The new valley lift in Saint-Gervais Le Fayet to open Spring 2024
Valley lift departure Le Fayet
In the charming town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, nestled in the picturesque French Alps, an exciting development is underway. Spring 2024 will mark the completion of a pioneering project in urban mobility: the Valley Lift. This isn’t just any ordinary lift; it’s a marvel of modern engineering designed to seamlessly connect the various levels of this mountainous commune. We have two very well-priced new developments within walking distance of the new Valley Lift in Saint-Gervais Le-Fayet, the Alpine and the Belle Source.
The Innovative Saint-Gervais Valley lift
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, a community built on slopes, is characterized by its unique topography. The lowest level, Fayet, hosts the train station and a renowned thermal spa. Ascending the slope, you reach the town centre, intersecting the routes to Contamines and Megève. Higher still, hamlets like Bettex offer not just a serene lifestyle but also gateways to ski slopes.
The Valley Lift, an inclined funicular lift, is set to revolutionise the way residents and visitors link up these levels. Using wastewater’s weight for movement, this system is both eco-friendly and efficient. A 1200-litre tank beneath the cabin fills with water at the top, propelling it downwards. Once at the bottom, the water is released, and a counterweight system assists in the elevator’s ascent. Covering 280 meters in distance and 177 meters in elevation, this journey will take less than five minutes, offering a quick and free mode of transport between Fayet’s thermal park and the town centre.
A First in France
This €6.123 million project, supported by the Haute-Savoie department and the French government, is a pioneering venture in France and the second of its kind globally. The 16-seat elevator will operate year-round, enhancing mobility for both locals and tourists.
Complementing the Valley Elevator
The Valley Lift isn’t the only significant development in Saint-Gervais. The Valley Lift, a cable transport system connecting Fayet’s train station to the left bank of Saint-Gervais and further to Bettex, is another ambitious project to reduce car dependency. This system will also launch in Spring 2024, featuring ten-person cabins and a capacity of 1600 passengers per hour. It promotes sustainable urban mobility and connects to a new tourist gondola leading to Bettex, a key access point to the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area.
Evasion Mont Blanc: A Ski Paradise
Speaking of Evasion Mont Blanc, this ski area deserves special mention. It’s a vast and diverse skiing destination encompassing several resorts, including Saint-Gervais, Megève, Les Contamines-Montjoie, and more. Boasting over 445 kilometres of ski runs, it offers a range of slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. The area is known for its breathtaking Alpine scenery, traditional Savoyard charm, and a wide array of winter sports opportunities.
Saint-Gervais: More Than Just Skiing
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, the heart of this ski area, is a destination rich in culture and history. It’s famous for its thermal spas, which have been drawing visitors since the early 19th century. The town itself, with its vibrant community, offers a plethora of activities year-round, from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to various winter sports. The town also boasts a network of free buses during the season, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainable and accessible transport.
Conclusion
Introducing the Valley Lift in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is more than just an upgrade in urban transportation. It represents a commitment to sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for residents and enriching the experience for visitors. With its innovative approach to mobility, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant ski culture, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is poised to be a premier winter sports destination and a model for eco-friendly urban living in mountainous regions.
