New installation in Thyon officially inaugurated

New combined lift in Thyon: more comfort and new possibilities

Just in time for Christmas, the new Bartholet combined lift Telemixte de la Matze entered operation in the Valais ski region of Thyon. With a total of 28 six-seater chairs and eight 10-passenger panoramic gondolas designed by Studio F. A. Porsche, it significantly enhances the piste offering of this family-friendly ski area. At the same time, the installation improves year-round connectivity between the lower residential areas and the Thyon 2000 summit complex and makes the eastern access to the large Les 4 Vallées ski area considerably more attractive.

The new combined lift replaces two drag lifts and runs along the La Matze ski slope over a distance of 874 metres, connecting the Les Colonnes 1900 terrace settlement with its numerous chalets, hotels and large parking facilities to the Thyon 2000 resort complex at nearly 2100 metres above sea level. With the removal of the former lift lines, the piste area particularly suitable for beginners and families could be significantly widened. These groups now also benefit from the increased comfort and safety provided by the first six-seater chairs and gondolas in the area. Pedestrians and guests with reduced mobility can now reach the summit directly without shuttle buses. This opens up new winter activities such as toboggan runs and creates new summer perspectives for the cableway operator Télé-Thyon, especially with offers for mountain bikers and hikers.

With a winter capacity of 2000 persons per hour and a location directly at the largest car park in the ski area, the new Telemixte accelerates access to the Les 4 Vallées ski network, which with a total of 410 km of pistes remains the largest interconnected ski area in Switzerland. In summer operation, using only the eight 10-passenger cabins, the installation transports up to 600 guests per hour. By extending operating hours into the evening and night, the tourist offering can be further expanded.

Attractive implementation

From a technological perspective, the new installation is based on the Telemix concept, which among other features provides separate boarding and alighting areas for chairlift and gondola passengers. In Thyon, 14 six-seater chairs operate followed by four gondolas. While the chairs remain on the line overnight, the 10-passenger gondolas can be quickly and easily stored in the station areas. The choice fell on spacious 10-passenger panoramic gondolas designed by Studio F. A. Porsche. With floor-to-ceiling glazing, they offer spectacular views of the Valais Alps and can be easily adapted to different uses thanks to folding benches, integrated ski holders and optional bike racks. Even the hoodless standard six-seater chairs convey a distinct Porsche design feel.

For the first time in Switzerland, a Bartholet installation is equipped with a control system from the manufacturer SEMER.

The new installation is well received

After the start of line construction work in February of the previous year and ropeway installation by Bartholet from early September, the new Télémixte La Matze went into operation on 23 December. Already at the official opening in early February, those responsible at Télé-Thyon reported very positive acceptance of the new installation. Daily peaks of more than 8000 passages not only led to a noticeable relief of the former main axis in the area, the Trabanta four-seater chairlift.

In perfect weather conditions, the significant upgrade of the La Matze piste area, together with expanded hotel capacities, also contributed to new record figures in recorded passengers with an increase of 35 percent in journeys and 22 percent more ski days. For the first time in its history, according to Télé-Thyon, the mark of more than 1 million journeys will already be reached by the end of January.