Ongoing Ski Lift Upgrades For This Coming Winter - Part 2

Hi everyone and welcome to the second blog post regarding ski lift upgrades for this coming winter in Méribel and the 3 Valleys. Last week I posted photos and spoke about the brand new Cotê Brune ski lift above Méribel-Mottaret, and also the brand new Chenus ski lift coming out of Courchevel 1850, click here for the link if you missed it. This time let's take a look at a really important ski lift down at Chaudanne in Méribel, the Rhodos bubble. Chaudanne is the name given to the area where the pistes meet at the bottom of Méribel Centre, and where four major ski lifts rise; Saulire Express (bubble), Tougnete 1 (bubble), the Legends chairlift and finally the Rhodos bubble.

The Rhodos bubble is now going through a two year renovation project. Please note I used the word renovation, it is not going to be a brand new ski lift. Several years ago a brand new bubble was being touted, but then for some reason later plans changed instead to this renovation.

Let's get into the key things that are being upgraded. All of the old cabins (bubbles/gondolas) have been taken out, and are being replaced with the latest generation cabins offering space for eight seats or ten standing. The old bubbles were slightly uncomfortable and standing only. After the renovation the ski lift will be less energy intensive, with an approach that will improve the equipment. Can you tell I'm copying the official language blurb? I'll continue with this theme.......... A mechanical renovation of the stations and refurbishment of electrical installations. A transformation of the station architecture, through better integration with the landscape. This investment made by Méribel Alpina is 10 million euros.

Back to my speak now..... Remember this is a two year project, which will become more apparent why after next summer's work. However for this winter there will be the new (seated) cabins, and the renovation of the bottom and mid station.

There will be many people who will say that this work is long overdue. The Rhodos bubble is very old now, and for the last few winters has been operating in a delicate manner. It has been very sensitive in high winds, needing to stop running for safety reasons. And there have been constant delays with opening in the morning, and regular stops due to electrical and mechanical issues. At any time of a ski season, this is an inconvenience, but during the busy Festive Period and February school holidays it's a pain in the neck. So I'm really pleased that improvements are on the way.

For many skiers, especially intermediate and advanced skiers, the importance of the Rhodos won't be that high other than returning to the upper resort at the end of the afternoon. But for beginner skiers, and early intermediate skiers, this lift is crucial. At the top of the Rhodos is the incredible ski area of the Altiport. The Altiport sector is absolutely brilliant for those wanting to build confidence, particularly beginners where it is one of Méribel's greatest assets. For me as a ski instructor, access to the Altiport area is both crucial and fantastic. It's not only important for taking skiers up there, but also for those wanting to download back to Chaudanne. The ski down to Chaudanne is not for beginners, nor snow ploughers building their confidence. Downloading is also crucial for younger kids. So having a more reliable ski lift is going to be brilliant.

I'm really excited about having the Rhodos ski lift renovated. It's going to make quite a difference to a lot of people, and improve access to the Altiport and the link over to Courchevel via the Col de la Loze. Well done Méribel Alpina for making these changes. I also believe that yet again this confirms that the 3 Valleys continues to invest in the ski lift infrastructure for the future.

Just like last week's post, I hope you have found this one interesting. I'm sure we are all looking forward to the start of the coming winter. The days are getting shorter and the temperature first thing in the morning is fresh, which means winter is on its way. Please do come back soon for another post, and do tell your skiing chums about this blog page. As ever, don't forget to Live With Passion. Martin.