The new 10-seater Vallon gondola represents an investment of €25 million for Val d’Isère Téléphériques. A member of the Compagnie des Alpes Group, the company employs nearly 320 staff each winter, has an exclusive concession to operate ski lifts in the municipality of Val d’Isère and a concession, recently renewed, to operate the Pisaillas in the municipality of Bonneval sur Arc until 2032.
Built in just 8 months, to be ready to welcome holidaymakers from 21 December 2024, the 10-seater Vallon gondola will now transport skiers and also pedestrians in less than 7 minutes (compared with 20 minutes for the old gondola) to cover the journey between the Maison Cantonnière and the foot of the Pisaillas glacier, on the Col de l’Iseran at an altitude of 2,790 metres. The arrival station is at the junction of the Haute Tarentaise and Haute Maurienne regions. The modernisation of this 2,800-metre-long line, which forms the backbone of the ski area and is located at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, means that skiers will have easier access to the glacier and be able to reach the highest point in the ski area, at 3,197 metres, on foot or on skis. A room and experiential space within the arrival station are planned for winter 2025/2026.
Val d’Isère Téléphériques decided that modernising access to the Iseran/Pisaillas sector would also be an opportunity to support three local associations working in solidarity. That’s why the old six-seater gondolas were sold, with all the proceeds going to the charity, totalling 30,000 euros. One cabin was also sold at a charity sale during the Critérium de la Première Neige on 14 and 15 December.
The new 10-seater Vallon gondola is due to go into service on the morning of 20 December 2024 for the Christmas holidays.
