It may be three weeks behind schedule, but the Tramway du Mont Blanc (TMB) finally opened up this weekend. The delay in opening was due to necessary repair work being carried out on the tracks; clearing debris, strengthening the embankments and building avalanche barriers to protect some of the more exposed sections of the track during the winter.
The opening will come as great relief to local businesses in St Gervais who claim to have already lost 30% of their summer trade due to the closure. For St Gervais, the Tramway du Mont Blanc is comparable to the Aiguille du Midi in terms of drawing tourists to the area and locals have been particularly incensed by the lack of information provided by the TMB. Originally due to open on June 10th, this wasn't possible for “reasons of security”. “Nothing was marked on the door, simply “Opening soon”” stormed one local shop owner.
An exceptionally harsh winter has been blamed for the set-backs experienced by the TMB. Jean Marc Peillex, Mayor of St Gervais said “many sections of the track between Motivon and the Nid d'Aigle were very badly damaged.” This was confirmed by the Compagnie du Mont Blanc who said that “the tramway had suffered considerable erosion of the gullies and embankments supporting the track”. However, this summer it has become apparent that past maintenance and upkeep of the tramway had not been sufficient. Urgent work was hastily completed prior to the opening on Saturday but the Compagnie du Mont Blanc predicts that it will take 10 years and approximately €8 million euros to fully repair the tramway.
The Tramway du Mont Blanc is open daily from 7.45am (first departure Le Fayet) – 4.35pm (last departure Nid d'Aigle) and the full journey takes 50 minutes. An adult return ticket costs €17 to Bellevue or €23.50 to the Nid d'Aigle and booking in advance is advised.
Photo Credit: Camilla Liparoti
