Mobility & inter valley connections
ENSURING MODERNITY AND LIMITING IMPACT: THE DOUBLE CHALLENGE
The network of ski lifts in Les 3 Vallées is one of the destination’s main strengths. Efficient, high-performing and reliable, it guarantees easy and fast connections throughout the entire ski area. This winter, a large number of renovations and replacements of key lifts for the domain have been completed and inaugurated.
From the Olympe gondola in Brides-les-Bains to the Côte Brune gondola in Méribel-Mottaret, passing through the Chenus gondola in Courchevel, and the Face Nord in Val Thorens, these facilities, designed and built with full respect for environmental concerns, ensure mobility deeply rooted in the DNA of Les 3 Vallées.
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Overview of the major renovations and constructions across the entire ski area. This winter, significant milestones have been reached in the development of the ski lift network of Les 3 Vallées. Projects with shared essential objectives: to offer skiers greater comfort, ensure smooth movement, and reduce environmental impact.
RENOVATION OF THE OLYMPE BASE STATION IN BRIDES-LES-BAINS
It is THE gateway to the Vallée des Allues and Méribel, located at the heart of the Les 3 Vallées ski area. The Olympe gondola base station, a true valley lift from Brides-les-Bains, was completely modernised between spring and autumn 2025. This €2.9 million investment by the Méribel Alpina lift company ensures smooth operations and full accessibility for everyone.
The new building includes:
A lift and a series of escalators providing easy access to the gondola for all pedestrians and people with reduced mobility.
New automated lockers allowing skiers to easily leave their equipment on site and head to their accommodation or move around freely.
A new architectural style with extensive glazing, in harmony with the surroundings and the local style.
A sales area now located inside, complemented by automatic ticket machines.
Restrooms and other services for everyone’s comfort (hot drinks dispenser, water fountain, etc.)
A NEW ERA FOR THE CHENUS GONDOLA IN COURCHEVEL 1850
After 55 years of operation, the complete renovation of this lift, which connects the Courchevel 1850 snow front to the Chenus summit, had become essential. This new gondola will open in December with 10-seater cabins and a capacity of 2,400 people per hour (compared with 1,200 previously). An eco designed project focused on innovation and sustainability.
In addition to increasing transport capacity and comfort, the project significantly transforms the skier experience: the new departure station has been moved to the heart of the Courchevel 1850 snow front, improving the flow across this sector. The arrival station incorporates additional services such as a picnic room and public toilets.
A concrete environmental commitment:
Construction schedule adapted to respect local wildlife.
Birdmark devices to reduce bird collisions.
Removal of the Coqs chairlift and revegetation of the area with local species.
Unchanged route to limit impact on the surrounding landscape.
Arrival station equipped with a freight area to reduce the use of snowmobiles and groomers for supplying mountain restaurants.
Integration of solar panels.
Rainwater recovery system.
- Carbon footprint of the project monitored by experts.
Key figures:
Budget: €20 million
11 pylons compared with 15 previously
400 m² of photovoltaic panels
8% energy savings
New in Méribel-Mottaret
NEW: A brand-new gondola for Côte Brune in Méribel-Mottaret
In addition to easier boarding thanks to two platforms, the new structure increases its capacity from 2,200 people per hour to 2,600 people per hour and allows real time information to be broadcast in the event of a stoppage. Another improvement: the visual impact on the landscape is greatly reduced with 51 cabins instead of 128 chairs and 11 fewer pylons than the former structure.
Measures taken to limit impact during construction:
- Concrete manufactured directly on site.
- Water treated and reused.
- Complete collection of cement wash water.
- Concrete transported only by internal site truck, avoiding helicopter rotations.
- Underground networks planned to avoid disturbing ecologically sensitive areas.
- Specific measures to protect wetlands and protected species identified during environmental studies.
- Topographic monitoring to prevent ground movement.
A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR “LES RHODOS” IN MÉRIBEL!
Much used by families and ski schools, the Rhodos gondola, which serves the “Rond-Point” and “Altiport” sectors, is also getting a makeover.
With sustainability and reduced environmental impact as priorities, the choice was made to fully renovate the structure, which has been in operation for 36 years.
This ambitious €10 million project led by Méribel Alpina includes the replacement of electrical systems and cabins (now more functional and comfortable), and the architectural modernisation of the stations.
From this winter, both the ascents and the descents will be enjoyed even more!
NEW FACE NORD GONDOLA IN VAL THORENS: FLUIDITY AND STRATEGIC CONNECTION
This winter, Val Thorens inaugurates the 10-seater “Face Nord” gondola.
With buildings in stone and a streamlined design to blend harmoniously into the landscape, it offers superb high altitude skiing by directly serving the Asters and Face Nord pistes, while strengthening the connection to Orelle via the very accessible blue run Lory, set within the glacial valley of the Bouchet.
This infrastructure also makes uninterrupted descents possible in the Moraine sector.
Key figures:
Capacity: 1,450 people per hour
22 cabins
Length: 1,300 m
Vertical rise: 320 m
Number of seats: 10
Investment: €15 million
MODERNISATION OF THE ROC 2 CHAIRLIFT AND REFURBISHMENT OF THE PREYERAND CABLE CAR CABINS IN LES MENUIRES
A strategic link within Les 3 Vallées, the Roc 2 chairlift has undergone a complete modernisation.
Its new 400 m² garage now allows for the full storage of chairs, extending their lifespan and simplifying daily operations. Seventeen additional chairs have been added, increasing the hourly capacity from 2,200 to 2,800 people, to better absorb peak traffic.
This investment, carried out by the Société d’Exploitation de la Vallée des Belleville (SEVABEL), amounts to €2.4 million.
At the same time, the Preyerand cable car, linking the main snow front of Les Menuires with the district of the same name, has had its famous cabins fully refurbished for greater comfort, while retaining their recognisable style and unique operation in groups of three cabins.
New in Val-Thorens
Access to the Cime Caron restored from Val Thorens
CARON 3200: THE PERCHED MEETING PLACE
At the top of the legendary Cime Caron, at 3,200 metres, the 360° panorama over more than 1,000 Alpine peaks is truly grandiose. Inaugurated in December 2024, this unique space welcomes hedonists and epicureans to rise above the clouds and enjoy an exceptional experience. The multifunctional building includes:
- a restaurant,
- a wine bar,
- an exhibition hall,
- and 260 m² of rooftop space also offering casual dining.
This venue, like a nest clinging to the rock, blends perfectly into the landscape and opens out onto a fully glazed façade. Accessible to all via the ski lifts, Caron 3200 is an invitation to relaxation and contemplation.
Prices: included in the ski pass or with a supplement of €9.50 on the winter pedestrian pass.
A NEW CAR PARK IN ORELLE: MORE ACCESSIBLE
Known as the secret gateway to Les 3 Vallées, nestled in the Maurienne, the neighbouring valley of the Tarentaise, Orelle is now even more accessible!
More than 1,000 spaces are now available at the foot of the gondola. In addition to the 300 outdoor spaces already in place, Orelle, located just 6 km from the A43, now offers a new 743-space car park with 80 electric charging stations spread across three levels, directly at the base of the Orelle gondola.
It is situated at just 10 minutes away by shuttle from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne train station. From 22 November 2025 to 3 May 2026, a new mobility solution will be in place, with a direct route between the station and the Orelle gondola. These shuttles will run every weekend and daily during school holidays, with timetables aligned with train arrivals and departures. Ideal for skiers from near and far!
SOFT MOBILITY: LES 3 VALLÉES IS ALSO REACHABLE BY TRAIN!
Throughout the winter, several direct TGV trains serve Moûtiers. The Paris–Moûtiers line is particularly convenient for Parisians wishing to reach the Alps without a car. For lower prices, OUIGO trains also serve the region.
Once at Moûtiers – Salins – Brides-les-Bains station, the resorts of Les 3 Vallées are easily accessible:
By bus (shuttles to be booked online)
By taxi (booking recommended)
TRAVELLING FROM NORTH AMERICA
Coming from North America? Discover our dedicated guide with tips and travel options to reach Les 3 Vallées easily from the US and Canada.
LES 3 VALLÉES: EASY TO REACH BY EVERY MODE OF TRANSPORT
Planning your trip to Les 3 Vallées? Find out all the different ways to get here — by plane, train, car or shuttle.
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