Cime Caron Cable Car Val Thorens
Ride the 'bus on wire' to the summit of Cime Caron for breathtaking 360° Alpine views and access to thrilling ski runs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday rush
Cime Caron Cable Car Val Thorens
Best Time
Beat the midday rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the 'bus on wire' to the summit of Cime Caron for breathtaking 360° Alpine views and access to thrilling ski runs.
"Fantastic views over the region. Great look out area literally as soon as you get off the huge cable car."
Turn Left at the Top!
Don't miss the short climb to the absolute summit viewpoint – the views are incredible! :mountain_snow:
Embrace the Crowds
The 150-person gondola can get cozy. Think of it as a unique, shared adventure! :people_hugging:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Top of Cime Caron
Experience unparalleled 360-degree vistas of the surrounding Alps. Absolutely breathtaking!
The Giant Cable Car
Ascent from Val Thorens or Orelle
Ride the impressive 150-person gondola, a unique 'bus on wire' experience. It's an adventure in itself!
Summit Climb to Viewpoint
At the summit station
A short, rewarding climb to the highest viewpoint for the most spectacular scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the 'Bus on Wire'
Summit Views & Skiing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Turn Left at the Top!
Don't miss the short climb to the absolute summit viewpoint – the views are incredible! :mountain_snow:
Embrace the Crowds
The 150-person gondola can get cozy. Think of it as a unique, shared adventure! :people_hugging:
Ski Options Galore
From the summit, ski to Val Thorens, Orelle, or explore amazing off-piste terrain. :ski:
Check the Weather
Visibility can change rapidly. Clear days offer the best panoramic views. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
Turn Left at the Top!
Don't miss the short climb to the absolute summit viewpoint – the views are incredible! :mountain_snow:
Embrace the Crowds
The 150-person gondola can get cozy. Think of it as a unique, shared adventure! :people_hugging:
Ski Options Galore
From the summit, ski to Val Thorens, Orelle, or explore amazing off-piste terrain. :ski:
Check the Weather
Visibility can change rapidly. Clear days offer the best panoramic views. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely fantastic and breathtaking panoramic views from the Cime Caron summit. The sheer scale of the landscape is a major highlight. Some find the 150-person cable car to be a unique, albeit crowded, 'bus on wire' experience, and note the short climb to the viewpoint is well worth the effort. Skiers appreciate the access to challenging runs and off-piste terrain.
"Fantastic views over the region. Great look out area literally as soon as you get off the huge cable car. Lovely red run to the bottom"
No Gloves
"Pretty crazy ski lift, it's a bus on wire! 150 person capable lift, can get very cosy in there (think tube at rush hour but with more sticks,skis and pointy objects! Make sure to turn left and climb a short slippery slope to reach the summit, the views are well worth it."
Justin Attwood
"During our attempt to do the 3 Vallées Escapades, my friend and I got caught here for a good half hour. The style of gondola does not lend itself to the large number of people using it, definitely needs an upgrade"
Dan Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cime Caron cable car is accessible from both Val Thorens and Orelle. From Val Thorens, you'll typically take a series of lifts to reach the base station. From Orelle, it's a more direct ascent. Check the resort map for the best route based on your location.
Yes, the Cime Caron cable car is generally included in the Three Valleys ski pass, making it an accessible high-altitude experience for pass holders.
Operating hours vary by season and can be affected by weather. It's best to check the official Val Thorens or Orelle resort websites for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Yes, you can ride the cable car up to Cime Caron even if you don't plan to ski. The summit offers incredible views and a viewing platform accessible to pedestrians.
The Cime Caron cable car is a large, 150-person gondola, often humorously called a 'bus on wire.' It can get crowded, but the ride is relatively quick and offers stunning scenery as you ascend.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you have a valid Three Valleys ski pass, the Cime Caron cable car is typically included. For non-skiers or those with different passes, you may need to purchase a pedestrian ticket.
Pedestrian ticket prices can vary. It's advisable to check the Val Thorens or Orelle resort websites or inquire at the ticket office for the current pricing.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and potentially secure your spot. Check the official resort websites for online booking options.
Generally, there are no strict age restrictions for riding the Cime Caron cable car, but young children should be accompanied by an adult.
The Cime Caron cable car can close due to adverse weather conditions. If this happens, resort staff will provide information, and you may be able to use your ticket for another activity or receive a refund.
🎫 🏔️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views from the viewing platform, take photos, and for skiers, access several red and black runs, as well as off-piste opportunities.
Yes, there is a fantastic viewing platform right at the top of Cime Caron, offering unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
From Cime Caron, you can ski down to Val Thorens or Orelle via red runs. There are also challenging black runs and opportunities for off-piste skiing for experienced riders.
The climb to the summit viewpoint is short but can be slippery, especially in icy conditions. It's manageable for most people, but take your time and wear appropriate footwear. :athletic_shoe:
The summit station typically has basic facilities, including restrooms. There might be a small cafe or bar, but it's best to confirm current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh, but the sheer scale of the views is always impressive.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and reduce glare. :camerawithflash:
The main viewing platform offers the most iconic shots. Experiment with different angles and perspectives, looking out towards the vast mountain ranges. The cable car itself can also make for interesting shots.
Try visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) or be patient and wait for moments when the viewing platform is less crowded.
Be mindful of the cold and wind, which can affect your hands and camera equipment. Protect your gear from moisture and ensure your batteries are fully charged, as cold drains them faster.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who ski, the red runs from the summit provide a manageable descent. However, consider the black runs and off-piste areas as being for more experienced skiers only. The sheer scale of the landscape is a great educational opportunity, so bring your cameras and prepare for some 'wow' moments.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and the cold. Protect your gear and ensure batteries are fully charged. The summit viewing platform is the prime spot, but don't forget to capture the impressive cable car itself. Patience is key to avoid crowds in your shots.
⛷️ Skiers & Snowboarders
Even if you're not seeking extreme challenges, the journey up and the views from the summit are worth the lift ticket. The ability to ski between Val Thorens and Orelle via this high-altitude access point adds significant variety to your ski days.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Cime Caron Cable Car
While its capacity is a testament to its engineering, it also means the cabin can get quite crowded during peak times, leading to a 'cozy' experience akin to rush hour on public transport. Despite this, the journey is relatively swift, and the anticipation builds as you climb higher into the mountains. The design prioritizes safety and capacity, ensuring that even with large numbers, the experience is managed effectively.
For those interested in the technical aspects, the cable car system is a complex network of cables, pylons, and stations, all working in harmony to provide access to the breathtaking summit. It's a crucial piece of infrastructure for Val Thorens and Orelle, enabling access to high-altitude skiing and unparalleled scenic viewpoints.
Summit Views and Skiing Adventures
For skiers and snowboarders, Cime Caron is a gateway to some fantastic terrain. You can ski down to the resort of Val Thorens or the neighboring Orelle via well-maintained red runs. For the more adventurous, there are challenging black runs directly from the summit, as well as extensive off-piste opportunities for those with the necessary skills and equipment. The descent offers a thrilling way to experience the mountain after soaking in the views.
Even if you're not an expert skier, the experience of reaching such a high altitude and witnessing the vastness of the mountain range is unforgettable. The 'lovely red run to the bottom' mentioned by visitors provides a scenic and enjoyable way to return to the resort, making the entire excursion a highlight of any trip to Val Thorens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit