The project combines a ten-person gondola, work on the return piste and an expanded Punka. Arriving by train remains central to the valley access.
Versciaco is preparing a new access to Monte Elmo. The Helmissimo gondola, presented by the 3 Cime Dolomiti ski area for winter 2026/27, will have ten-person cabins and will be accompanied by work on the return piste, snowmaking facilities and the Punka building at the base.
The project comes in the year when the destination celebrates fifty years since the first lift at Versciaco. The inauguration is announced for late November, but the anniversary programme and the actual opening for skiing remain separate pieces of information.
The gateway from the valley floor
An access gondola primarily shapes the first ascent and the return journey. For those staying in the valley, its role differs from that of a chairlift used several times throughout the day: it is the point through which they enter the piste network and to which they return.
Helmissimo maintains this relationship with Versciaco and Monte Elmo. The work on the valley descent and snowmaking should be considered alongside the new lift, because it concerns the same entrance to the ski area.
A widened return piste does not automatically become suitable for every skier. When choosing the final route of the day, ability, conditions and fatigue must all be considered, without treating the new lift as a promise about the difficulty of the descent.
The train arrives beside the lifts
Versciaco is also one of the reference points for the Ski Pustertal Express, the connection linking the railway and the ski areas of Val Pusteria. The destination presents arrival by train as an alternative to driving to the slopes.
For a car-free holiday, this changes the accommodation choice: you can consider a village served by the line and organise the day around the station and the gondola. However, the journey time to check is that of the entire trip, including the final stretch from the accommodation to the train and the return service.
There is no need to promise perfect connections to recognise the advantage of having access concentrated in one place. What is needed instead is the railway timetable for the relevant period and the lift’s operating status on the chosen day.
A change to explore with the new map
The renewal at Versciaco does not mean that all the mountains in the 3 Cime area will open simultaneously. At the beginning of the season, the possibility of continuing into other sectors will depend on their respective lifts and connecting runs.
For those returning after several years, the first useful check is therefore twofold: how the new ascent works and how far they can continue on skis. Helmissimo renews the gateway; the full day still needs to be planned around the network that is actually open.
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