The Vanoise Express is the “one of a kind” cable car that links the ski areas of Les Arcs and La Plagne.
The Vanoise Express
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
Hotels nearby
Hotels in La Plagne
See all Hotels in La Plagne-
Emeraud Apartment Residence
A three star aparthotel in Belle Plagne
The residence comprises 2 wood, stone and slate buildings located 50m from the ski lifts and all the shops and services.
-
Les Nereides Apartment Residence
A 4 star Belle Plagne aparthotel
The Residence Les Néréïdes offers ski-in, ski-out access combined with close proximity to the centre of the resort.
-
Les Hauts Bois Residence
A premium aparthotel in 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.
-
Le Mont Soleil Apartment Residence, Plagne Soleil / Village
A 4 star aparthotel in La Plagne
The architecture of the Le Mont Soleil Residence, with its wood-covered façades, is inspired by traditional chalets.
-
Les Constellations Apartment Residence
A three star aparthotel in Belle Plagne
Residence Les Constellations is made up of 6 large chalets with slate roofs and wooden facades. You can leave directly on your skis and the residence has the advantage of a quiet setting in the heart of the resort's activities.
-
Le Quartz Apartment Residence
A 4 star aparthotel in Belle Plagne
The Pierre & Vacances Quartz Residence at Belle Plagne is a totally renovated ski residence that offers high comfort apartments in a great location.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in La Plagne
See all Things To Do in La Plagne-
Snowshoeing
Half day, wilderness day and evening snowshoe walks in the Paradiski area
Leave your skis and snowboard behind and go off the beaten track on snowshoes!
-
Rafting In The Alps
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old
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.
-
Hydrospeeding
Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable
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.
-
Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
-
Moonbike adventures
Moonbike adventures with English speaking guides in La Plagne
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.
-
Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
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
See all Restaurants in La Plagne-
Le Carlina Restaurant
Gourmet restaurant in Hotel Carlina, Belle Plagne with large south-facing terrace
At this restaurant you can enjoy your lunch outside while soaking up the sun.
-
Les Inversens Restaurant
Self-service mountain restaurant with terrace that is cheap and cheerful
Restaurant serving simple French and local specialities. Their terrace has stunning panoramic views.
-
Le Chalet du Friolin Restaurant
Auberge and mountain restaurant located between the ski areas of La Plagne and Les Arcs at an altitude of 1,800m
You can dine on the sun terrace with fantastic views of the mountains or in the warm and cosy dining room with log fireplace.
-
Le Matafan Restaurant
A brasserie-restaurant serving Savoyard food located right in the centre of resort, accessible by foot or on skis
Open for lunch and dinner, the Matafan restaurant is in Belle Plagne.
-
Araucaria Restaurant
Welcoming and friendly buffet style hotel restaurant in and elegant setting near slalom stadium
This delightful hotel restaurant serves creative cuisine, blending French gastronomy and Savoyard tradition.
-
Le ChairLift Restaurant
Piste-side restaurant in Plagne Village underneath the Bergerie chairlift with outdoor terrace
A great spot for a lunchtime stop during your day out on the mountain, serving international as well as local Savoyarde cuisine.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in La Plagne
See all Bars & Clubs in La Plagne-
La Tête Inn
Lovely pub-style bar in Belle Plagne with a cosy atmosphere
La Tête Inn Bar is the friendly meeting place at the heart of Belle Plagne, where good food, great drinks, and a warm mountain atmosphere come together. Created by passionate locals, this cosy bar-snack spot offers a relaxed, welcoming setting that’s perfect for après-ski drinks, a quick bite, or a laid-back evening with friends.
-
Araucaria Bar
Modern and spacious lobby bar inside an alpine-style hotel right on the slopes
Après-ski takes on a whole new dimension at the Araucaria Bar in La Plagne. Set at the heart of the hotel’s spacious lobby, this elegant bar invites you to settle in around its stunning oak and marble counter for an evening of relaxation and refined alpine charm.
-
Vins & Un
Cosy wine bar with a large selection of wine and beers located in Aime 2000
Vins & Un Bar is a charming wine and tapas bar in La Plagne, perfect for those looking to unwind after a day on the slopes. With a cosy, inviting atmosphere, this friendly spot specialises in over thirty different wines, offering something to suit every taste, whether you’re a connoisseur or just enjoying a glass with friends.
-
At 2050 metres, La Bodega is the go-to spot in Belle Plagne for good food, drinks, and lively evenings. Conveniently located in the centre of the resort and just steps from the slopes, it’s ideal for relaxing after a day on the mountain.
-
Bar Le 5 à 7 Siete
Wine bar with a warm and cosy atmosphere where you can settle in around the log fire
Le 5 a 7siète is a welcoming bar and restaurant at the heart of Plagne Soleil, offering a warm Alpine atmosphere that celebrates the art of the mountains and the best local artisans and producers. Perfectly positioned, it’s the ideal spot to relax after a morning on the slopes or to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends and family.
-
Igloo Igloo Bar
The ‘coolest’ igloo-themed bar and live music venue, popular with residents and visitors
Welcome to Igloo Igloo Bar, one of La Plagne’s most vibrant après-ski spots, where live music and DJ sets set the tone for an unforgettable evening. This lively bar is the perfect place to let loose after a day on the slopes, offering a fun, energetic atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors alike.
Sights nearby
Sights in La Plagne
See all Sights in La Plagne-
Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
-
Archaeological Museum
The history and archaeology of Aime town and the valley
The exhibits in this museum range from the Neolithic all the way to the present day.
