ChrisC
Well-known member
There are many issues with the lift system at La Grave. The pulse gondola is nearing the end of its useful life, and the glacial surface lifts are affected by glacial retreat and other issues. One surface lift is already removed - snowcat or touring is required for 2nd glcaial suface lift access.
In 2017, the Alpe d'Huez Tourist Development Company (SATA), with its subsidiary SATG, took over the public service delegation for the cable car's management from the municipality; this public service delegation includes upgrading the two existing sections, restoring the mountain restaurant, and constructing a third section leading to a higher altitude, under the Dôme de la Lauze (3,559 m ). The project to build the third section has sparked debate and various actions (administrative appeals, ZAD protests), with some wanting it to be completed while others question its value.
La Grave was closed almost all of last season 2024-25:
In December 2024, the opening of the cable cars was postponed to allow for the emergency replacement of one of the supporting cables on the first section, for safety reasons. The new opening date was then scheduled for the end of January 2025. However, a major technical incident occurred on January 20, 2025: an anchor failed, causing the cable being replaced to fall and damaging pylon P2. No injuries were reported. The reopening after the repairs was estimated for March 29, 2025.
Currently, a snowcat is sometimes used instead of one of the glacier surface lifts due to operational issues. Like Whistler - specifically Blackcomb.
Proposed Third Stage Cable Car replacement for summer and winter use:
Third section
A third section of the cable cars would link the Col des Ruillans at 3,211 meters altitude to the Dôme de la Lauze at over 3,500 meters by flying over the Girose glacier. After years of studies and appeals, preparatory work was scheduled to take place in the autumn of 2023 in order to allow the actual work to begin in the spring of 2024; however, due to opposition, notably from environmental associations , in October 2023, this work could not be carried out and was postponed
After Winter 2024/25, no new protests are organized. Local economic reality trumps environmentalism?
Great read - and video
la-grave.com
In 2017, the Alpe d'Huez Tourist Development Company (SATA), with its subsidiary SATG, took over the public service delegation for the cable car's management from the municipality; this public service delegation includes upgrading the two existing sections, restoring the mountain restaurant, and constructing a third section leading to a higher altitude, under the Dôme de la Lauze (3,559 m ). The project to build the third section has sparked debate and various actions (administrative appeals, ZAD protests), with some wanting it to be completed while others question its value.
La Grave was closed almost all of last season 2024-25:
In December 2024, the opening of the cable cars was postponed to allow for the emergency replacement of one of the supporting cables on the first section, for safety reasons. The new opening date was then scheduled for the end of January 2025. However, a major technical incident occurred on January 20, 2025: an anchor failed, causing the cable being replaced to fall and damaging pylon P2. No injuries were reported. The reopening after the repairs was estimated for March 29, 2025.
Currently, a snowcat is sometimes used instead of one of the glacier surface lifts due to operational issues. Like Whistler - specifically Blackcomb.
Proposed Third Stage Cable Car replacement for summer and winter use:
Third section
A third section of the cable cars would link the Col des Ruillans at 3,211 meters altitude to the Dôme de la Lauze at over 3,500 meters by flying over the Girose glacier. After years of studies and appeals, preparatory work was scheduled to take place in the autumn of 2023 in order to allow the actual work to begin in the spring of 2024; however, due to opposition, notably from environmental associations , in October 2023, this work could not be carried out and was postponed
After Winter 2024/25, no new protests are organized. Local economic reality trumps environmentalism?
Great read - and video
La Grave 2050
« Comment se projeter dans l’avenir en prenant en compte à la fois l’écosystème, la pérennité de la vie locale, l’accueil des amoureux des grands espaces, des simples curieux de la montagne ou des professionnels...
la-grave.com
