift that came into service in 1976, improving accessibility, comfort, safety and transport capacity. The new lift will connect Scopello to Alpe di Mera via a 2,344-metre route with an elevation gain of 865 metres, featuring an intermediate station, 40 ten-seater cabins and an hourly capacity of between 1,400 and 2,400 passengers, with journey times reduced to around eight minutes.

From a financial perspective, the construction of the cable car is the result of a collaboration between public bodies, which have developed a funding model to support this infrastructure, considered strategic for the region. Finpiemonte Partecipazioni worked alongside the Piedmont Region and Monterosa 2000 to define the financial structure of the operation, helping to make a project characterised by a long-term industrial outlook bankable.

Of the total of 23 million euros, 10 million come from the Ministry of Tourism, a further 10 million from the Piedmont Region and Finpiemonte Partecipazioni, and 3 million from the Province of Vercelli, the Unione Montana, the Municipality of Scopello and other local authorities. The ability to transport visitors, families, hikers and sports enthusiasts with ease will make it possible to expand the range of activities on offer at Alpe di Mera, encouraging the development of integrated tourism products that can be enjoyed at various times of the year.