The Official Opening of the new Chenus Gondola

Another big event today in Courchevel with the official “Inauguration” of the new Chenus Gondola. All the top people of Courchevel, the Tourist Office, the Mairie, S3V, POMA, National Press, Les 3 Vallées Association plus loads of ski instructors and Méribel Alpina & Sevabel lift company representatives were in attendance.

The new lift is a game changer – especially on poor weather days – for getting back to La Tania. Increased capacity from 4 to 10 seats, directly on the snow front so no ramps, less pylons, less impact, less noise, less power – but faster and a doubling of skiers per hour to 2,400.

This video shows the behind the scenes construction – it is remarkable, the removal of the old stations & pylons, the foundations, station construction work and guys hanging off ladders guiding second stages of pylons from helicopters to bolt them together then perched on top mounting pulleys and wheels. They show the installation of the cable too and how it’s spliced together! AMAZING!

Very impressive presentations from the people involved today including awards to some of the POMA staff who were perched on top of those pylons! Utilizing the latest technology, new AI CAD systems, state of the art electronic displays and management systems had one S3V liftie saying we’ve gone from a 2CV to a Tesla!

The snow front access, modern turnstiles and larger cabins also means access is much easier for pedestrians and those with disabilities (and can we suggest Mountain Bikes in the Summer too – please S3V?).

At the top there are new toilets and a fantastic indoor, warm, picnic area with tables, chairs, sofas, vending machines, microwaves, hot water, sinks and a coffee machine.

A great event, and good to see the municipality, Marie, tourist office, S3V, POMA, etc all working together in harmony and celebrating a great new asset for Courchevel – looking forward to the upgrade of the La Tania gondola starting this Summer and that “Inauguration“. Well done everybody…

The New Chenus Gondola

Courchevel focuses on innovation and sustainability.
After 55 years of faithful service, the Chenus gondola is entering a new phase of modernization. Scheduled for winter 2025/2026, this major transformation will provide Courchevel 1850 with a state-of-the-art infrastructure, designed to optimize the customer experience while respecting environmental concerns.

Designed by POMA, a world leader in cable transport solutions, this new gondola will accommodate 10-person EVO 2 cabins, offering a capacity of 2,400 people per hour. This advancement is part of an eco-design approach, with a route close to the existing installation, thus reducing the impact on ecosystems.

AN OPTIMIZED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
In addition to increasing transport capacity, the project significantly transforms the infrastructure:

• At the departure station: Relocated to the heart of the Courchevel 1850 snow front, the new station will streamline passenger flow, notably relieving congestion in the Verdons queue and opening up the Croisette snow front.
• On the line: Thanks to an unchanged route, the construction will minimize the impact on the surrounding landscape, while offering greater wind resistance, ensuring increased availability.
• At the arrival station: Designed to be more spacious, it will incorporate additional services such as a picnic room, public restrooms, and a logistics area for freight transport. The goal: to reduce the need for snowmobiles and snow groomers to supply mountain restaurants.

A DUAL CHALLENGE COMBINING COMFORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The aging Chenus gondola lift had cramped cabins, low capacity, and reduced availability on windy days. These factors made the renovation of this infrastructure, located on the Croisette snow front, essential.

The new project stands out for its refined design and eco-responsible innovations, such as the integration of solar panels (336 m² planned for the arrival station) and a rainwater harvesting system, capable of collecting 750 m³ of water annually. The project’s carbon footprint was also analyzed by experts, ensuring a controlled environmental impact. (The removed materials are sorted and recycled; aggregates extracted from the site are used for construction materials; water is recovered to supply the concrete plant; and a manufacturing platform is used to minimize transportation.)

A COLLABORATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE PROJECT
Launched in 2023, this project mobilizes a consortium of experts under the expert guidance of DCSA, the project manager, and with the participation of numerous engineering firms (fluid, energy, carbon, environment, snow science, hydrology, structural engineering, cost estimating, geotechnical engineering). The construction schedule spans two years:

• Summer/Autumn 2024: Preparatory work, including clearing and rerouting of utility lines.
• Winter 2024/2025: Maintenance of the existing gondola lift. • Summer 2025: Dismantling of the old installation and final implementation of the project for a December opening.

AN EXEMPLARY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
In addition to reducing carbon footprint and integrating energy systems, the project includes concrete measures to preserve biodiversity: a construction schedule adapted to respect local wildlife, bird-marking devices to reduce bird collisions, dismantling of the Coqs chairlift, and planting of the redesigned areas with a mix of local plant seeds.
The dismantling of the Coqs chairlift, whose capacity will be taken over by the new Chenus gondola, is part of the overall approach to optimizing Courchevel’s lift network. This initiative also aims to reduce the visual impact by removing two stations and fifteen pylons, in accordance with the resort’s environmental commitment.

With this project, the 3 Valleys company is positioning itself as a leader in innovation and environmental responsibility in the ski lift sector, combining modernization, performance, and respect for the natural Alpine heritage.

• Total budget: €25 million (including VAT)
• Capacity: 2,400 people/hour (compared to 1,200)
• Length: 1,898m
• Vertical drop: 479m
• Number of cabins: 54
• Number of pylons: 11 (compared to 15)
• Photovoltaic panels: 336 m²
• Energy savings: -8%