The Vanoise Express
The Vanoise Express is the “one of a kind” cable car that links the ski areas of Les Arcs and La Plagne.
Inaugurated in January 2004, the lift can carry 2,000 people per hour in its two huge double-decker cable cars.
Travelling at a world record speed of 45km/h, it takes less than four minutes to span the 2km between Plan Peisey (1,612m) and Les Coches (1,548m) and when it first opened, it was the biggest, longest and fastest cable car in the world!*
The final design of the lift was created from a set of demanding specifications that aimed to maximise capacity whilst causing the least impact on the surrounding environment. The designers, POMA, and the investors, SELALP (Societe d’Exploitation de la liaison Les Arcs La Plagne), opted for a link with no interim towers; stretching in a single span from one station to the other and therefore minimising the areas that required development. By using double-decker cabins, their volume is significantly reduced which consequently limits their impact on the natural surroundings. The aesthetics of the lift stations were also taken into consideration by POMA, and their resulting streamlined shape and larch cladded exteriors blend in well with the local surroundings.
Each car can hold a maximum of 200 people (over two levels) and they run independently of each other on two separate cables. This means that in the event of a technical hitch on one side, service can continue as normal on the other. The aerodynamic shape of the cabins and their dual-cable technology also ensures that they have good wind stability for a more comfortable journey. Customer surveys conducted at the end of its first winter revealed that, of the 400000 skiers that had used the lift, over 95% of them were delighted with the service provided, comfort and above all the views of the new installation.
In the summer, hikers, bikers and sightseers still flock to use the cable car; if only to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks or down into the Ponthurin valley, 380m below.
Costing €15 million, the Vanoise Express is the largest aerial lift of its kind ever built.
*The Canadian resort of Whistler's Peak2peak Gondola is the only one in the world that links two mountain peaks - the Whistler and Blackcombe mountains. In terms of distance between towers (3.03km) and height above the valley floor (446m) it's the biggest.
Vanoise Express – the stats
- opened: December 2003
- cost: €15 million
- designed by: POMA
- links: Plan Peisey (1,612m) in Les Arcs to Les Coches (1,548m) in La Plagne
- distance: 1,830m
- height: 380m above the valley floor
- cabins: two double-decker cable cars holding 200 people each
- capacity: 2,000 people per hour
- speed: 12.5 km/h
- journey time: four minutes
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Hotels nearby
Hotels in La Plagne
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Le Mont Soleil Apartment Residence, Plagne Soleil / Village
The architecture of the Le Mont Soleil Residence, with its wood-covered façades, is inspired by traditional chalets.
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Les Gemeaux Apartment Residence
In the heart of Belle Plagne the residence has the appearance of a traditional village which is made of wood and stone and fit perfectly into the surrounding site with direct access on skis.
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Les Hauts Bois Premium Apartment Residence, Aime La Plagne
In respecting the architecture and the use of traditional Savoyards materials, this Pierre and Vacances Premium residence offers luxury apartments, the majority of which offer splendid, clear views of the resort and the surrounding peaks.
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Emeraud Apartment Residence
The residence comprises 2 wood, stone and slate buildings located 50m from the ski lifts and all the shops and services.
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Le Quartz Apartment Residence
The Pierre & Vacances Quartz Residence at Belle Plagne is a totally renovated ski residence that offers high comfort apartments in a great location.
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Les Nereides Apartment Residence
The Residence Les Néréïdes offers ski-in, ski-out access combined with close proximity to the centre of the resort.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in La Plagne
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ESF - Snowshoeing
Leave your skis and snowboard behind and go off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Taxi Ski Service
State-of-the-art Taxi Ski chair makes the slopes accessible to everyone
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Hydrospeeding
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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Moonbike adventures
Feel the need… the need for speed? These electric snow bikes are three times lighter than a snowmobile, whisper-quiet and seriously powerful - a ride you won’t want to miss.
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Rafting In The Alps
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Heliskiing/boarding
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in La Plagne
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La Cantine Plagne 1800 Restaurant
Pizza is the main choice on the menu here, and they come freshly made to order with a thin and crispy base and a wide choice of tasty toppings.
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Le Chalet du Friolin Restaurant
You can dine on the sun terrace with fantastic views of the mountains or in the warm and cosy dining room with log fireplace.
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Araucaria Restaurant
This delightful hotel restaurant serves creative cuisine, blending French gastronomy and Savoyard tradition.
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Les Inversens Restaurant
Restaurant serving simple French and local specialities. Their terrace has stunning panoramic views.
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Le ChairLift Restaurant
A great spot for a lunchtime stop during your day out on the mountain, serving international as well as local Savoyarde cuisine.
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Cocotte and Co Restaurant
Stop for a coffee or a hearty meal at this friendly local restaurant, serving traditional French and Savoyarde cuisine.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in La Plagne
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La Mine Bar
Located in the heart of Plagne 1800, La Mine is the popular pub for après-ski and evenings with amazing live music and a large selection of beers, ciders and wines.
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La Tête Inn
Located inside the Corail building, this charming bar can be easily missed unless you explore Belle Plagne on foot.
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Araucaria Bar, La Plagne Centre
At the heart of the large lobby, take a seat around the impressive oak and marble bar.
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Bar Le 5 à 7 Siete
In La Plagne Soleil you will find this cosy little wine bar, a popular choice amongst locals and tourists alike.
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Le Luna Bar, Plagne Centre
Rustic-style pub and bar serving a host of spirits, wines and beers for you to enjoy.
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Vins & Un, Aime La Plagne
Small but full of charm, you enjoy a glass of something from their extensive wine list in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Sights nearby
Sights in La Plagne
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Grottes des Glaces
In the Chiaupe glacier at the top of Bellecôte (3,417m), an ice cave has been dug every winter since 2005.
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Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
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Archaeological Museum
The exhibits in this museum range from the Neolithic all the way to the present day.