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 

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

• Press trips will be organised in mid-January 2025
• The programme will highlight the new transport links, the thermal park, ski area and snow activities
• Both skiers and non-skiers are welcome with programme options available to both

Winter season dates

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

For more information about Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc and winter 2024-25 offering, download the press kit.

For any other enquiries included press trip information please contact Anne.pedersen@vestmarpr.com

-ENDS-

About Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc

Saint Gervais is home to the highest mountain in Western Europe, the Mont-Blanc as it is located within its commune and can be viewed from the historic thermal village. The resort of Saint-Gervais embodies the art of alpine living: 4 villages, the highest cog railway in France – the Mont-Blanc Tramway, a thermal spa since 1806, and 2 ski areas - one being 'Evasion Mont Blanc' the 3rd largest ski area in France with more than 400 km of slopes. Saint-Gervais and its villages and hamlets, are all rich in natural and built heritage, in particular its baroque churches and chapels. Resort can be accessed via the TGV terminus station and a new gondola lift connecting station and hamlets directly. Saint-Gervais can be reached from Paris by TGV in 4 hours 45 minutes. Lyon is a three our regular train journey and Geneva can be reached in 1 hour 45 minute with the Léman Express or 45 min by car.