The history of the Monte Lema ski lift began in the 1950s, thanks to the initiative of Countess Caterina Leon De Miléant. Owner of the pastures around Alpe Cavalera, the countess promoted the creation of a chairlift to enhance Malcantone and make it more accessible to visitors. The company ‘Seggiovia Monte Lema SA’ was officially established on 13 April 1950, with an initial share capital of 80,000 Swiss francs.
The chairlift, built by the Von Roll company in Bern, went into operation on 6 April 1952 and was officially inaugurated in July of the same year. The lift started from Miglieglia and overcame a difference in altitude of 844 metres, supported by 27 pylons. The rope had a diameter of 26 mm and a speed of 2.5 metres per second, allowing a travel time of 18 minutes and a maximum transport capacity of 250 people per hour. The two-seater seats were designed in 1945.

In 1965 and 1969, two ski lifts were added, of 285 metres and 790 metres respectively, to increase the mountain’s winter attractiveness. However, due to the scarcity of snow in the following years, these ski lifts ceased operation in 1994.
In 1997, the historic chairlift was replaced by a modern cable car consisting of two sets of three cabins, each with a capacity of 45 persons. This new installation reduced the travel time to about 7 minutes, improving efficiency and comfort for visitors.
Today, Monte Lema is a favourite destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering spectacular views over the valleys of southern Ticino, Lake Lugano, the Luinese valleys and Lake Maggiore. From the summit, on a clear day, it is possible to admire the Grisons and Bernese Alps, the Valais peaks with their glaciers and the Po Valley.