Discover the latest on the Grand Montets tram fire, its expected reopening, and how a crane collapse may delay construction. Prepare yourself for riding the new Grand Montets tram for the 2026-27 ski season. Celebrate Chamonix’s skiing legacy with our exclusive Chamonix ski t-shirts, perfect for fans of iconic resorts like Zermatt and Verbier.
The Grand Montets ski area in Chamonix, France, is a freerider’s paradise, famous for its steep slopes, glacier skiing, and stunning views of the Aiguille Verte. For skiers who wear their passion on their sleeves—literally—our Chamonix t-shirts capture the spirit of this legendary resort, alongside other favorites like Zermatt and Verbier. Since a catastrophic fire in September 2018, the Grand Montets cable car, a vital link to the summit at 3,275 meters, has been out of service. The €155 million rebuild, designed by architect Renzo Piano, aims for a December 2026 reopening, but a crane collapse in October 2024 threatens further delays.
Update: After corresponding with both Dopplemayr and Argentiere they stated the tram is still on track for a December 2026 re-opening.
The 2018 Fire: A Blow to Chamonix Skiing
On September 11, 2018, a fire erupted at the Lognan mid-station (1,972 meters) during roofing repairs, destroying over 500 square meters of infrastructure and melting critical cables. The blaze halted the cable car system connecting Argentière (1,252 meters) to the summit, leaving skiers without lift access to legendary freeride routes like Pas de Chèvre. For Chamonix locals and visitors, it was a loss felt deeply and a reminder of why we celebrate this resorts' iconic status in the skiing community. This is lift and the Auguille du Midi define Cham as one of the best ski resorts in the world.
The Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, which manages Chamonix’s lifts, deemed the 1960s-era system irreparable, opting for a full rebuild. In the meantime, skiers rely on the Plan Joran gondola or ski touring to access mid-mountain terrain.
The Rebuild: A Modern Vision for Grand Montets
In 2020, the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc announced a €155 million project to restore Grand Montets, with construction starting in spring 2024. The new system features a 10-seater gondola from Argentière to Lognan and a 3S cable car to the summit, offering 24 seats and panoramic views. Designed by Renzo Piano, the stations use sustainable materials like low-carbon concrete, aiming for High Environmental Quality (HQE) certification. A 230ft tunnel will also improve access to the Col des Grands Montets.
This ambitious project reflects Chamonix’s commitment to its skiing heritage, a spirit we capture in our ski resort t-shirts. Whether you’re dreaming of Chamonix’s powder or Zermatt’s Matterhorn views, our designs let you wear your love for the mountains. The Doppelmayr Group is building the cable car, while Boma Constructions handles the stations, ensuring Grand Montets remains a top destination for skiers worldwide.
October 2024 Crane Collapse: A Setback at 3,300 Meters
On October 2, 2024, a crane at the summit station (3,300 meters) collapsed during a de-icing operation after six days of brutal weather, including 60mph winds. The 60ft boom broke, triggering a small rockfall but no injuries. The crane is vital for constructing the Piano designed top station, and its loss has paused work indefinitely. Antoine Burnet of the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc said inspections are ongoing to determine when construction can resume in 2025.
This setback may push the December 2026 reopening, adding uncertainty for skiers eager to return. The crane collapse highlights the challenges of high-altitude construction and unfortunately delays the re-opening of one of the premiere ski lifts in the world.
What’s Next for Grand Montets?
Before the crane incident, the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc targeted December 2026 for reopening, a delay from earlier 2024 estimates due to the project’s scale. The crane collapse, however, should not extend this timeline as told to me by the Argentiere information office. So prepare yourself for riding the new Grand Montets tram for the 2026-27 ski season.
Replacing equipment at 3,300 meters is no small feat. Costs may also exceed the €155 million budget. Still, CEO Mathieu Dechavanne remains committed to restoring this Chamonix “heritage.”
Skiers can still enjoy Grand Montets lower terrain via the Plan Joran gondola, but the summit’s glacier runs require ski touring. However, skiers can still access the Argentiere Glacier, which can be skied down into town if the conditions are optimal as when I was there in January.
![]()
Why Chamonix Inspires Our Ski T-Shirts
The Grand Montets saga—from the 2018 fire to the 2024 crane collapse—will soon be a memory within the Chamonix’s ski community and beyond. Our Chamonix ski t-shirts are more than apparel, they’re a tribute to this iconic resort and others like Zermatt and Verbier. Made with premium comfort in mind, they’re perfect for après-ski, travel, or casual days.
The crane collapse is a hurdle, but Chamonix’s legacy endures, and we’re here to celebrate it—one t-shirt at a time.
Sources: Chamonix.net, SnowBrains, Skiweekend.com, Montblancnaturalresort.com
Buy Chamonix Distressed T Shirt
Previous Blog Post - Top 5 Spring Skiing Areas in North America