A long-awaited project
The project for the new installation, the Télémixte, is part of the strategic focus included in the Verbier 4Vallées master plan.
This project addresses the needs of our customers, who wish to go from Verbier to the Savoleyres and La Tzoumaz sectors without removing their skis. Our priorities are optimising both customer experience and the accessibility of our resort.
The completion of this project is the result of a long and complex process involving technical, statutory and environmental challenges.
Historical context and challenges
For a number of years, the idea of connecting the two sectors has emerged as the ideal solution for optimising the flow of passengers while enhancing their overall experience. The main aim of the project is to improve access to the Savoleyres and La Tzoumaz sectors from Verbier, as well as from Les Ruinettes, on skis. It also involves replacing the 4-seater Savoleyres cable car and the Sud ski lift, both of which have been operating since 1970.
A number of obstacles delayed the completion of the project, in particular the need to modify the zone plan and to obtain building permission in an area not designated for the construction of a ski lift. After several years of negotiations and adjustments, the project was finally approved and work is due to start at the end of 2024.
One united resort
This project aims to meet several key objectives: to improve connections between the different sectors, in particular for skiers, and to facilitate access for pedestrians and cyclists during the summer and the autumn.
The new installation will link Les Esserts (1,700 m) to Savoleyres (2,200 m) via a middle station at Les Planards.
Currently, the only way of reaching Savoleyres-La Tzoumaz from Verbier on skis is to go via the Vallon d’Arbi. However, this freeride itinerary, suitable only for experienced skiers, is often closed due to bad weather conditions or the risk of avalanches. This makes it inaccessible to a number of our customers.
The alternative is to use the free resort buses. However, these interruptions can be a nuisance for skiers. We therefore plan to create a new slope between Le Carrefour and the Les Esserts departure station. This will improve the connections between the two sectors for everyone, including beginners.
In addition, we are also studying other projects which would allow skiers coming from Savoleyres and Les Planards to reach the departure station of the new Les Esserts installation from the Philippe Roux slope. Currently, skiers have to remove their skis to cross the route du Golf so we are looking at ways of avoiding this. Another possibility would be to go via Le Carrefour and the new slope linked to the departure station, safety permitting.
Access during all four seasons
We have chosen cabins with ground level access. This will improve the flow of passengers and facilitate boarding for skiers, as well as for pedestrians and cyclists wishing to reach the summits of Verbier and La Tzoumaz during the summer and autumn.
Cyclists will easily be able to transport their bikes to the Chotatai slope, for example. This route, between the top of Savoleyres and La Tzoumaz, was specially designed in response to requests for a downhill biking track suitable for beginners.
Families and children can try out the scooter path as well as enjoying the many walks in the area.
Optimising mobility
Like the Médran IV installation, the Télémixte was designed to provide optimal access for everyone, including customers with reduced mobility, families with prams and cyclists. The cabins, which have ground level access, ensure easy boarding and increased comfort for everyone. There will also be lifts and escalators in the stations to guarantee easy access and optimise the flow of passengers. All these measures meet the latest mobility norms.
A major development in our resort
This long-awaited project represents a key stage in the development of the Verbier 4Vallées ski area. The installation not only connects the different sectors but also meets our customers’ expectations regarding accessibility and practicality.
Transporting both skiers and pedestrians, the Télémixte will optimise the flow of customers in the Verbier 4Vallées resort in the coming years.
