Murren, a quaint car-free Swiss village of 450 inhabitants, is nestled on a mountain ledge with a view of the Alps.

       Since December, a new record-breaking lift has transported visitors from a car park at the valley base in Stechelberg (866m) to the village centre (1,640m) in just four minutes.

       This is merely the initial phase of a ￡100-million project to replace the entire series of lifts from Stechelberg to the Schilthorn (2,970m), the pinnacle of Murren’s ski area.

       The descent to Stechelberg on the world’s steepest cable car has a gradient of 159.4%, or just under 60 degrees.

       Due to the steep ascent and descent, the cabin must hang from an extended arm to avoid colliding with the cable, using extra-tall pylons to keep it elevated above the ground and the chalets below.

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       Groups are advised to pause their journey upwards to explore the charming village of Murren and the attractions available at the higher mid-station.

       The second section of the innovative new lift chain, stretching from Murren (1640m) to Birg (2670m), was also unveiled before Christmas.

       Its unique design features double cables for stability during windy conditions and two independently operating cabins.

       During peak times, both cabins run simultaneously to manage queues, while during quieter periods, one can be shut down for cost-saving and maintenance purposes.

       The upgrade has doubled capacity from 400 to 800 passengers per hour, with operations running 365 days a year.

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       The lift company’s profits are reinvested into the ski area, funding snow-making, piste grooming, snow parks, and faster chairlifts.

       Throughout the lengthy construction period, Schilthornbahn successfully maintained full operation of the existing lifts and ski area, except for the top section from Birg to the Schilthorn.

       This section was closed for five months last October, temporarily losing a popular black run and halting day-trip operations.

       The new lift on this upper section will reopen on March 15, just in time for the final month of the ski season and the influx of Easter holidaymakers.