Ski area
Winter 2023-2024 has been a turning point for the high-altitude ski area which now has a whole new look. The trajectory of the gondola Les Glaciers now sets La Plagne’s highest point at 3,080 m.
After 40 years of loyal service, the old gondola had to be replaced. The project comes as a response to a rapidly changing environmental context as well as the desire of the SAP (Société d’Aménagement de La Plagne), the company in charge of managing the ski area, to offer a high-altitude experience to a wider clientele of skiers and non-skiers in both winter and summer. A change of direction that is embodied in the new “Live 3000” area.
High-altitude area: the start of a new era
In 2023, the redevelopment of the sector consisted of leaving the permafrost* zone where the old installations are to be dismantled over a three year period. To provide a faster and longer-term access to this part of the ski area, the trajectory of the new lift has been moved to another high-altitude peak (3,080 m), a little further south and, above all, anchored in the rock.
*Permafrost: designates soil that is trapped in ice all year round.
→ In concrete terms, the key figures of this move
The facilities on the Glacier de la Chiaupe are to be dismantled within 3 years:
- 35 pylons and poles removed
- 630 m of lift cables removed
- 1,800 m of electric cables removed
- 9 buildings removed
- 606 m2 of building space removed
- 9 hectares less with ski runs
- 1 ski lift instead of 4
“Live 3000” summit
In both summer and winter, getting to the topmost peaks 3,080 m above sea level is an experience in itself. After a 10-minute ascension, as soon as the gondola doors open, skiers and non-skiers will discover an area that has been developed to offer a moment of contemplative relaxation. Like a refuge with its cosy atmosphere, Le Sixième Ciel will be proposing sweet and savoury snacks to enjoy inside or on the terrace, with a front row panoramic view of the Vanoise glaciers. There are also Wi-Fi and photo spots and information boards explaining the surrounding landscapes.
This sector is now accessible to intermediate skiers, with two black runs and one red leaving from Live 3000, as well as a red run and a blue run that start from La Chiaupe midway station.
For non-skiers, there is a “Live 3000” day pass and two walking trails, the first starting from La Chiaupe station and the other at the very top at 3,080 m.
A brand new gondola to ride up to the top of La Plagne
The 2023-2024 winter season has seen the opening of the new line of the Les Glaciers gondola. While the departure point is still the same (Roche de Mio), the line now follows a new trajectory, arriving at an altitude of 3,080 m.
One notable feature: La Plagne is France’s only ski resort to install its own lifts. This new lift is therefore the work of SAP Montage, an in-house team the SAP is very proud of, with all the required skills, ranging from the civil engineering to the on-site assembly.
→ Technical data for Les Glaciers gondola
- 10-seat cabins
- Constructors: Pomagalski and Ingelo
- Altitude lower station (Roche de Mio): 2,715 m
- Altitude top station: 3,080 m
- Flow: 2,700 people / hour
- Ascension time: 10 min
Aérolive, a journey to the very top of La Plagne
A world first and La Plagne exclusive, this experience is quite literally breathtaking!
As of this summer, 2 highly original cabins have been added to the Glaciers gondola that takes passengers up to the new high point of the resort, Live 3000, 3,080 m above sea level. The minimalist cabins are open to the 4 winds so you can admire the majesty of the landscape from a front-row seat.
Summer and winter alike, the main attraction of the show is the stupendous Alpine rooftop view, with a panoramic terrace at the very peak of the ski area.
Harnessed and attached to a lifeline, passengers are in direct contact with their surroundings. The floor is slatted so they can see through and there is no glass in the windows to act as a barrier! At the top, over 3,000 m above sea level, they discover a mineral environment in summer and a snow-covered world in winter. On arrival, there is a panoramic terrace to enjoy and the possibility of a snack at the Sixième Ciel café. They can then ski down on red or black runs, or take the gondola back down, this time in classic mode.
This crazy idea that has been brought to life is the fruit of 2 years of work in collaboration with several partners. The project was driven by the Société d’Aménagement de La Plagne (SAP), the ski area operator, the overall design was backed by the Compagnie des Alpes’ Development division and the technical aspect was implemented by ski lift constructor POMA, which was delighted to take up this highly original challenge. While the main principles of manufacturing a classic cabin are still present, the aim here is to offer an interior layout with the guarantee of a safety system that is as discreet and rapid as possible for passengers, whilst retaining the thrill and the sensation of the void below.
→ Information
- Open subject to favourable weather conditions
- Starts from Roche de Mio at 2,739 m, arrives at 3,080 m
- Duration of the experience: 30 minutes including a briefing + journey in the cabin
- Capacity: 6 people
- Minimum height: 1.40 m
- Maximum weight: 100 kg
- Price: 55 € / pers.
- Reservation obligatory in a SAP sales point or online
So what comes next? A new gondola to reach the intermediate station at Roche de Mio
The Société d’Aménagement de La Plagne’s aim is to facilitate visitor access to the highest area of the resort (3,080 m) in both summer and winter.
The first step was Les Glaciers gondola which has been in operation since December 2023. The last chain in the whole project is the redevelopment of the Roche de Mio gondola. Opening planned for December 2025.
→ What will change?
- Removal of the existing Roche de Mio gondola from Belle Plagne to Roche de Mio, keeping just the section between Plagne Bellecôte and Belle Plagne.
- Current construction of a new gondola following a different line: starting from Plagne Bellecôte (1,930 m) passing through an intermediate station at Col de Forcle (2,273 m) and arriving at Roche de Mio (2,739 m).
- Capacity: 10 seats (6 seats in the current gondola)
- Skier flow: 3,140 people/hr (1,440 people/hr in the current gondola)
- Journey time: 7 to 9 minutes (16 to 17 minutes in the current gondola)
Ski area: key information
