The historic alpine & spa resort of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is writing a new chapter in sustainable mountain tourism with the launch of three ground-breaking transport innovations. The ambitious project makes Saint-Gervais one of the few French mountain resorts to offer direct cable car access from major European railway lines, marking a significant step forward in eco-friendly mountain mobility. The resort has appointed Vestmar PR to handle its winter PR initiatives, showcasing its commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions for the future and putting the spotlight on a hidden gem in the French Alps.

Three major transport innovations will transform access to the resort

Le Valléen Gondola - Opened September 2024
Connects SNCF train station at Le Fayet to Saint-Gervais village in just 5 minutes
Le Fayet has TGV access to Paris with a journey time of 4h25m during the main holiday period
The gondola is immediately accessible from the train station
Expected to reduce daily road traffic by 25%
Capacity: 1,200 passengers per hour
L’Alpin Gondola - Opening December 2024
Seamlessly connects with Le Valléen gondola
Capacity: 2,800 people per hour
Enables access to slopes at 1,400m altitude in just 7 minutes from the train station
Saint-Gervais becomes the only resort in the French Alps to offer direct gondola access from major European rail routes
Ascenseur des Thermes - Opened August 2024
France’s first wastewater-powered funicular
The innovative hydraulic system and techniques have been designed by the French company POMA, and is based on a new technology devised by Michael Farmer, a British engineer living in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc
Links thermal baths to town centre in 3 minutes
The funicular is free to use

Leading the Way in Sustainable Mountain Tourism

The environmental impact of these developments is substantial

Projected 15% reduction in CO2 emissions
Decrease of approximately 15,000 cars annually on mountain roads or around 25% of road traffic reduction
This is in addition to the Mont-Blanc Tramway which has been in operation since 1909 and all trains are fully electrical and allows guests with reduced mobility to visit the mountains

Jean-Marc Peillex, Mayor of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, emphasizes: “This isn’t just about transport - it’s about reimagining mountain access for future generations. We’re proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

On the slopes

Two ski areas to choose from: Évasion Mont-Blanc and Saint-Gervais/Les Houches
Évasion Mont-Blanc is France’s third-largest ski area with over 400km of ski runs
Improved beginners’ area at 1,840m
Perfect snow coverage thanks to 1,022 snow cannons

Off the Slopes

Thermal spa featuring 39°C natural springs
The thermal spa offers a host of medical and relaxing treatments including a new floating massage experience
Year-round cultural events at the museum La Maison Forte de Hautetour and the neighbouring villages
New culinary experiences including:
Casa Nostra restaurant in Saint-Gervais centre
Marie Paradis bar at Hotel Le Saint Gervais
New slope-side restaurant ‘Le Boitet’ by three-Michelin-starred Chef Emmanuel Renaut
New hotel: Le Plan B ideally located near the train station, the Mont-Blanc tramway station and the Le Valléen cable car
Press trip

Winter season dates

Partial opening: December 14, 2024
Full opening: December 21, 2024
Season end: April 6, 2025