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News
| ** Update on Vanoise Express ** | |
| Date added: 25 September 2008 | |
| Back in July we reported that the first of the four new cables that would carry the Vanoise Express between the peaks of Les Arcs and La Plagne had arrived and work to fit and adjust the tensions of the cables had begun. At that time, engineers were anticipating the work being completed by mid October which would thereby leave the rest of the autumn for testing in preparation for the 2008/09 winter season. Recently, we were pleased to read on French websites: Vanoise Express Blogspot and pleased to read on French websites: Skiinfo.fr that a site visit by local officials had found the repair work on the cabins to be well underway and was even a week ahead of schedule!! Furthermore, on the 3rd September one of the two cabins had also successfully completed its first crossing from Peisey-Vallandry, Les Arcs; to Montchavin, La Plagne on one set of the newly installed cables. (The Vanoise Express uses a ‘push and pull system’ which means that the cable car can operate successfully on one cable.) The final fourth 'linking cable' was also connected to its station of arrival on that same day, and final adjustments regarding the tension for anchorage to the final position were due to take place this week. Installation of the 2nd cable car on the new cables was also due to be taking place on the September 20th. It was commented that the reopening date of December 20, 2008 is looking highly feasible and everything at the moment is going to plan. The final phase of testing that will ensure the cable car is in full working order is due to commence next Tuesday, September 30. This part of the testing phase is expected to be long and meticulous. In fact, one of the tests involves assessing its load-carrying capabilities. For this, sixteen tons of water, in the form of containers of 600 to 1200 litres will be loaded into the cabins to simulate the estimated weight of 200 passengers, the maximum capacity of the Vanoise Express. (We're not sure though if that includes an allowance for the extra kilos of tartiflette or cheese fondue that is consumed by skiers when on the local Savoyard diet of cheese, cheese and more cheese!!) |
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