Matterhorn Light Show Becomes Global Symbol of Hope
From March to April 2020, Zermatt projected messages of hope, solidarity, and gratitude onto the Matterhorn during the COVID-19 crisis.
The campaign, created by light artist Gerry Hofstetter, achieved a massive global media reach of at least 790 million people.
Images were widely shared on social media by world leaders and celebrities, inspiring gestures of solidarity such as the Burj Khalifa being lit with the Swiss cross.
While the main goal was to spread a positive message, the project also significantly boosted Zermatt's international brand recognition and appeal.
Zermatt Primary School Adjusts Timetables
To harmonize schedules, Zermatt's primary schools are introducing new standardized block times.
School for all grades will now run from 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM, creating a more consistent schedule for families and after-school care.
The number of lessons for the first year of kindergarten (1H) has been increased to 16.
Wednesdays will remain a school-free day for children in kindergarten (1H/2H) and the first two primary grades (3H/4H).
Protecting Zermatt's Forests from Fire Risk
The municipality is warning that careless and illegal campfires pose a serious threat to the area's protective forests.
Building fires outside of officially designated barbecue areas is strictly prohibited and presents a high risk of wildfires in difficult-to-access terrain.
Damage to these vital forests could have severe consequences for the safety of Zermatt's residents and infrastructure from natural hazards.
Offenders will be reported to the police and held financially responsible for the costs of any emergency response.
Maintaining Water Safety in Unused Buildings
Due to widespread building closures during the pandemic, there is an increased risk of legionella and other bacteria in stagnant water systems.
Building operators are advised to flush all hot and cold water taps for at least 30 seconds every three days to prevent contamination.
Upon reopening, a thorough flushing of the entire water installation is necessary until water temperature stabilizes.
Owners should consult with a sanitary installer or the local water utility for guidance and to consider testing for legionella after reopening.
Annual Cleanup of Abandoned Bicycles
Zermatt is conducting its annual 'Fahrradeinzug' to remove derelict and abandoned bicycles that clutter public spaces.
Starting in mid-July, all bicycles in public areas will be marked with an orange tag.
Owners must remove the tag from their bike to signal that it is still in use.
Bikes still tagged after 30 days will be impounded by the police and later donated to a charity for repair and reuse if unclaimed.
Zermatt Launches its First Repair Café
A new Repair Café will launch in Zermatt in September, offering a place for residents to get broken items fixed for free.
The initiative aims to combat waste, promote sustainability, and save people money by repairing rather than replacing goods.
The café will operate twice a month and is a collaborative project between several local associations, led by the Mattertal Youth Work Office.
The project is actively seeking volunteer experts in fields such as electronics, mechanics, textiles, and more to help with repairs.
New Association Founded to Preserve Zermatt's Heritage
A new non-profit association, 'Alts Zermatt' (Old Zermatt), has been established to research, preserve, and share the region's rich history.
The group aims to document historical buildings, oral traditions, archival documents, and old photographs.
The association plans to make its findings accessible to the public through publications, exhibitions, and digital channels.
Inspiration for the association came from discoveries made while creating a cultural trail, including a barn from 1261, believed to be the oldest in Europe.
The Gornergrat Railway resumed operations on June 6 after being shut down since mid-March due to the pandemic.
Service will initially run hourly, with the potential for increased frequency in July based on demand.
A detailed safety concept is in place, requiring social distancing and recommending masks when distancing is not possible.
The regional MGBahn trains also returned to their regular schedule, while the Täsch-Zermatt shuttle started with a reduced frequency.
Zermatt Mountain Lifts Reopen for Summer
Zermatt Bergbahnen AG will restart its full summer operations on June 6, including all lifts and mountain experiences.
Operations will follow a federal safety concept for public transport, emphasizing social distancing and online ticket sales.
Wearing a protective mask is recommended in gondolas and station areas where a two-meter distance cannot be maintained.
The Matterhorn glacier paradise restaurant will also reopen, adhering to the specific safety guidelines for the hospitality industry.
How Zermatt's People Bought Their Freedom
Between 1538 and 1618, nearly 200 families in Zermatt pooled their resources to buy their freedom from three ruling noble families.
The 'Loskäufe' (buyouts) transferred all rights, including judicial powers and taxes, from the nobility to the local people.
These transactions, which mirrored a broader movement toward self-governance in the Valais, led to the creation of three independent majorates (local jurisdictions).
The name of the village evolved from 'Pratobornum' (meadow at the springs) in the 13th century to the German 'Zermatt' by the mid-16th century.