The resort of Val Cenis, located in Haute Maurienne Vanoise, is taking another step forward in its quest for modernisation and sustainability with the installation of a low-carbon footprint detachable chairlift. The new chairlift, designed to replace an existing installation dating back to 1989, embodies an innovative approach based on the re-use of existing parts, and demonstrates the resort’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Roches Blanches chairlift in Val Cenis: a model of re-use and the circular economy
The new Roches Blanches chairlift stands out for its use of second-hand materials, mainly purchased from other ski resorts. This innovative approach reduces the consumption of raw materials by 90%, while cutting the greenhouse gas emissions associated with its manufacture by a factor of ten. Only 10% of the components are new, including the cable, bolts and certain parts of the stations. The rest of the equipment, such as the vehicles and pylons, comes from reused parts, some of which are only ten years old, although they have a lifespan of up to forty years.
“This new chairlift is not a chance decision,” explains Yves Dimier, Director of the Val Cenis resort. “We have specialists in our company who keep a close eye on what’s happening in the ski lift sector. They saw an opportunity to do something good for the environment, but also for the economy. On an operation like this, the financial savings are estimated at almost 35%. In concrete terms, we recovered a ski lift from the Val Thorens resort (the 2 Lacs chairlift), which needed to replace a ski lift in very good condition, as well as parts of a ski lift that had been dismantled in Montgenèvre”.
Reducing emissions and optimising resources
The project to replace the Roches Blanches chairlift is part of a strategy to re-use and optimise resources, thereby considerably limiting its environmental impact. Of the 400 tonnes of materials needed to build the new chairlift, only 35 tonnes were produced specifically for the site, i.e. less than 10% of the total mass. This approach is based on the use of second-hand parts from other ski resorts, thereby massively reducing the consumption of new raw materials. As a result, there is a substantial reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production of new materials, particularly steel, one of the biggest contributors to emissions in heavy infrastructure construction projects.
In addition to reuse, the project incorporates an almost total recycling process for elements that cannot be reused. This includes the meticulous dismantling of the old chairlift, which had been in service for 35 years. Parts in good condition are intended to be resold to other ski areas for subsequent re-use, thus extending their life cycle rather than being sent to landfill. As for the unusable parts, they are recycled in compliance with environmental standards, guaranteeing a minimum reduction in the waste associated with the site.
“We sold a few parts, notably seats, for decoration. We’ve sold a few parts, including seats, for decoration.
In order to limit the impact on the local ecosystem, the new chairlift strictly follows the route of the old one, minimising disruption to the surrounding flora and fauna. This decision avoids additional work that could have damaged the natural habitats around the ski area. In addition, improved construction techniques have made it possible to significantly reduce the number of pylons needed to support the chairlift, from 21 to just 12. This reduction reduces the infrastructure’s footprint, offering not only a more harmonious integration into the landscape, but also a reduction in disturbance to the terrain and local species. “Same point of departure, same point of arrival”.
Greater comfort and optimised performance
The new Roches Blanches chairlift has been designed to offer a much improved user experience compared with the old installation, both in terms of comfort and performance. The new seats, fitted with ergonomic foam cushions, provide optimum comfort for skiers, even in cold weather conditions or on long days on the slopes. The improved seats are designed to absorb shock and vibration, making the ride more pleasant and reducing the muscle fatigue that can occur after several ascents.
“We had a fixed-grip chairlift with a long ascent time, which was used in winter and summer. We wanted to use detachable technology on this lift to make it more comfortable for users. We had to dismantle the old chairlift and reassemble the new one with components from the 2 resorts and components from the manufacturer POMA. We added facilities for both staff and customers, with better connections between the existing lifts”, explains Yves Dimier.
In addition, the detachable seating system is a major asset. Unlike traditional chairlifts, where the constant speed can make boarding and disembarking stressful, this system allows the seats to slow down considerably during these crucial phases. This makes it easier for skiers to board, particularly beginners, children or those less comfortable, minimising the risk of falls or collisions. What’s more, disembarking is simpler and safer, avoiding jostling or hasty exits, which greatly enhances the user experience.
In terms of performance, one of the most notable advantages of this new chairlift is the significant reduction in the time taken to get up the mountain. From over 12 minutes to just 5 minutes, skiers can benefit from a 60% reduction in journey time, which translates into greater fluidity on the slopes, with less waiting at the foot of the lifts and more time spent skiing.
A project at the forefront of customer experience
This project is part of an overall drive to improve the customer experience in the Val Cenis Termignon sector. The Girarde chairlift, another of the resort’s strategic lifts, has also been modernised at a cost of 600,000 euros, including renovation of the stations and replacement of the electrical equipment and seats. These two lifts serve an attractive area, including a high-altitude restaurant, a breathtaking view of the Dent Parrachée and the Vanoise glaciers, as well as leisure facilities such as a boardercross and a time trial zone.
“This virtuous operation, with its reduced carbon footprint, will enable us to offer our customers a better range of facilities in all seasons. Of course, there will be skiing, with a beautiful slope accessible from this lift, but there will also be a summer offer. When the chairlift arrives, we find ourselves in a remarkable location with a view of the Vanoise National Park, and a high-altitude restaurant which is undergoing improvements for this winter. This new lift is an integral part of a diversification plan currently under consideration”, concludes Yves Dimier.
Val Cenis – Key figures for the Roches Blanches chairlift
- 90% reduction in raw materials used
- Only 10% new components
- 10 times less greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduction in the number of pylons: from 21 to 12
- Climbing time reduced to 5 minutes from the previous 12.5 minutes
