Built in the sixties, the Mont-Gelé cable car was the oldest ski lift in the Verbier area.
At that time it was a technological feat to create a cable car so high, with a base station at 2734m and arriving at 3002m.
The upgrade for this winter has cost CHF 5.2 million.
Work began in May, with the old lift still being used until July. The lower station was demolished in August and construction started.
Initially, the electromechanical parts supplied by manufacturer Garaventa were installed, then the roof made in Sembrancher by STA.
The delivery of the new gondola, including the suspension cables was next. They were transported by truck to Verbier Village first and then to the Ruinettes.
The actual cabin remained there temporarily while the cables were taken up to the Attelas, before mounting the gondola on the cable the next day.
The layout of the new cable car remains almost unchanged from the old route. It will have a flow of 400 people per hour to limit the flow of off-piste skiers on the popular routes down from the top.
The official opening to the public in Verbier is scheduled for December 15, 2017.