According to the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Town Hall, the dismantling and removal works of the old Gare des Glaciers at Col du Midi (at the top of the Glacier du Rond) started in October 2017 and will continue until November.
This operation consists in the dismantling of the metallic structures, cables and foundations. This decision has been made to return the site to nature.
Abandoned in 1948, the Glaciers cable car served to connect Chamonix to the Aiguille du Midi in the early 20th century. But for about 70 years, the cable car was no longer serving. Some elements were removed over time but a large number of infrastructures remained there offering a negative visual impact for all mountaineers using this route.
The total amount of the dismantling works is about €100,000.
The commune of Chamonix Mont-Blanc, general contractor of the operation, is contributing €30,000. In addition, the commune obtained a subsidy from the Ministry of the Environment of about €15,000 and federated various funding partners:
- Compagnie du Mont Blanc €28,000;
- Espace Mont Blanc €21,500;
- Mountain Wilderness €2,000.
After various projects undertaken in this recent years: Dismantling of the pylons of the old Planpraz gondola by the Compagnie du Mont Blanc; Dismantling of the old Emosson cable car on the Argentière glacier by the Emosson company; Dismantling of the cables of the old Aiguille du Midi cable car; this dismantling operation marks a new step in the Mont Blanc rehabilitation program.
According to the Chamonix Town Hall, these actions should be compared with the priority given to Compagnie du Mont Blanc by the municipality, as part of the public service delegation, to reduce the impacts in its investment program on the sites where operates. For example, the Lognan site development program for winter 2018 plans to increase from 3 to 1 device.
