The new "Telemixte de la Matze" lift at Thyon ski resort at the eastern end of Switzerland's largest ski area, Les 4 Vallées, has transformed access to the region, the resort claims.
"With a total of 28 six-seater chairs and eight 10-seater panoramic gondolas designed by Studio F. A. Porsche, the new lift significantly enhances the skiing offering of the family ski area. At the same time, the facility has improved year-round connectivity between the lower settlement areas and the summit complex Thyon 2000 at 2100 meters, making the eastern access to the "Les 4 Vallées" ski area much more attractive," a resort spokesperson said, noting that it means the local lift company will carry a million visitors this year. Passenger numbers are up +35%, skier days +22%.
The new combination lift has replaced two drag lifts and dramatically speeds up access to Les 4 Vallées with its total of 410 km of slopes.
Technologically, the new lift is based on the "Telemix" concept, which includes separate entry and exit areas for chair and gondola passengers. In Thyon, 14 six-seater chairs are followed by four gondolas. The choice was made for spacious 10-seater panoramic gondolas, designed by the Design Studio F. A. Porsche.
With floor-to-ceiling glazing, they offer spectacular views of the Valaisan mountains and adapt easily to different uses thanks to foldable benches, integrated ski holders, and optional bike racks. Even with the hoodless 6-seater standard chairs, there's a "Porsche feeling".
The new lift has coped well with peaks in business of 8,000 passages per hour, easing pressure on the other main lift into the 4 Valleys from the resort, the Trabanta quad, the previous main axis in the area.
The disappearance of lift queues in the area, installation of the easy to use lift and a widening of the ski slopes has also made it particularly suitable for beginners and families. Pedestrians and guests with reduced mobility can also now reach the summit directly without shuttle buses. This opens up new winter opportunities such as tobogganing and creates new possibilities for the cable car company Télé-Thyon in terms of summer business, especially with offerings for mountain bikers and hikers.