Garaventa Working On New Combined Cable Car Esserts – Planards

This summer, assembly began on a project that will bring Téléverbier SA in the 4Vallées region far more than just a new cable car. The gondola lift, opened in 1970 and now the oldest operating gondola lift in Switzerland, and also the last Giovanola lift in the world, will be replaced by a modern combined lift. It combines comfort, performance, and flexibility, creating a faster, more comfortable connection between the Verbier–Ruinettes and Savoleyres–La Tzoumaz sectors year-round.

Two different sections of the route and yet connected

Section 1: Les Esserts – Les Planards: Best solution in avalanche terrain.

Equipped with 10-person Omega V cabins from CWA Constructions SA, this section runs through an avalanche zone and offers the highest level of safety and barrier-free access for families, pedestrians, bikers, and people with reduced mobility. Opening: 2026

Section 2: Les Planards – Savoleyres

Six-seater chairs and ten-seater cabins alternate here. Skiers can ride in the chair with their skis strapped on, while other guests can enjoy the warmth of the cabin. The chairs will be available in winter 2025/26, with the cabins following in 2026. Opening: Winter 2025/26

Technical highlight

At the Les Planards mid-station, a switch-and-swap system developed by Doppelmayr organizes operations: The gondolas travel from the Les Esserts valley station to the mid-station, where they join the chairlift circuit, which rotates exclusively in the second section. On the descent from the Savoleyres top station, the gondolas separate again at the mid-station and travel down to the valley station before returning to the top. This interplay of gondola and chairlift operation is made possible by a combination of tire and chain conveyors, a technology that has already proven successful in Lech (Austria) and has now been adapted to the topographical conditions in Verbier.

Technical data

Altitudes: Les Esserts 1,722 m | Planards 1,943 m | Savoleyres 2,344 m
Travel times: Esserts–Planards 6:48 min | Planards–Savoleyres 5:29 min
Transport capacity: Esserts–Planards: 1,675 pph | Planards–Savoleyres: 2,650 pph
Vehicles: 59 cabins, 30 chairs

Year-round operation

With the new facility, Savoleyres will be easily accessible even in summer. Ideal for hikers, mountain bikers, and families.