Business Plan
1. Origin of the project
Initiated by the local council in June 2018.
Appeal to lift companies for concrete projects.
Financial contribution from the commune under certain conditions.
2. Lifts study (Besson/De Iaco)
Need to invest in ski lifts.
Complementarity and synergies with existing ski areas.
Decision to build a gondola based on realistic financial planning.
3. Project modifications
Lower hourly throughput and fewer cabins to cut costs.
Changes to start/finish station locations.
Renovation of the restaurant and development of the ski area.
Considerations on avalanche hazards and land-use planning.
4. Project justification
A fresh start to revitalize the region.
Gondola benefits, such as reduced access time, safety and accessibility.
4-season activities for all ages.
Encouragement of local tourism and cooperation with alpine pastures.
5. Financing
Total budget of 10.5 million francs.
Combination of public and private funding and loans.
Gradual withdrawal of the commune from the operation.
6. Financial planning
Medium-term objectives for summer and winter passages.
Benchmarks based on other ski areas.
Annual investment costs for gondola lift and restaurant.
7. Future projects
Short-term: redefine the brand, collaborations, events, customer offers, communications, etc.
Medium-term: replacement of ski lifts with a chairlift, improved artificial snow coverage.
8. Conclusion
Essential investment support from the commune.
Position Evolène as a “4-season” mountain resort.
Offer quality infrastructures to attract new guests and generate long-term economic benefits.