Val d'Isère is preparing to unveil one of its biggest innovations for winter 2024: the complete replacement of the Vallon de l'Iseran gondola lift.
The project, described by Christophe Lavaut, Director of Val d'Isère Tourisme, as "Pharaonic and ambitiousis designed to improve access to one of the most emblematic sectors of the ski area.
In just a few months, the old gondola lift, installed in 1982, will be dismantled and replaced by a modern, high-performance machine, ready to welcome skiers from 20 December 2024.
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From this winter, the new Vallon gondola will provide an optimised link to the high-altitude sectors, in particular the Pisaillas glacier, with fast, comfortable and safe access.
Compared with the old gondola, the ascent time has been halved: while the previous gondola took 12 minutes to reach an altitude of 2,790 metres, the new version will do so in just 6 and a half minutes.
The more spacious cabins will now seat 10 people, compared with 6 previously, giving skiers a smoother ride.
Faster access to the Pisaillas glacier
The cabins will also offer panoramic views, so you can take full advantage of the Alpine scenery as you climb to the heights.
The resort also chose to install the equipment along the existing axis, thus avoiding any disturbance to pristine natural areas. Thirty pylons were dismantled, freeing up a large part of the slope, allowing local flora and fauna to flourish.
As a reminder, the Vallon de l'Iseran sector has been accessible since 1972 thanks to the installation of the Col ski lift, marking the beginning of the exploitation of this high mountain area.
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In 1982, the installation of the Vallon's first gondola lift (TCD6) considerably improved access to the high altitude, making it easier for skiers to explore the Pisaillas glacier.
"Since then, the machine has never been replaced, making this new infrastructure necessary to meet the growing needs of visitors.explains Christophe Lavaut. It will ease the flow of skiers in the Vallon de l'Iseran and provide easier, faster access to the Pisaillas glacier.
Commissioning is scheduled for 20 December, a few weeks after the opening of the ski area.
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