A clear development strategy
Téléverbier SA has established a 15-year master plan for the ski area, which covers the expected development of the lifts, slopes and snow-making facilities. This plan has been validated following a number of studies.
Once it had been accepted by the 4 communes concerned by our activities (Bagnes, Riddes, Saxon and Orsières), it was modified to anticipate any likely opposition from environmental organisations. Based on our development strategy, it covers all our major projects for the next 15 years and was approved by the governing body in Valais (Conseil d’Etat) in 2013.
Gallery
Modernization of the lifts
The modernization of the lifts, which started in 2004/2005, is part of the strategy devised by the board of directors and implemented according to our business plan. It includes the following key points:
- Strategic importance: depending on their strategic importance, lifts will either be renovated or the concession agreement will be prolonged.
- Sustainable development must be central to all plans.
- There must be solid key lines to transport skiers to the top of the slopes, via a maximum of two lifts.
- The connections (slopes and lifts) between the ski resorts must be efficient. The remaining priority is the connection between Verbier and Savoleyres-La Tzoumaz.
- An optimal distribution of skiers in the area is crucial for their safety and enjoyment.
- Any lifts which don’t meet the predefined occupancy rates must either be removed or replaced, or their capacity must be increased.
- Climate change must be one of the key considerations in development plans.
- The lifts need to be modern, in order to maintain the brand identity on which Verbiers’ reputation is built.
- Priority must be given to the most profitable lifts.
upcoming projects
Esserts-Planards-Savoleyres connection
The new Télémixte installation will link up the Verbier and Savoleyers-La Tzoumaz ski areas. This ambitious, long-term project addresses the need for increased mobility and improved customer experience.
The main aim is to allow skiers to travel easily between Les Ruinettes and Savoleyres-La Tzoumaz without having to remove their skis or take the bus. There are also plans to create a zone specifically for beginners at Les Planards (middle station).
The realisation of this project is the result of a long, complex process, which started in 2011 and involved technical, environmental and statutory challenges. With a new installation in place, the old Savoleyres cable car, which started operating in 1970, will be withdrawn from service, as will the Sud ski lift.
A 6-seater chairlift for the Lac 2
The Lac 2 chairlift is going to be replaced by a 6-seater one supplied by the Swiss firm Bartholet SA . Work started in August 2024, with the installation of the pylon bases, and should be finished in time for the 2025-2026 winter season. It will take two years due to the challenging environmental constraints of working in the mountains. During the winter, construction will have to be suspended, which will automatically extend the duration of the work.
The installation is situated between 2,550 m and 2,750 m and has been operating since 1988. It takes skiers up to the Col de Chassoure, transporting 1,200 people per hour in over five minutes. While this is still within the norm, the lift is going to be renovated to improve safety, comfort and the overall customer experience. The travel time will be reduced to three minutes and the carrying capacity will start at 1,600 people per hour increasing to a maximum capacity of 2,000 people per hour. This will greatly improve the flow of users in this sector.
The Six-Blanc chairlift
There are plans for considerable investment in the Bruson sector, which will significantly enhance the appeal of the ski area. A new detachable 6-seater chairlift is planned for the 2026-2027 winter season, with work due to start in 2025. Approved in accordance with the Téléverbier ski resort area plan, this project will link the bottom of the Pissevache slope to the top of the Grand Tsai.
The initial capacity of this new chairlift will be 1,400 people per hour, gradually increasing to a maximum capacity of 1,600 people per hour. The installation will be supplied by the Swiss firm Bartholet SA and will be identical to that of La Pasay, having seats equipped with weather protection hoods (bubbles). It will provide access to the “Sur le Six” slopes, without having to take the Grand Tsai ski lift. This means that skiers will be able to use the two main axes of the Bruson ski area without having to systematically take the La Pasay chairlift.
Completed projects
L’Inkontro: construction of a new restaurant
Change is coming to the Les Attelas piste! The Chalet Carlsberg is being transformed into a brand-new restaurant set to make this unique location even more special. But L’Inkontro will be much more than just a restaurant! It will be a place for sharing and marvelling. Our vision is to create a space where modern architecture blends harmoniously with the natural landscape.
To make this dream a reality, we are working in close cooperation with the architectural firm FIMA. Their expertise in innovative design and their keen sense of respect for the environment are the key elements which will make L’Inkontro truly one of a kind.
We are also teaming up with Axio Consulting, experts in the management of hotel projects, to master the challenges associated with our location at a height of 2,500 m metres. We are aware of the inherent issues at this altitude, but are determined to meet the deadlines and offer our customers an unforgettable experience.
The restaurant is welcoming you since December 2023.
New lift at Le Châble railway station
A brand-new lift is set to be installed during the coming winter season, offering passengers arriving by train a convenient and simple means of reaching the gondola lift boarding platform with their luggage.
The lift also makes access easier for cyclists, parents with pushchairs and people with reduced mobility. Work is scheduled to start in September 2023 and estimated to last around two months.
A new viewing platform on Mont Fort
In the summer of 2022, work began on the summit of Mont Fort to create a secure viewing platform. Located at an altitude of 3,330 metres, this new platform will give visitors a full view of the entire Alpine chain, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.
It is open since the 2022–2023 winter season.
La Pasay chairlift
The fixed-clamp La Pasay chairlift, built in 1990, has been replaced by a 6-seater detachable chairlift, thus reducing the time spent on the lift from 11 to less than 5 minutes. As for the La Pasay restaurant, it has undergone a complete transformation.
Renewal of the snow-making network
In 1994, the first artificial snow-making system in Verbier was built between the Lac des Vaux and Les Ruinettes. As this line is the backbone of the ski area, it is essential that it is equipped with the latest snow-making technology.
Renovation work on the Lac des Vaux water pumping station and the pipelines will take place during summer 2021-2022. This project, which will be carried out by TechnoAlpin, will help guarantee better snow coverage at the beginning of the winter season.
Upgrading of the Le Châble–Verbier cable car
After 20 years and almost 60,000 hours in operation, the four-seater cable car connecting Le Châble and Verbier requires substantial renovations to be able to handle its next few years of service. This lift has proven highly popular, especially since it became part of the public transport network.
Here is a quick, non-exhaustive summary of the planned renovations:
- Replacement of the carrier/traction cable
- Replacement of the main motor
- Replacement of the electrical drive system
- Upgrade of mechanics
- Complete service of the line’s rollers
Almost two months of intense work are required to complete these renovations.
Replacement of the Médran1 cable car
In use since 1984, the 6-seater lift between Les Ruinettes and Verbier needs to be replaced. The capacity and technology of the current cable car no longer correspond to the needs of Téléverbiers’ customers.
During summer 2021, a new 10-seater cable car will be built by Garaventa. It will have twice the capacity of the former cable car. The Médran and Les Ruinettes stations will be given an important make-over and escalators will be added to improve circulation and customer satisfaction. These should be operational by December 2021.
