Zermatt Inside 2020 - 2 - English Translation and Summary

Summary of significant articles

Zermatt's revised spatial planning concept (ROK), now including a map, is complete and will be presented to the public.
The plan is based on a new study of building density and open spaces, aiming to guide future development.
Future construction will be concentrated in the main settlement area, with outlying areas protected to preserve the landscape and village character.
Key goals include preserving historic village cores, creating public spaces, and optimizing transport for buses, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The article makes an urgent appeal for everyone to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, stating it is the responsibility of every individual.
It gives specific instructions for at-risk individuals (over 65 or with prior illnesses) to stay home and strictly limit social contact.
All other people are instructed to maintain social distance, avoid gatherings, and stay home if they show symptoms like a cough or fever.
Following these rules protects vulnerable people and ensures the healthcare system remains available for all patients.

The municipal council addresses a petition regarding the 'Unnerchriz' railway tunnel, clarifying its position on Zermatt's accessibility.
The council reaffirms its commitment to securing a winter-proof road, but states that any decision on opening it to general traffic is for future generations to make.
An agreement for the federal railway tunnel project requires that current road access restrictions remain, in order to protect the major rail investment.
The council argues that this agreement is crucial for realizing both the rail tunnel and the winter-proofing of the road, warning that failure to agree could jeopardize both projects.

As an 'Energiestadt' (Energy City), Zermatt is promoting an energy-saving program by offering residents subsidized water-saving showerheads.
The program, financed by CO2 compensation funds, allows households to purchase a showerhead for a steeply discounted price.
Using the new showerheads can reduce water consumption by up to 50% without loss of comfort, saving an average household up to 300 Swiss francs per year.
The promotion is available to all Zermatt households until the end of September 2020 via an online order form.

The Zermatt Youth Fund aims to financially support clubs, groups, and events that benefit children and young adults up to the age of 20.
The fund's primary income is from the annual Zermatt Folklore Festival, supplemented by donations and dissolved associations' funds.
A five-member commission reviews grant applications and distributes funds twice a year, in April and November.
The fund thanks its donors, including a recent CHF 2,000 contribution from the Rotary Club Zermatt, and encourages groups to apply for support.

A new association, 'Lebensraum Zermatt' (Living Space Zermatt), has been formed to strengthen community and promote sustainability.
Founded by young parents, the group aims to launch projects that connect locals and raise awareness about environmental issues.
Initiatives include organizing local producer markets, creating a community garden with permaculture workshops, and coordinating a 'zero waste' organic food basket.
The association also partners with local businesses on events like a 'Sustainable Day' and a community soup lunch at the Cervo hotel.

On an old high-altitude path above Zermatt, several flat stone blocks feature man-made hollows or 'cup marks' of unknown origin.
The purpose of these 'Schalensteine' is a mystery to archaeologists, with theories ranging from astronomical calendars to ritualistic offering tables.
One interpretation suggests the markings could align with constellations or track celestial events like the solstice.
While difficult to date precisely, these markings are cautiously estimated to originate from the Iron Age, around 2,500 years ago.

The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGBahn) and Gornergrat Bahn (GGB) have scheduled significant infrastructure work for 2020.
MGBahn will be replacing switches and tracks at the Zermatt freight station from mid-April to early June, with some work occurring at night.
GGB will conduct extensive track renewal work between the Getwing and Findelbach bridges, continuing a project started in 2019.
All timelines are provisional and subject to change due to potential disruptions from the coronavirus situation affecting personnel and materials.

The Young Mountain Guides Foundation (YMGF) has been created to inspire more young people to pursue a career as a mountain guide.
The foundation offers a three-tiered program to actively develop skills in children and young adults from the age of 10.
Levels range from the 'Juniors Academy' for basic skills and fun, to the 'Climbers Academy' for advanced training, and finally the 'Guides Academy' for mentoring professional candidates.
Supported by the Burgergemeinde, the municipality, and private sponsors, the foundation is now running a full schedule of activities for 2020.