Vanoise Express, La Plagne Travel Guide

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Experience breathtaking alpine views on the Vanoise Express, connecting Les Arcs and La Plagne in a thrilling four-minute ride across the valley.

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Vanoise Express

The Vanoise Express is a massive double-decker cable car that connects the ski resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne in the French Alps, forming a key part of the Paradiski area. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys during its short but memorable journey.

A brief summary to Vanoise Express

54 Imp. de la Cembraie, La Plagne-Tarentaise, 73210, FR
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Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Vanoise Express.

Check the operating hours, as the Vanoise Express has different schedules in summer and winter.
Consider purchasing a Paradiski ski pass for access to both Les Arcs and La Plagne ski areas.
For stunning views, try to get a spot near the windows or on the glass floor panel (if available).
In winter, be aware that the Montchavin side of the cable car arrives on a ski slope, so walking to Montchavin is not possible.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the closest major transport hub, take a local bus (Line Y87) towards Peisey-Vallandry. Get off at the 'Vanoise Express' bus stop in Plan Peisey. From there, it's a short walk to the cable car station. Bus fare is approximately €3-5. Check local bus schedules for accurate timings.
Walking

From Plan Peisey village center, follow the signs towards the Vanoise Express. The station is located within a short walking distance (approximately 5-10 minutes) from most accommodations in Plan Peisey. The route is well-marked and easy to navigate.
Special Transport

Once at the Vanoise Express station, purchase a ticket for the cable car. A one-way adult ticket costs €11, and a round-trip ticket is €17. A one-way child ticket costs €9, and a round-trip ticket is €14. Then, board the cable car for the ride to either Les Arcs or La Plagne.

Discover more about Vanoise Express

The Vanoise Express stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, linking the popular ski resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne to create the vast Paradiski area. Since its inauguration in December 2003, this double-decker cable car has been whisking skiers, snowboarders, and sightseers across the Ponthurin valley, providing a vital and thrilling connection between the two resorts.Costing €15 million to build, the Vanoise Express was designed by POMA with the aim of maximizing capacity while minimizing environmental impact. The result is a cable car system with no intermediate towers, stretching 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) in a single span. The two independent, double-decker cabins can each carry up to 200 people over two levels, transporting a total of 2,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The journey takes just under four minutes, traveling at a speed of 45km/h (28 mph).As you ascend, prepare to be captivated by panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Beaufortain massif, and the North Face of the Bellecôte glacier. For the especially brave, some cabins feature a glass panel on the lower level, offering a vertiginous experience with a direct view of the valley floor 380 meters (1,250 ft) below.The Vanoise Express operates between Plan Peisey (Les Arcs) and Montchavin-Les Coches (La Plagne). Whether you're seeking access to the extensive Paradiski ski area or simply a unique sightseeing experience, the Vanoise Express promises a memorable ride.