Two New 150-Person Cabins For The Cime Caron Cable Car
The accident in November 2024, which severely damaged the cabins of the Cime Caron cable car in Val Thorens, triggered a race against time. After analyzing the incident, the operating company SETAM quickly decided that the next winter season should start with new cabins – right on schedule for the start of the 2025 season. The original cabins had also been supplied by Gangloff, and SETAM's management decided to award the contract for the new ones to Calag Gangloff as well.
From accident to new cabin in record time
The original Streamline cabins, built in 2011, served as the basis for the new construction. The design was largely retained, as the new cabins had to fit into the existing mountain and valley stations. Nevertheless, some technical and functional optimizations were implemented at the customer's request.
To withstand the extreme wind conditions on Cime Caron, the cabin structure was reinforced and the front geometry was shaped with flatter radii, reducing the surface area exposed to icefall. Furthermore, the operating platform and elements were adapted based on the daily operational experience of the SETAM team.
Despite the tight schedule, Calag Gangloff was able to complete the project on time. From order placement to delivery of the finished cabins, only twelve months elapsed. Sourcing special components under time pressure was challenging, but thanks to great dedication and precise coordination, the ambitious delivery date was met.
Large cabins made in Langenthal
The two 150-person cabins are the largest cable car cabins manufactured in Langenthal since the acquisition of Gangloff. Around 16 people from purchasing, engineering, and production were directly involved in the project during the construction phase – additionally supported by specialists from other Calag divisions such as truck manufacturing and bodywork.
The well-established team and the long-standing know-how from previous Gangloff projects enabled efficient implementation: The two impressive cabins were built in the Calag factory hall in just around 15 weeks of assembly time.
Special transport over 400 kilometers
With external dimensions of 4.1 m wide, 9.38 m long, and 3.51 m high, the cabins presented a considerable challenge during transport. The special transport was carried out by Aeby Transport AG and took the cabins over 400 kilometers from Langenthal to the French Alps.
Upon arrival in Val Thorens, they were transferred to special mountain transport vehicles to tackle the final, challenging section of the route to the valley station of the Cime Caron cable car at 2,320 meters above sea level. There, the cabins were attached to the suspension structures and preparations were made for the recommissioning of the cable car.
