Where to Ski And Snowboard - New high-tech gondola replaces Les Prodains cable car in Avoriaz

New high-tech gondola replaces Les Prodains cable car in Avoriaz

25th September 2012, by Abi Butcher

The 50-year-old Les Prodains cable car that links Morzine with Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil will be replaced by a new, high-tech gondola next February.

The long-awaited new Les Prodains lift will carry between 2,000 and 2,400 passengers per hour, depositing passengers in Jean Vuarnet square in Avoriaz in just four minutes.

The slow link has been a long-standing problem with the area, particularly when Avoriaz snow attracts visitors from Morzine.

The new lift, which opens on 15 February 2013, is Swiss-made “3s technology”. It has two carrying cables, for maximum stability, and one hauling cable so the lifts will move around continuously.

Twelve cars, with seating for 35 passengers, will whisk skiers up the mountain at seven meters per second. The top station will be partly underground to improve the flow of skiers. Until it opens, the old cable car will keep ferrying people up the mountain.

Last season, links were improved between Châtel and Avoriaz with a new six-pack replacing the Rochassons double chair from Plaine Dranse.

For updates like this about Avoriaz and 1,000 other best winter sports resorts in the world, get your copy of Where to Ski and Snowboard 2013.