Chatelard Funicular Gets a Revamp This Summer
Now called the Vertic Alp, the attraction has had a makeover
Just over the Swiss border at the Vallorcine end of the valley, the Chatelard funiculars and mini train take you on a scenic ascent to the Emosson Dam. Some people prefer to cycle up, but if you prefer doing it the easy way, the newly named 'Vertic Alp' experience is worth a visit.
The funicular has been closed until very recently for refurbishment, and if anyone remembers what the old cabins used to look like (see photos above) the new modernised cabins are a welcome improvement!
Gone are the old riveted-together and slightly shoddy looking cabins, in their place are shiny, new enclosed cabins with electric doors and large windows to enjoy the view from.
The journey to the top is in three stages, the bottom leg of which is the most impressive - the funicular takes you up the hillside above Chatelard on a track that reaches 87 degrees incline (that's the steepest you'll ever get on a train!) On the way the track divides and you pass another cabin on the way down.
Once you're at the top you join the little panoramic train that snakes around towards the dam on a narrow gauge track, leaving you wondering how on earth they built it so high on the mountain side, and from the end of the train you jump on a much smaller red funicular cabin to the top of the dam.
The views of Mont Blanc are spectacular, and the journey takes just under an hour to complete. To get there, take the Mont Blanc Express train to Chatelard - direction Martigny (timetables can be found here). In July & August the first funicular up is at 08:30 and they run every half an hour. You're recommended to get there at least 15 minutes before departure.
Tickets for all three parts of the journey cost 27 euros for an adult single and 36 euros return. They're also offering a 50% discount for the Cosmo Jazz Festival on Sunday 26th July.
Summer opening runs until 25th October 2015.
To see the new funicular in action take a look at this video.
For more information please visit the Vertic Alp website.
