Skyway Monte Bianco, the new Mont Blanc cableways, enable you to set out on a magical journey that is mapped out in accordance with the shape of the land as it reaches for the sky.
As walking for long distances is not required, this experience can be enjoyed by everyone, unless health problems make it inadvisable to stay at high altitudes.
The three stations, Pontal d’Entrèves at 1300 m, Pavillon du Mont Fréty at 2200 m, and Punta Helbronner at 3466 m, are connected by two cableway sections, which are protected spaces built in glass and steel that harmonize with the surrounding environment.
The intermediate station, the Pavillon du Mont Fréty, offers a panoramic view on the opposing sides of the Val Veny and Val Ferret, enhanced by the large glass surfaces of the buildings. On the outside, there is a botanical garden, several routes to get close to nature, and a solarium; on the inside, there are two restaurants, a bar, a 150-seat meeting/ events/cinema room, a Mont Blanc crystals exhibit, a small shopping center, and a winery. The old station will be renovated and converted into a museum area.
The last station is Punta Helbronner; it is shaped like a crystal and soars upwards with cantilever terraces. The main attraction is here: a circular scenic terrace 14 meters in diameter with a unique all around view over most of the highest peaks of the Western Alps: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Gran Paradiso and the Grand Combin. Inside, a crystal exhibition hall, a self service restaurant, a bar, and multimedia information points. Numerous multimedia screens located in all the stations inform tourists about the history of the place. Even with bad weather, coming here will not be a missed chance, but a rewarding visit and unforgettable experience where breathing “thin air” will not be the only memory.
A vertical well, excavated in the heart of Punta Helbronner, hosts safety staircases and elevators that connect with the pedestrian tunnel leading to the Torino mountain hut, since there is no stop near the mountain hut.
The cable cars feature a sober and clear hemispherical design with no corners or edges. They boast a higher load capacity (80 people compared to the current 20) and rotate a full 360 degrees along the route, affording a full view of the surrounding peaks though their large glass surfaces. A special heating system avoids condensation, while sensors and panels located beneath the floor prevent ice from forming. On board are low consumption LED lighting and multimedia systems such as TV screens for film projection, information on the weather, slopes, avalanche risk, schedules, and events. A camera located on the floor shows images of the panorama below. Special oscillation blocking instruments make the cable car’s motion incredibly fluid, adapting to load distribution and weight.
Skyway Monte Bianco ID and numbers
Total climb: about 2,200 meters. Departure station: 1300 m; Punta Helbronner Station: 3,462; altitude of Glaciers scenic terrace at Punta Helbronner: 3,466 m
Climbing time: Pontal d’Entrèves – Pavillon du Mont Fréty: about 4 minutes; Pavillon du Mont Fréty – Punta Helbronner: about 5 minutes
Hourly capacity: first section 800 people, second section 600
For more information: Skyway Monte Bianco
