Anzère Levels Up: New Garaventa Gondola Transforms Access to Les Rousses

Télé Anzère SA has announced a major leap forward in its mountain modernization strategy with the official commissioning of the Les Grillesses–Le Bâté gondola lift. The new 10-person installation, engineered by Swiss ropeway specialist Garaventa, marks a transformative upgrade for the Valais-based ski resort.

The state-of-the-art gondola serves as the direct successor to a veteran fixed-grip chairlift that had been in operation since 1970. By replacing the 54-year-old infrastructure, the resort has not only increased its uphill capacity but has also significantly elevated the standard of comfort for guests navigating the mid-mountain.

Bridging History and Innovation

The Les Grillesses–Le Bâté line is a critical artery for the resort, providing the primary connection to the high-altitude Les Rousses area. For decades, the slow ride on the original 1970 chairlift was a bottleneck for skiers; the new Garaventa system slashes travel time while offering a weather-protected, panoramic experience.

"This investment is an important step towards the future of Anzère," said a representative for Télé Anzère SA. "By transitioning from a four-decade-old chairlift to a modern 10-person gondola, we are meeting the expectations of today’s families and high-performance skiers who demand efficiency and comfort."

Technical Excellence by Garaventa

As a product of Garaventa, the lift features the latest in ropeway technology, including:

• Enhanced Capacity: The 10-passenger cabins significantly reduce wait times during peak holiday periods.

• Level-Walk-In Design: The cabins are designed for easy loading, making them accessible for children, seniors, and guests with reduced mobility.

• Four-Season Potential: While a boon for winter sports, the gondola is also equipped to support the resort’s growing summer tourism, easily accommodating hikers and mountain bikers.

Unlocking Les Rousses

The primary benefit for skiers is the improved flow into the Les Rousses sector, known for its sunny, wide-open slopes and technical terrain. Previously, the aging chairlift often led to congestion at the mid-station; the new gondola ensures that the flow of traffic remains fluid, allowing skiers to spend more time on the snow and less time in queues.

The project is part of a broader "Mountain Plan" for Anzère, aimed at maintaining the resort's competitiveness within the Swiss Alps. With the Les Grillesses–Le Bâté gondola now fully operational, the resort turns its eyes toward further snowmaking enhancements and village developments.

For the locals and "Anzèrois" who have ridden the old chairlift for half a century, the new gondola represents more than just a lift—it is a symbol of the resort’s revitalization and its commitment to remaining a premier destination in the heart of the Valais.