High-spec lifts on their way for Monterosa

28th August 2009, by Chris Gill

Slopes at Champoluc

If all goes to plan, Italy’s Monterosa Ski area could be welcoming a new cable car this winter and possibly a new funicular.

The lifts are being built at either end of the ski area: a cable car above Alagna and a funicular to replace a key link from Champoluc’s valley.

It’s been a long wait but ... some of Monterosa’s prime off-piste riding should be accessible again next season, when work to replace the ancient Punta Indren cable car is expected to be complete. The classic terrain above Alagna has been out of bounds in terms of lift-served access since the old lift was closed three seasons ago. Now, a 60-person cable car to Punta Indren (3260m) is being built along a new line from Passo dei Salati (2790m) - the point where Alagna’s slopes meet those of Gressoney.

At Champoluc, work has started on a smart funicular to replace the old double chairlift at the far end of the valley, at Frachey. Until now this slow, old chair has provided the main way towards Gressoney from the valley, accessing two fast chairs above it. The new lift will provide a two-way connection up to Alpe-Ciarcerio - each ‘train’ licensed to carry up to 110 people. There are plans to run it in the evenings too. When complete, it should be a vast improvement for the resort.

• champoluc
• monterosa
• new lifts
• alagna
• funicular

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