5 replies to this topic

[garthd]

I know there is such a topic already, but I just came back from a post ski-season vacation in France, where I rode the craziest lift I've ever been on. It was the Aiguille du Midi Tram (or Telepherique) in Chamonix, France. Its actually two trams constucted in the 1950's and updated in the early 90's that climb about 10,000 feet!!! Jig-Back, 72 passenger cabins, and only 3 towers. All of those are located on the bottom tram. The upper tram climbs 5,000 feet pretty much straight up, and has no towers. The track and haul ropes were dragged down the mountain by local guides. I just kept thinking, "how did they do this?"

Incredible sight, view or no. Well worth my $50.

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Sorry it's sideways, but I can't fix it.

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I can't believe this thing!!

This post has been edited by garthd: 12 May 2007 - 07:23 AM

[iceberg210]

I've ridden that tram as well it a great time. What is really cool is they still have the old tram sitting to the side of the new one up and although I don't think running it is still fully in tact which is really awesome. The top tram is amazing it just boosts you up there and sends you on up the rope. What is really cool is at the very last bit of the tram it is going up almost vertical as you go in to the station.

[Snoqualmie guy]

Are you supposed to ski off the tram?

[liftmech]

I believe so, it's pretty gnarly stuff but I've seen it in a few videos.

[garthd]

There were quite a few people with skis and glacier gear, but I think they head off the back towards the Mer de Glace glacier.

[iceberg210]

There are ways to ski off the upper tram even in the summer. Both trams can be skied off of in the winter although I believe there is better runs in different areas of Charmonix although I've never skied there. The first tram would be like a good solid black and the second tram would be really hard difficult stuff.