It's a page that's being turned... only to be written again. After more than 55 years of loyal service, the legendary Chenus gondola lift, which links the Courchevel 1850 snow front to the ridges of the same name, will be bidding farewell. In winter 2025/2026, it will be replaced by a new state-of-the-art facility designed by POMAIt promises to reinvent the skier's experience thanks to a power-up that's as fluid as it is comfortable. We tell you all about it.
The project, led by Société des 3 Vallées (S3V) with the support of the town council of Courchevel and several design offices, aims to completely transform the strategic link between the heart of the resort and the heights.
The result is a 10-seater EVO gondola capable of carrying up to 2,400 people per hour at 5 m/s. All the more reason to improve traffic flow on one of the busiest routes in the resort.
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The line's route will remain virtually unchanged, to limit environmental impact, but the whole system will be redesigned: a departure station closer to the snow front, more integrated and accessible, increased throughput, and above all a modernised arrival to better distribute flows to neighbouring sectors, in particular the Plantrey TSD.
The new facility will also enable freight to be transported for high-altitude restaurant owners, reducing the need for snowmobiles and groomers.
The reason the change is so eagerly awaited is that the current aircraft is showing its limitations: narrow cabins, a feeling of crowding, noisy operation, strong wind, frequent breakdowns and high maintenance costs.
New Chenus: Comfort, performance... and silence
The new gondola lift will make up for all these shortcomings. It will offer greater comfort, easier boarding and greater stability, even in capricious weather. Courchevel is now equipped to match its image: top-of-the-range, high-performance and forward-looking.
Since the summer of 2024, the first works have been underway: land clearance, earthworks and foundations. The current gondola lift is operational until the end of this winter season, and will be dismantled in the off-season.
True to its commitments, S3V is making this project part of an exemplary sustainable development approach.
A carbon assessment has been carried out, photovoltaic panels (350 m²) will cover the arrival station, optimised materials will be chosen, and measures will be taken to protect wildlife and revegetate areas affected by the works. Birdmarks will also be used to make the cables visible to birds.
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The new gondola lift project also entails dismantling the Coqs chairlift, which has become obsolete with the new flow distribution.
This major project is part of a wider overhaul of the ski area, aimed at easing congestion at key points, improving the welcome for beginners and offering an even better quality experience in Courchevel.
Join us in winter 2025/2026 to embark on this new technological and architectural jewel... which promises to make climbing rhyme with elegance, performance and commitment.
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