© Gemma Hunt
© Gemma Hunt
© Gemma Hunt
© Gemma Hunt
© Gemma Hunt
A New, Faster Chairlift with a Cover for St Martin
A new & improved chair lift in the Belleville valley
The sight of construction workers at the St Martin 2 lift station brings both good and bad news, but mostly good!
The bad news is that due to the construction works, the upper level of St Martin mountain bike tracks that have been developed over the past couple of years, will not be open this summer. With only the St Martin 1 lift open for July/August it means that access to the full Three Valleys area is not possible from St Martin for the time being.
The good news however is that the reason for the closure is that they are finally replacing the St Martin 2 lift with a speedier and hopefully warmer lift. Works are in full force with the old posts and chairs removed to make way for the new construction. The plans indicate a six person chairlift with bubble cover. It was discussed that the new lift would not be covered due to concerns that this would result in a higher level of closure when there are high winds. It looks however that we will be toasty after all, but let’s see!
Anyone who has lived, worked, visited or skied into St Martin will know that the previous St Martin 2 lift was slow, chilly and over the last couple of years subject to frequent delays. The new lift has been a long time coming but with a strict schedule for renewals in the Three Valleys, St Martin has been waiting patiently and is now being rewarded.
The old St Martin 2 lift will not be wasted and is being moved to upgrade the lift out of Le Bettaix. Previously a snug two-man chair so I’m sure they will be appreciative of the St Martin cast-off!
