22.12.2025

3,000m tower crane installation

Two 10 tonne Potain MDT 219 J10 flat top tower cranes have been erected in the Chamonix valley ski area, France, at an elevation of 3,000 metres using a helicopter.
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The helicopter brings in another tower section

The cranes are helping rebuild the Grands Montets gondola, which was destroyed by fire in 2018. The €150 million project includes the construction of two new lift stations to transport skiers and snowboarders between Argentière and Lognan, and on to the summit.
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Installing a jib section needs a steady pilot and minimal wind gusts

The two cranes were chosen for their modular design with no section or component weighing more than the helicopter's maximum 2.4 tonne capacity for this elevation.
A cable car that travels to 3,300 metres was used to transport materials for pylon installation and some crane components, reducing the number of helicopter lifts required.
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High altitude tower crane erectors at work

The new gondola lift will require half as many pylons as the previous one and is scheduled to open for the 2026/2027 ski season.