At a council meeting on 24th August, a proposal was put forward to build a new lift connecting the Chavannes and Mont Chery stations in Les Gets.
The local mayor put forward the suggestion that people having to walk across the village or using the bus and petit train isn't adequate or efficient enough to get skiers across Les Gets to Mont Chery. As such he feels that Mont Chery is under-utilised and the new link would further strengthen Les Gets connections to the Portes du Soleil Ski area.
The Haute Savoie Prefect are backing the project, which would see a two pylon cable car (with no mid-station) spanning the village from the bottom of the Chavannes to the Chairlift de la Pointe (to the left of mid station on Mont Chery). [Les Gets piste map]. The environmental impact is cited as being minimal, and there would be local employment opportunities created.
Not all of the council members are in favour, however, and almost 500 people have signed a petition against the development. Some people who have signed the petition say that the development can’t be financially justified and would cause overcrowding especially on Mont Chery.
There’s also been a great deal of discussion about the issue between expats in the area. Some comments express that “the lift would be a god send to small businesses on the mountain” and also “that the money would be better spent elsewhere” and "by opening up a link to Mont Chery, skiers can disperse more easily over a larger terrain which will take pressure off current hot spots". The debate continues..
Some people have suggested that work has already started on the project, but this is more than likely being confused with work to develop reservoirs in that area.
A public meeting to discuss the issue further will take place on the morning of 10th October. We'll keep you posted.
