Argentiere’s Grand Montets Lift Reopening Delayed ‘til 2026

The Grand Montets lift in Argentiere plays an important role taking skiers from the mid-point to the summit of the Grand Montets at 3,275m. This was until summer 2018, when a devastating fire destroyed the lift, and rendered the very top of the mountain – including access to some of the best terrain in the region – accessible only to skier tourers willing to make the hike.

Initial plans saw the Grand Montets lift re-opening on a like-for-like basis in time for winter 2023/24. However, as late as 2021/22, significant changes to the plans have delayed re-opening well beyond this date.

Instead of re-opening on a like-for-like basis, the resort now intends to rebuild both the Grand Montets and the Plan Joran lifts – the latter serving the lower half of the mountain from resort base to mid-point. This plan will see the two lifts united, offering a semi-direct journey from resort to summit eliminating the need for a ski to cross between the two lifts.

Remaining in the cable car station, skiers will now be able to transfer quickly to continue their journey up to the top. The upper section will run off a different style of gondola to the lower half, allowing for gondola cabins to be removed in poor conditions to increase safety, hence retaining the break-of-journey partway through.

All three cable car stations will be rebuilt, designed to the plans of renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, whose previous works include the Shard, London, and the Pompidou Centre, Paris. These new stations will offer a dramatic welcome to the mountain for skiers and snowboarders, and bristle with the latest technology to offer a fast, clean and comfortable experience for resort users.

The immense project will cost 155€ million, and is expected to be completed by the start of the 2026/27 season.