Ski Resorts News
09/14/2021
Starting this winter, there will be a new link between Orelle and Val Thorens which creates a new entry point from the Maurienne Valley (and Italy) to the 3 Vallées. For the first time in Val Thorens’ history, the summit of Cime Caron at 3,200m will be directly accessible from Orelle thanks to the construction of two new cable cars called “Orelle” and “Orelle-Caron”.
Opening of a new connection
By opening up Cime Caron to pedestrians coming from Orelle, and creating a link to Val Thorens, even for people with luggage, both resorts are establishing a new way to access the 3 Vallées.
Holidaymakers coming from Italy or the rest of Europe will be able to avoid the traffic in the Tarentaise Valley – the normal road route to Val Thorens. Drivers can now continue on the Maurienne Valley motorway - the A43 - exit at Orelle, park in the free car park and then take the new ski lifts. Thanks to a specific pedestrian pass, non-ski visitors can also have an immediate “high altitude” experience by enjoying the panoramic views from the top of Cime Caron at 3,200m. They will be able to go literally straight from the motorway to Val Thorens and enjoy non-skiing activities such as the Cosmojet toboggan run, the Bee zipline, shopping and so on.
A new cable car connection Orelle - Val Thorens Via Cime Caron
The “3 Vallées Express” cable car has been replaced by the new “Orelle” cable car and another new lift to the top of Cime Caron has been built called “TC Orelle-Caron”. This allows a direct link between Orelle and Val Thorens by cable car on skis or by foot. The new connection, made possible thanks to the support and investment by Région Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, will allow visitors to arrive in resort via the Maurienne Valley and come up to Val Thorens passing by the mythical Cime Caron peak and its 360 degree views of the Alps. It will be accessible to both skiers or pedestrians who wish to access Val Thorens without using the slopes or roads. The whole trip takes less than 45 minutes.
The two cable cars, "Orelle" and "Orelle-Cime Caron" will be among the fastest in France, less than 20 minutes between the village of Orelle and the Cime Caron. For skiers, the Orelle-Caron gondola means there is a second link between Orelle and Val-Thorens whereas the entire link was previously carried solely by the Rosaël chairlift.
1st section “Orelle” goes from Orelle to Plan Bouchet:
Reduced time 13 minutes instead of 15
4,997m in length
1,462m height gain
87 cable cars
2nd section “Orelle -Cime Caron” which links plan bouchet to Cime Caron:
6 minutes 50 seconds to reach Cime Caron
2,235m in length
820m height gain
44 cable cars
Reduced time 13 minutes instead of 15
4,997m in length
1,462m height gain
87 cable cars
2nd section “Orelle -Cime Caron” which links plan bouchet to Cime Caron:
6 minutes 50 seconds to reach Cime Caron
2,235m in length
820m height gain
44 cable cars
More comfort & services
The panoramic gondolas will have 10 seats, with dedicated indoor locations for skis and luggage. Service will be the order of the day, and has been implemented to make holidays as easy as possible for clients. The departure station of the Orelle gondola will be equipped with ski pass distributors, group changing rooms and ski lockers.
Finally, a significant detail, the 450-space car park will be free of charge.
The panoramic gondolas will have 10 seats, with dedicated indoor locations for skis and luggage. Service will be the order of the day, and has been implemented to make holidays as easy as possible for clients. The departure station of the Orelle gondola will be equipped with ski pass distributors, group changing rooms and ski lockers.
Finally, a significant detail, the 450-space car park will be free of charge.
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