The Piguet Galland Line opens its upper section in Verbier

Verbier’s alpine history is also written through its lift infrastructure. For more than fifty years, the cable car linking Verbier to Savoleyres has accompanied skiers, hikers and visitors, gradually becoming far more than a simple means of transport: a true witness to Switzerland’s tourism and industrial heritage.

Commissioned in 1970, the historic installation is today the last Giovanola cable car still in operation worldwide, across all countries. It also holds the distinction of being the oldest cable car still in service in Switzerland. Designed under tight time constraints during the summer of 1950, it has stood the test of time thanks to the robustness and ingenuity of its grip system, embodying a bygone yet foundational era.

A lift providing a direct link between Savoleyres and the rest of the ski area: the Piguet Galland Line

On Monday 22 December 2025, a new chapter begins with the official opening of the upper section of the Piguet Galland Line, between Planards and Savoleyres. This first commissioning marks an important milestone in the modernisation of the slope, while remaining firmly rooted in its heritage.

Conceived as a modern successor, the Piguet Galland Line extends Savoleyres’ alpine story by combining comfort, performance and harmonious integration into the landscape. It meets the current needs of the ski area while anticipating future uses.

A hybrid installation designed for all users

The Piguet Galland Line stands out for its combined technology, bringing together enclosed 10-seat cabins and 6-seat detachable chairs on the same line. This configuration caters to a wide range of users and needs.

• Les Esserts – Planards section: reserved exclusively for cabins, this stretch crosses an avalanche-prone area and ensures safety, comfort and accessibility, particularly for pedestrians, families and beginner skiers.
• Planards – Savoleyres section: cabins and chairs operate alternately, offering a choice between skiing straight onto the lift or enjoying the shelter and calm of a cabin.

With nearly 60 cabins and 30 chairs in operation, the installation can accommodate up to 2,650 people per hour, ensuring smooth and efficient flow management.

A carefully planned project

The technical heart of the system is located at the intermediate Planards station. This is where cabins and chairs are precisely separated thanks to a sophisticated switching system combining tyre conveyors and chains. This technology allows the two sections to be operated independently, while ensuring safety and comfort.

The final route is the result of an in-depth study of 14 different variants, taking into account topographical constraints, residential areas, protected zones and natural hazards. Additional developments are also planned to facilitate ski connections and improve accessibility across the area.

A link designed for all seasons

Beyond winter operations, the Piguet Galland Line has been designed as a four-season connection. The enclosed cabins, accessible at ground level, allow for the transport of pedestrians, mountain bikes and pushchairs, and facilitate access for people with reduced mobility. This inclusive approach reflects the evolving nature of tourism practices.

Specific measures have also been implemented to limit the impact of the construction works and ensure harmonious integration into the alpine landscape.

A phased commissioning

The opening of the Piguet Galland Line follows a phased rollout:

• 22 December 2025: official opening of the Planards – Savoleyres section
• December 2026: commissioning of the full Les Esserts – Savoleyres line