Thursday, January 22, 2026
The modernisation of the Jandri cable car at Deux Alpes in France is a significant construction endeavour, distinguished by its ambitious scale, sustainability objectives, tight construction schedule, and the complexities of transportation in harsh mountainous conditions. The grand opening is set for December 2024, a mere 15 months after the project’s commencement.
A key component of this project is the use of Kerto® LVL S-beam, a wood product that allows for exceptionally long spans of up to 24 meters. Known for its strength, material efficiency, and durability, Kerto LVL’s structural properties and light weight make it an ideal choice for high-altitude construction, where transport and building conditions can be particularly challenging.
Renovation of the Deux Alpes Ski Area
Since 2021, SATA Group has embarked on an ambitious investment plan to renovate and modernise the Deux Alpes ski area. A key element of this plan is the replacement of the current Jandri Express gondola with a new and state of the art 3S cable car. This new system will significantly reduce travel time for skiers, pedestrians, and mountain bikers, transporting them from 1650 meters to 3200 meters in just 15 minutes, compared to the current 40 minutes.
Smart Design with Kerto LVL
The use of Kerto LVL S-beams has enabled the creation of roof spans up to 24 meters for both the intermediate station at 2600m and the entry station at the 3200m. S-beams not only enhance the structural performance but are also needed in smaller quantities compared to other wood materials making them the ideal choice for cable car station roofs. A total of 135 m³ of 75 mm thick S-beams were delivered at the construction site in various heights (740 – 820 mm), with longest lengths ranging from 18m to 24m.
From sea level to a high Alpine village: A masterpiece of transportation
Meeting the tight deadline was a significant challenge for this project. It took only three months from order to first on-site delivery. The industrial efficiency of Metsä Wood, which involved manufacturing and machining the beams and transporting them by ship from Finland to the port of Honfleur in France, ensured the schedule was met. Transporting the 24-meter-long beams from the port to the Alps required three special transport trucks and one standard truck from ISB, ensuring the beams reached the construction site efficiently and on time. This project exemplifies effective cooperation between stakeholders, from the architect’s and structural engineer’s planning to the final installation.
Metsä Wood is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of engineered wood products. We refine our renewable northern wood into material-efficient and high quality products that store carbon for decades.
They provide birch and spruce plywood, Kerto® LVL and upgraded timber products, for the demanding needs of our construction, industrial, and distribution customers. Metsä is constantly developing the features and applications of their products in collaboration with their customers and partners.
In an ever more responsible world, the importance of wood keeps growing. We use traceable wood from sustainably managed Northern forests. Their wood products are perfect for building the future.
“From builders of tomorrow. For builders of tomorrow” – Metsä Wood.
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Tags: construction, Deux Alpes, engineered wood, Kerto® LVL S-Beam, Metsä Wood, sustainability, wood building, wood panel, wood products
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