Cîme Caron, at 3195m one of the highest points of the world's largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées, is to become home to a new building incorporating a wine cellar.
Europe's highest major resort, Val Thorens, which lies 900 vertical metres below, has already begun transforming the Cîme Caron area and is starting work on the new building, expected to open late next year.
The new building will link up with the existing pedestrian tunnel and will feature a panoramic terrace, bar and restaurant as well as the wine cellar.
From Cîme Caron there are 360° panoramic views of more than 1,000 peaks in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop. Mont Brequin, La Meije, the Aiguilles d'Arves, the Chavière and Bouchet glaciers area mong the sights to be seen.
In 1982 Val Thorens' SETAM lift company built what was at the time the highest and biggest cable car in the world, as well as one of the most expensive projects in the history of ski lifts!
It's part of a series of lifts taking skiers from 876m altitude in the valley up 2,310 vertical metres to Cime Caron. The top can also be reached by lifts from Orelle in the '4th Valley'.
"The new facility will allow visitors to take the time to enjoy the beautiful 360° panorama featuring Mont Blanc," a Val Thorens spokesperson said.