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The Chariande 2 chairlift has been at a standstill since 2021. Why?

A gradual landslide caused the drive station to subside, misalignment of the first pylons and a shift of several dozens of centimetres between the cable and the drive pulley.

Problem :

Without Chariande 2, the majority of skiers entering the area through Samoëns now rely solely on the Chariande Express chairlift. This has become the only lift providing access to Flaine and the Gouilles Rouges sector when access is not possible via the Coulouvrier chairlift.

With climate uncertainties becoming more and more frequent, this strategic access is sometimes compromised.

Result:

A part of the ski area is therefore inaccessible, generating discontent among both customers and the valley’s businesses, of which GMDS is the first to be affected.

The authorities suspended the operating licence for this lift.
Faced with this situation, the Grand Massif Domaines Skiables appointed a number of experts from 2020 onwards: a project manager specialising in ski lifts, a geotechnician and a surveyor, who set up dozens of measurement points that are regularly checked.
Their mission? To analyse the evolution of the widespread landslide phenomenon in the area, assess the risks and identify solutions for re-using this part of the ski area.

IS THERE A POSSIBILITY OF REOPENING?

In theory, once the phenomenon has been sufficiently documented and if the experts agree that the landslide is gradual, it is possible to submit a new administrative application for partial or total reconstruction based on a structure that can compensate for ground movement. In fact, this is an option that is increasingly used in the mountains, and one that we could consider for our area.
Today, we have a clearer understanding of the phenomenon and have been able to correct the disorders on the Soleil ski lift and the Chariande Express chairlift.

HOW CAN THE CHARIANDE 2 BE BROUGHT BACK INTO OPERATION?

In fact, this ski lift is covered by a leasing contract between the municipality of Samoëns and the Grand Massif Domaines Skiables company. In other words, the council is the owner and has the final say as to the plan of action to be implemented to relaunch the operation of this equipment, within the scope of the public service delegation contract, which expires in 2030.
As for the Grand Massif Domaines Skiables company, it has reaffirmed its intention to work towards restoring service on this line and satisfying its customers and all its partners in the valley, while at the same time introducing changes to the service (summer opening, access to a potential altitude beginners' zone, etc.).
it will obviously be necessary to obtain administrative authorisations relating to technical, environmental and urban-planning issues.