New Greppon Blanc Chairlift 2026. A Shiny New Lift in the 4 Vallées!
Leave the sheep behind and discover the quieter side of skiing in the Swiss Alps.
New Greppon Blanc Chairlift 2026. A Shiny New Lift in the 4 Vallées!
There’s a shiny new chairlift arriving in the 4 Vallées for winter 2026/27. Six seats, modern technology and the ability to whisk 2,600 skiers an hour up the mountain. All very impressive. But before you rush off from Verbier to try it out, there’s a small catch. You still have to get there!
So What’s New at Greppon Blanc?
The new six-seater detachable Greppon Blanc chairlift replaces three ageing lifts in the Thyon – Veysonnaz sector: Les Chottes and La Meina draglifts, plus the old Greppon Blanc III two-seater chairlift. Three old lifts replaced by one modern installation, a five-minute journey, an intermediate station and considerably less time spent hanging around on antiquated machinery. What’s not to like?
It’s a welcome investment in a part of the 4 Vallées that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. You can follow the construction and find out more about the new lift on the official NV Remontées Mécaniques website.
Getting There Is Still Half the Adventure
Now, here’s where things get interesting. If you’re skiing across from Verbier, you’ll still need to negotiate the two long Greppon Blanc draglifts above Combatseline. Those aren’t being replaced. So while the new chairlift makes skiing around Thyon and Veysonnaz considerably more convenient, it doesn’t magically transform the journey across from Verbier. You’ll still have plenty of time to admire the scenery, contemplate life and perhaps wonder why you didn’t bring a packed lunch.
But that’s part of the charm of exploring the 4 Vallées. It’s a vast ski area, and getting away from the familiar slopes around Verbier is often well worth the effort.
A New Chairlift Is Lovely. But What About the Snow?
There’s more to the investment than just comfortable seats. Snowmaking was improved on the Siviez – Veysonnaz connection back in 2019, and the latest development plans include further snowmaking around La Meina and the new Greppon Blanc chairlift. The plans identify approximately six hectares of additional coverage around La Meina and the new lift’s access piste, although whether that work will be completed for winter 2026/27 remains to be confirmed. Because there’s not much point having a wonderful new chairlift if the pistes underneath it are looking a little agricultural.
L’Éteygeon – A Very Good Reason to Make the Journey
Now, if you really want a reason to venture to the far end of the 4 Vallées, L’Éteygeon is rather special. Accessed from the old Greppon Blanc draglifts with a short hike carrying your skis, this magnificent off-piste itinerary drops around 1,200 vertical metres through a huge, open valley with views towards the Matterhorn and the Grande Dixence dam. It’s a little more effort than following the crowds around Verbier, but that’s rather the point.
The hike tends to discourage the less adventurous, leaving some wonderful skiing and, if you’re lucky, hidden pockets of powder long after the more obvious runs have been thoroughly tracked out. It’s one of those places where you can almost forget you’re skiing in one of Switzerland’s biggest ski areas. Just remember that it’s serious mountain terrain, so appropriate equipment, avalanche awareness and local knowledge are essential.
Why Follow the Sheep?
Every morning in Verbier, the sheep head off towards the same famous names. Mont Fort, Tortin, Chassoure. All wonderful skiing, of course, but sometimes you’d think there was nowhere else to go. Meanwhile, at the far end of the 4 Vallées, there are beautiful pistes, quieter slopes and some rather splendid off-piste adventures waiting for those prepared to make the journey.
The new Greppon Blanc chairlift won’t make getting across from Verbier any quicker, but it will make exploring the Thyon – Veysonnaz sector more enjoyable. And that’s a very good reason to leave the flock behind occasionally.
Leave the Sheep Behind. Come Ski with Me!
There’s a lot more to the 4 Vallées than following the crowds to Mont Fort. Whether it’s exploring the quieter pistes of Thyon and Veysonnaz, discovering hidden pockets of powder or simply making the most of your time in Verbier, a little local knowledge goes a long way.
Fancy a proper day exploring? Book a private ski lesson with me and let’s see what we can find.