In Savoie, Sika reaches new heights with its roof waterproofing solutions

Built in 2021, the new stations of the cable car link between the resort of Val Thorens and Orelle in Savoie have been the subject of specific construction measures to meet the extreme demands of the mountain climate.

To ensure high-performance waterproofing of flat roofs, the choice of Sika Sarnafil TS 77 synthetic waterproofing membrane, based on flexible polyolefins (FPO), ensures high resistance to mountain climates.

Extreme climatic conditions

At the heart of the Trois Vallées area (73), the village of Orelle, located at an altitude of 850m, and the Cime Caron, which culminates at 3.200m, are now linked by a new cable car line. From this summit, skiers and walkers can then cross to the other side of the mountain via a second cable car and reach Val Thorens, all while keeping their feet dry. A two-twenty-minute journey with, at the top, a 360° view of the Alps...

The link, called Orelle-Cime Caron, includes three new stations: the departure (850m), an intermediate (2.500 m) and the arrival (3.200 m). Due to the exceptional altitude, the last two have a mountain climate and are subject to extreme stresses: daily temperature variations, extreme winds up to 250 km/h, erosion and tearing caused by snow or ice.

A high performance sealing system

Subject to specific constructive recommendations, the flat roofs of the cable car stations linking Orelle to the Cime Caron were the subject of particular attention on the part of all those involved (Project Owner, Project Manager, Contractor Waterproofing and membrane supplier):

Snow load for sizing.
Resistance to low temperatures;
Extreme wind effect that required a high fixing density.

To meet these requirements, the Tissot Etanchéité company, commissioned by the Téléphériques d'Orelle company, implemented the Sika Sarnafil TS 77 synthetic waterproofing membrane in FPO.

The Sika Studies department participated in the design of the waterproofing system by producing the calculation notes to determine the density of fasteners necessary for the good performance of the complex.

The set is guaranteed for 20 years.

Client: Orelle cable car company (STOR)

Project manager : HV Board

Sealing company: Tissot waterproofing (Face group)