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New Aime-La Plagne Gondola: How the €106M Lift Could Transform Ski Holidays by 2029
Is Aime Getting a Gondola to La Plagne? Latest News for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
If you’ve ever braved that winding mountain road from Aime to Plagne Centre with tired kids in the back and skis strapped to the roof, this might just be the news you’ve been waiting for.
After more than 40 years of discussion, the mayors of Aime-la-Plagne and La Plagne Tarentaise, Corine Maironi-Gonthier and Jean-Luc Boch, have unveiled plans for a brand new gondola lift that could connect the Aime train station directly to the heart of La Plagne by autumn 2029, just in time for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
What’s actually being proposed?
At the recent public meeting in Macot, local officials, regional representatives, and the study group AHEAD shared a detailed plan:
- Route: Either a direct lift from Aime station to Plagne Centre, or with a stop at La Roche (by the bobsleigh track) to connect outlying villages like Les Charmettes and Plagngagnant. Villages which, ironically, aren’t even properly served by buses now.
- Capacity: Gondola cabins with 10 seats, moving up to 2,600 people per hour.
- Travel Times:
- Aime to La Roche / Bobsleigh: 9 min 30 sec
- La Roche to Plagne Centre: 6 min 14 sec
- Total lift time: Around 17 minutes
- Driving time for the same trip: About 34 minutes in light traffic and good weather, which is double the lift time, according to their studies.
- Waiting Time: Expect about a 15-minute wait at peak times, based on similar systems in resorts like Les Arcs and Saint-Gervais.
- Opening Times:
- Winter: 6am–11pm on weekends, 6am–8pm weekdays.
- Summer: 8am–8pm daily.
- Closed: During the inter-season months (May–June, Sept–Nov).
Interestingly, they’re even looking at using the gondolas for local cargo: parcels, laundry, and other deliveries. Which could help reduce mountain traffic further.
Will people really use it?
The plan aims to ‘integrate the people, workers, mountain and valley’, not just tourists. It’s forecast to serve 390,000 people in its first year, growing to 540,000 by year ten. As a benchmark, Les Arcs’ funicular lift carried around 600,000 passengers in 2024. So it’s certainly achievable, though locals at the meeting rightly pointed out that changing travel habits takes time.
A big part of this is rethinking the Aime train station, which is currently “closed more than it’s open.” Those were the exact words from Aime La Plagne Mayor, Corine Maironi-Gonthier. Improving connections there and working with SNCF (train providers), could encourage more families to ditch the car altogether. Something that’s becoming more important as people look for lower-carbon travel options.
How much will it cost (and who’s paying)?
Here’s the headline figure: €106 million total investment.
- €64 million for the lift system
- €28 million for stations and parking
- €2 million for road access and improvements
- €12 million for management, studies, and risk assessments
The funding is expected to come from a mix of sources:
- €35 million requested via SOLIDEO Alpes 2030 (Olympic infrastructure)
- €10 million grant from the region and French government (CPER)
- Forecasted lift ticket and parking fees should cover ongoing operating costs.
Locals at the meeting did raise eyebrows when officials said there would be no new taxes – the audience laughed! – but the plan is for EACH municipality to cover €4 million over 30 years. A total of €8 million over 30 years, which is roughly €270,000 per year across the two municipalities. All without raising impôts or taxes.
What about the local impact?
One of the biggest points highlighted – especially by Aime-la-Plagne’s mayor – is that this gondola isn’t just for tourists. The aim is to benefit locals and families too, making it easier for children, workers, and residents to move between the valley and the mountain.
Here’s what’s planned so far:
- In Plagne Centre, a new drop-off zone will sit just across from the main bus station, with an underground tunnel to help families cross safely without interrupting the road.
- A new ‘kiss & fly’ style parking area in Plagne Centre will make it simpler for private shuttles, taxis, and accommodation hosts to pick up and drop off guests.
- Extra shuttle buses will link the valley lift station with the local college, Aime town centre, the base de loisirs, and key spots like Charles de Gaulle square, opening up more connections for those who rely on public transport.
When could this happen?
Key timeline to watch:
Autumn 2029: Planned opening — just in time for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Spring 2026: Public vote — it’s the residents who’ll decide if this goes ahead.
2026–2027: Final studies and planning.
2028–2029: Construction works.
So… will it really happen?
Time will tell! There’s political will, Olympic motivation, and practical need — but funding and public approval are big hurdles. Changing how people travel (and getting more families onto trains) will take time, too.
My take: what this means for your family ski trips
If you’re planning future holidays in La Plagne by train, this could make life so much easier: no more winding mountain road or pricey private transfers — just step off the train in Aime and glide straight up to resort.
For now, though, the mountain road is still the only way up — so it’s worth factoring in transfer times, traffic, and weather when you plan your arrival, especially if you’re travelling with little ones and lots of ski gear.
I’ll be keeping an eye on every step of this project and sharing updates as it moves forward.
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Been following you for a bit now and love your insites and tips. My husband and I have a chalet at Champagny and let out a little apartment connected to it. I often pass on your Instagram to guests🤩 Thank you for all your great posts.
That’s so nice – thank you!
You can always drop me any questions, happy to help and share the La Plagne lowdowns!
Jen