Ski station sells vintage télécabines ahead of revamp
A ski station in Isère has sold all 72 of its vintage “egg” style télécabines, ahead of a €4 million renovation.
The ski resort of Vaujany (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) announced its plans via its Facebook page, and managed to sell all of the télécabines, for €290 each, in less than three days.
The “eggs”, which date from 1987, were snapped up due to their vintage appearance and their suitability for further use.
Buyers included restaurateurs intending the “eggs” as part of an unusual installation within a restaurant, and private individuals wanting them for their own use.
Ideas include using them as a eating or dining space in the garden; as decoration on a large terrace; as a playspace for children; or even as an unusual bed frame in a bedroom.
One will be going to the Vaujany Museum, in homage to their 31 years of service.
Claude Gardet, general director of the ski station Oz-Vaujany, said: "They could be great in the garden, for aperitifs or when playing with your kids...they are all going to take on different destinies. It will be really interesting to follow up with the buyers to see what their story will be."
Interior designer Cedric Fontana and his architect wife were one such couple to buy. They bought two “eggs”, one for private use, and one for use in Mr Fontana’s father’s restaurant.
Mr Fontana said: “We have been coming [to the ski station] regularly, so this is an object that will remind us of our childhood, and it will be great for our children too.”
The télécabines will be available to their buyers in late May, after the end of the season in Vaujany on April 20.
All 72 will then be replaced with sleek, white modern “eggs” as part of the station’s wider renovation, with a view to being ready for the winter 2018 season.
