40-Year-Old “Bottle Neck” Lift Finally Replaced in La Plagne — New Roche de Mio Gondola Opens December 2025

Every winter, La Plagne manages to surprise its loyal visitors with something new. From its perfectly groomed pistes to its jaw-dropping alpine panoramas, this French Alps favourite continues to evolve — and the 2025/26 ski season is set to be one of its most exciting yet.

This December, La Plagne will unveil the brand-new Roche de Mio gondola, replacing the 40-year-old lift that long served as a key artery in the resort’s network. It marks another major step in the resort’s ambitious modernisation plan, aimed at improving comfort, capacity, and connectivity across the entire Paradiski ski area.

A New Era for La Plagne: The Roche de Mio Gondola

Set to open in December 2025, the new Roche de Mio gondola will link Plagne Bellecôte to Roche de Mio via the Col de Forcle, offering a seamless, high-speed connection to some of the resort’s best-loved runs.

With 168 modern cabins and an impressive capacity of 3,140 passengers per hour, skiers can expect dramatically shorter queue times, meaning more time on the slopes and less time waiting around in the cold.

One of its most striking features is a 37-metre-high pylon, roughly the height of a 12-storey building, making this one of the most technically impressive lift installations in the Alps.

Once open, access to Roche de Mio will be easier than ever from multiple points across the ski area:

• From Plagne Bellecôte via the new Roche de Mio gondola
• From Champagny-en-Vanoise via the Carella chairlift
• From Grande Rochette via the mid-station at Col de Forcle

This upgrade will streamline travel across the mountain, creating smoother links between villages and ski areas and unlocking even more of La Plagne’s 225km of pistes within the Paradiski domain (connected to Les Arcs).

Phase 1 Recap: The Glaciers Gondola

The new lift follows the successful completion of Phase 1, the Glaciers gondola, which opened in December 2023. This lift connects Roche de Mio to Live 3000, one of the highest accessible points in La Plagne.

The Glaciers gondola quickly became a guest favourite thanks to its speed, comfort, and jaw-dropping alpine views. A highlight is the Aérolive cabin, a unique open-air experience that lets you breathe in crisp mountain air and enjoy 360° panoramas of Mont Blanc, La Grande Casse, and surrounding peaks, a true bucket-list ride on a clear day.

For Non-Skiers: Alpine Beauty Beyond the Slopes

You don’t need to be a skier to experience La Plagne’s magic. Thanks to the new gondolas, pedestrians can reach Live 3000 in just 10 minutes from the top of Roche de Mio.

Once there, three scenic walking trails invite you to discover the Alps at your own pace:

• Le Creux de la Foudre (Small Loop) – 1.6 km of gentle climbs, ideal for a 50-minute alpine stroll.
• Le Creux de la Foudre (Large Loop) – 3.4 km for a more adventurous 1 hour 45 minute hike with incredible photo opportunities.
• Live 3000 Discovery Trail – A short 350 m path linking three spectacular viewpoints with minimal elevation gain.

Whether you’re walking, taking photos, or simply soaking in the stillness, these trails offer an unforgettable mountain experience without the need for skis.

Practical Details

The Roche de Mio gondola will officially open in December 2025, perfectly timed for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Pedestrians will also be welcome. A one-day pedestrian pass, including access to Live 3000, costs €26 for children and seniors and €32 for adults.

Why Ski Line Recommends La Plagne

With its family-friendly villages, extensive ski terrain, and now state-of-the-art lift infrastructure, La Plagne perfectly balances charm, accessibility, and adventure.

From carving through fresh snow above the tree line to sipping hot chocolate on a sun terrace with panoramic views, La Plagne captures everything special about skiing in the French Alps.

And with the new Roche de Mio gondola opening this winter, your next ski holiday in La Plagne is about to reach new heights.

Plan your La Plagne ski holiday with Ski Line and be among the first to ride the brand-new Roche de Mio gondola in December 2025!