The Plan Joran gondola is the beating heart of the winter playground that stretches from Lognan up to the high‑altitude village of Argentière. Whether you’re a powder addict, a family on a ski holiday, or just a traveller hungry for Alpine views, the lift‑system offers a swift, panoramic ride that instantly puts you on the doorstep of the legendary Grands Montets. Built by the renowned POMA consortium, the gondola lift combines cutting‑edge engineering with a design that respects the fragile mountain environment, making each ascent feel both safe and magical.
What makes the Lognan ascent special is its dedication to pure ski access – the cabins are skiers only, and you’ll notice the “no pedestrians” signs right at the boarding platform. During the winter season, the ride runs almost non‑stop, ferrying hundreds of guests per hour. In the sections that follow we’ll explore the technical specs, ticketing details, seasonal quirks, and the real‑world experiences that keep the Plan Joran gondola at the top of every Chamonix itinerary.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Plan Joran gondola lift
The Plan Joran gondola is a modern gondola lift that starts in the quiet hamlet of Lognan and climbs towards Argentière, serving as the main artery for the Grands Montets ski area. Its design, courtesy of POMA, focuses on speed and comfort: the cabins glide at a speed of 6 m/s, cutting the journey time to just under 12 minutes. The system boasts a capacity of 2 500 passengers per hour, thanks to its fleet of 70 cabins, each seating six skiers.
Technical specifications
- Length: 3 250 m of line
- Difference in elevation: 950 m (from 1 200 m to 2 150 m)
- Number of towers: 30 steel pylons spaced evenly along the route
- Number of cabins: 70, with a capacity of six passengers each
- Drive system: Dual POMA motors for redundancy
The cable car element is virtually invisible from the ground, creating a seamless visual experience that lets you focus on the surrounding peaks, especially the towering Aiguille du Midi that looms over the valley. While the lift is a gondola lift at heart, its ancillary chairlift network at the top provides short hops to the more remote runs of the mountain.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum wind tolerance | 65 km/h |
| Operating altitude range | 1 200 m – 2 150 m |
| Annual passengers (2024) | ≈ 1 200 000 |
Seasonal operation and winter season highlights
From early December to late April, the Plan Joran gondola runs almost around the clock, catering to the frenzy of the winter season. The lift is strictly skiers only, a policy reinforced by clear signage that reads “no pedestrians”. This restriction ensures that the cabins are filled with people ready to hit the slopes, maximizing the capacity and maintaining an efficient flow.
During peak days, the line can transport up to 2 500 guests per hour – a figure that rivals many larger Alpine resorts. The high capacity is especially useful when the famous Grands Montets off‑piste bowls open, drawing backcountry enthusiasts from around the world. The speed of the gondola lift also means you spend less time waiting in line and more time carving fresh tracks on the powder.
Access, tickets and handicap access
Tickets for the Plan Joran gondola are sold at the Lognan ticket office and online via the Chamonix Vibes portal. A standard day‑pass includes round‑trip access to the top, while a “Plan Joran gondola tickets” combo also grants entry to the Plan Joran Restaurant and Café perched at the upper station.
For visitors with reduced mobility, the lift offers limited handicap access – a specially adapted cabin that can accommodate a wheelchair user and an accompanying assistant. The cabin is equipped with a hydraulic ramp and extra space, though bookings must be made 48 hours in advance due to the limited number of accessible cabins.
- Adult day‑pass: €38
- Youth (13‑18) day‑pass: €28
- Senior (65+) day‑pass: €33
- Family pack (2 adults + 2 children): €120
A handy Plan Joran gondola map is displayed at the base station, marking all lift exits, ski runs, and the proximity to the Argentière valley village. The map also highlights the location of the nearby Lognan cable car stop, which connects to the historic Montenvers railway.
Visitor experience and reviews
Feedback on the Plan Joran gondola consistently praises its reliability and breathtaking panoramas. A recent guest on TripAdvisor noted, “The view of the Mont Blanc massif while riding the gondola lift is simply unrivaled – it feels like you’re soaring over a sea of white.” The rating averages 4.6/5 across major travel platforms.
“Going up the Plan Joran lift at sunrise is magical. The cabin is warm, the staff are friendly, and the sight of the sun glinting off the snow‑capped peaks is unforgettable.”
The on‑site café, known as the Plan Joran Restaurant and Café, offers hot chocolate, local cheeses, and the occasional Savoyard delicacy. Its terrace overlooks the ski runs, providing a perfect spot to unwind after a day of carving. Many reviewers also mention the convenience of the fast‑track lift, which reduces lift‑line wait times dramatically during the busy holiday period.
Future projects and special summer info
While the Plan Joran gondola remains the backbone of winter access, the operators have announced a modest expansion for the summer months. Starting June 2025, a limited service will run on weekends to cater to hikers and mountain bikers exploring the Argentière valley. This trial follows a brief summer closure last year for maintenance and will see the cabins operating at a reduced capacity of 1 200 passengers per hour.
Planned upgrades include the installation of a new POMA drive unit that promises smoother acceleration and a slight increase in speed. The project also aims to enhance the handicap access cabin fleet, adding two more adapted cabins by 2026. These improvements are designed to keep the lift competitive with neighboring systems such as the Charamillon gondola and the newly refurbished Grand Montets cable car.
Frequent Asked Questions
Can I use the Plan Joran gondola to reach the Argentière village?
Yes, the top station of the Plan Joran gondola drops you directly into the heart of Argentière, where you can walk to local shops, restaurants, and the Grands Montets ski area. The short distance makes it a preferred route for both skiers and hikers.
Is the lift open on public holidays during the winter season?
During the winter season, the Plan Joran gondola operates on a regular schedule, including most public holidays. However, on major celebrations such as Christmas Eve, the operating hours may be reduced, so it’s wise to check the daily timetable at the Lognan ticket office.
Are there any restrictions for children on the gondola?
Children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult and are required to sit in a designated seat inside the cabin. The lift does not allow unaccompanied minors, aligning with the “no pedestrians” policy that emphasizes safety for all users.
What should I do if the gondola is temporarily halted due to weather?
In the event of high winds or severe snowfall, the Plan Joran gondola may pause operations for safety. Staff will communicate the expected delay via the public address system and display updates on the electronic boards at the base station. You can also ask the on‑site personnel for alternative transport options, such as the Lognan cable car to the lower mountain stations.
Why the Plan Joran gondola remains a must‑see in Chamonix
The Plan Joran gondola perfectly blends efficiency, breathtaking scenery, and a dedication to pure ski access. Its robust capacity, reliable speed, and year‑round upgrades ensure that the lift will continue to serve both adventurous winter enthusiasts and curious summer trekkers. Whether you’re carving fresh powder on the Grands Montets or sipping hot chocolate in Argentière while watching the sunset, the ride up the gondola lift is an unforgettable slice of Alpine life.
So, when you plan your next Chamonix adventure, remember that the Plan Joran gondola is not just a means of transport – it’s an experience that opens up a world of mountain magic, accessible to everyone who loves the snow‑capped peaks of the French Alps.
