A look behind the scenes at Madrisa Mountain Railways

We are a team of around 25 people who work summer and winter to ensure that the gondolas run, the plates are steaming and our guests take home a piece of happiness with them from Madrisa. In summer, we are joined by around 30 more colleagues, and in winter up to 100 more – then things really start to get lively.

A team like a colourful rucksack

Some of us set off late in the evening with the snow groomer to prepare the slopes overnight, others get the restaurants ready for a day full of guests or start up the computer systems for planning in the background. We are a colourful bunch of technicians, restaurateurs, all-rounders and organisational talents. And yes, we have heated discussions about the best ideas, dialects or the best pizza on the menu, but we all know that we are here together to give our guests a special day in the mountains.

Families, connoisseurs – and dogs

Our guests are just as diverse as we are. Families who enjoy the adventure playground, connoisseurs who celebrate the sun on the terrace with a glass of wine – and just as welcome: dogs, who often have the best instinct for where it is most beautiful.

With heart and mind

We are particularly proud of our collaboration with Madrisa mit Herz. Thanks to the foundation, people with disabilities also work for us, both in technical and catering roles. They are just as much a part of the team as everyone else and contribute their own unique strengths. For us, this is normal – and at the same time an enrichment without which the Madrisa team would not be the same.

Our philosophy

Our philosophy is simple: we don't just move gondolas, we move people. With heart, joy and respect for nature and the region – because we are responsible for the mountain that supports us.

Summer & winter – two sides of the same coin

In winter, we are the ski resort with sunny slopes and children's laughter. In summer, Madrisa transforms into a world of fun and enjoyment at over 1,800 metres. For us as a team, this means new tasks, new guests, but always the same mountain that we all love.

In short: we are Madrisa Mountain Railways – a colourful, motivated bunch who put their hearts into ensuring that every day on the mountain is an experience.

See you soon on Madrisa!
Your Madrisa team

What actually happens during the autumn overhaul on the Madrisa?

Take a look behind the scenes of our mountain transport system

When hiking boots gradually make way for ski boots on the Madrisa, things are anything but quiet for us. Before the first guest kicks off the winter season with a ride on the lifts, our technical teams really get going: it's time for the annual overhaul. 

What does that mean? Simply said: we get our facilities ready for winter – ensuring everyone gets up the mountain safely, comfortably and with a smile.

Screwing, checking, and lubricating – we put our heart and soul into it.

Whether it's a gondola lift, chairlift, or magic carpet, every facility is checked in minute detail, serviced, and made ready. Brakes are tested, roller batteries are dismantled and lubricated, electronics are checked, and all safety functions are tested multiple times. We also bring our snow-making equipment and snow groomers from their summer rest and prepare them for their next central mission.

At Madrisa, there are also female workers in this male-dominated field. Our technical team consists not only of men but also of some tough women. This mixed bunch is technically top-notch and works well as a team. There is often laughter—and sometimes even swearing in the Prättigau dialect—but in the end, what counts is that everyone pulls at the same rope.

No winter operation without an overhaul

Many guests are unaware of how much work is required behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly and, above all, safely. This is precisely what overhauls are for. They are required by law—and a matter of course for us. After all, only when everything is perfectly prepared can we kick off the winter season feeling fully relaxed and confident.

A little like Christmas...

To be honest: when the gondolas start running again on the first day of winter, the first skis click into the bindings and the snow crunches under our boots – it feels a little like Christmas to us. Because we know: Everything is ready. Everything is safe. Let's get started.

Curious? Suppose you happen to be hiking on our mountain in autumn. In that case, you might see someone hanging upside down from the ropeway cable, one foot on the mast and a roller in their hand – then you'll know: that's us, in the middle of our annual overhaul, in the middle of preparing for your winter.

See you soon on the Madrisa!
Your Madrisa crew