The Benasque-Cerler gondola lift kicks off in late 2026

Although the first works began in May, the foundation stone for the gondola lift between Benasque and the Cerler ski resort was laid this Tuesday. President Jorge Azcón has defined the project as a “symbol of the Pyrenees Plan,” which, in his opinion, combines “development” and “sustainability.” With an investment of €17 million in European funds, the goal is for it to be completed in early  2026 and operational by the end of 2026, as explained by those responsible for the initiative.

The project was largely conceived during the last legislative period, starting in 2020, although the first studies date back to 2010. Azcón recalled that the initial budget was €10.1 million. “It was poorly planned and poorly budgeted,” the president emphasized, adding that during these first two years of the legislative period, there has been work to reformulate the budget, adding the remaining amount and planning the wall that will protect Benasque from possible flooding, which was put out to tender in April.

The new gondola lift will have the capacity to transport 2,400 people per hour per direction, “the equivalent of 600 vehicles with four people inside,” explained Gregorio Clemente, the engineer in charge of the project. The journey will take just under six minutes and the line will extend for almost two kilometers (1,998 meters), covering a gradient of 337 meters and featuring thirteen pylons with a maximum height of 26 meters. “This is the smallest possible number to minimize the environmental and visual impact,” he stated.

According to Azcón and his team, Teleféricos y Nieve, a subsidiary of the Italian multinational Leitner , has been awarded the project, which aims to ease congestion on the road between the two municipalities due to the presence of skiers, “boost” the local economy, and further the ” deseasonalization ” of seasonal tourism beyond the snow. “It will benefit not only the residents of Cerler but everyone who wants to come and enjoy the Pyrenees,” the DGA leader emphasized.

35 MILLION IN THE VALLEY

For Azcón, it’s about ” supporting the economy ” of the area while preserving the “heritage treasure” of the mountains and their surroundings. From Benasque, he highlighted the investment of thirteen million euros in snow cannons and another 5.7 million euros within the More Housing Plan for worker habitability. In total, he said, “35 million euros in two years in the valley for necessary infrastructure” within the nearly 195 million euros that make up the Pyrenees Plan across the four regions.

The town’s mayor, Manuel Mora, has argued that the project “is designed with sensitivity and respect for the environment.” “It consolidates Benasque as a leading destination for high-altitude sports training. There have been diverse opinions, but today we are united by the desire for this step forward to contribute to the future,” he stated.