Industry News
An unexpected power failure at the Swiss ski resort of Veysonnaz brought a sudden end to the ski day of approximately 50 skiers and boarders on Saturday, December 28. The Veysonnaz-Thyon gondola, which connects skiers to some of the most sought-after slopes in the region, ground to a halt, requiring the evacuation of several dozen passengers by helicopter. Veysonnaz together with Verbier, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz, and Thyon form Les 4 Vallées Ski Area, Switzerland’s largest interconnected ski area.
According to a spokesperson for Nendaz-Veysonnaz Remontées Mécaniques SA (NVRM), the company operating the gondola, the evacuation was a precautionary measure to avoid prolonged waits for passengers suspended mid-air. The spokesperson emphasized that at no point was passenger safety compromised. “We chose to evacuate to ensure comfort and reduce inconvenience,” the spokesperson stated. Those affected by the incident are being contacted personally by the company. The evacuation was facilitated by Air Glacier, which used two helicopters and five mountain rescue members to safely bring guests to the ground.
The power outage affected the gondola providing access to the celebrated Piste de l’Ours (Bear Run), a ski run renowned for hosting international ski competitions and offering a challenging descent for winter sports enthusiasts. The gondola, built in 2005, features eight-seater cabins capable of transporting up to 1,600 people per hour to an altitude of 2,121 meters (6,959 feet). With a journey time of eight minutes, it is a vital artery for skiers and snowboarders accessing Veysonnaz and the broader 4 Vallées ski area. Shuttle buses were deployed to redirect guests to alternative lifts while the gondola underwent repairs overnight. NVRM managed to get the gondola back to being fully operational on Sunday morning.
The 4 Vallées boasts 410 kilometers (256 miles) of groomed ski runs, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned experts. Among its highlights is the Mont Fort Glacier with a peak elevation of 3,330 meters (10,925 feet), which offers panoramic views stretching to Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Veysonnaz itself is celebrated for its traditional alpine charm and a mix of beginner-friendly slopes and advanced terrain. The resort’s connection to the Piste de l’Ours adds a layer of prestige, as the run is a frequent host of FIS World Cup events. Off the slopes, the village offers a relaxed ambiance with cozy chalets and family-friendly activities.
While incidents like Saturday’s power failure are rare, they underscore the challenges of operating high-altitude infrastructure in alpine conditions. Modern gondola systems, like the Veysonnaz-Thyon lift, are equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, including backup power and evacuation protocols. Helicopter rescues, although dramatic, are a testament to the preparedness and efficiency of ski resort operations in ensuring passenger safety.
View this post on Instagram
