The lift between the Mer de Glace and Montenvers opened on 3 February 2024, This is 80 days behind schedule. The delays to this complex high-altitude construction project have has been blamed on the weather.
This is a new lift, replacing the previous lift constructed in 1993 that became obsolete as the glacier of the Mer de Glace receded. It had to be completed dismantled.
The works are not yet complete. Passengers walk through a construction site with barriers, tape, a gravel path and workers' site cabin. Work continues on a new panoramic restaurant and arrival/departure hall. Also, there are a lot of cosmetic tasks to be completed.
The new lift is a spectacular upgrade. Not only its own architectural style, but the positioning that allows for a better view up the Mer de Glace to the awesome north east face of Les Grandes Jorasses.
A MULTI-USER LIFT
Like the Aiguille du Midi telepherique, the Mer de Glace gondola de Glace is used my three diverse groups.
Tourist visitors to the Ice Cave, Valley Blanche skiers and Alpinists
This summer, tourist visitors and mountaineers will be able to appreciate the new lift in all it's splendour. The project will be completed in June 2024
The retreat of the glacier continues.
The owner of the facility, the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, is concerned about preserving easy access to the bottom station of the lift over the coming years.
"18 months ago, when we started the work, the glacier was at the level of the foundations of the departure station. Today, we have to climb up 20 steps from the ice to the departure station. The retreat of the glacier is relentless with monstrous acceleration."
“In say ten or fifteen years, no doubt, we will have to walk half an hour to get to the glacier. We will still want to go to the Couvercle refuge, the Leschaux refuge, the Envers des Aiguilles refuge.”
Le Dauphiné
