Women in the spotlight - step 5

The Chalais-Vercorin aerial tramway, inaugurated in the 1950s, transformed the lives of local residents by facilitating access to the plains. Not only did this new infrastructure simplify daily travel for locals, it also played a key role in the region's tourism development. Thanks to this installation, Vercorin has experienced a remarkable economic boom: new shops have sprung up, as well as new hotels and restaurants, boosting the village's appeal.

In 1965, the installation underwent an inspection and maintenance of its cable. Journalist Jean-François Nicod had a front-row seat. Watch the report below: 

Before the cable car was built, the inhabitants of Vercorin had to keep a regular watch on the roads and paths linking the village to the plain.  

Rounds were organized for the following reasons:

• Transport of goods: essential goods were transported along paths that were often steep or dangerous. The guards ensured the smooth flow of these goods.
• Maintenance and snow-clearing: patrols monitored the condition of the roads, especially in winter, to keep them clear and avoid interruptions to traffic.
• Safety and emergencies: in the event of landslides or other incidents, the guards could intervene quickly to ensure this vital link between the plains and the mountains.

With the introduction of the cable car, these rounds have become almost unnecessary for several reasons:

• Cable cars offer fast, regular transport, reducing the need for frequent road inspections.
• Unlike roads that can be snow-covered or uneven, the cableway provides a year-round link between the plains and mountains.
• The mechanization of transport has reduced the need to mobilize local people for the rounds.