The 2020/2021 school year aims for a return to regular in-person classes after major disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning.
School President Marcel Bellwald expressed gratitude to students, parents, and teachers for their flexibility during the challenging period of homeschooling.
A partnership with the Valais University of Teacher Education will continue, using student teachers to address staff shortages.
Planning is underway for a new school building, "d'Niww Walka," which will be a major, multi-year project requiring temporary relocations.
The school district reinforced its policies on homework, emphasizing its role in developing personal responsibility and providing official time guidelines.
Zermatt Bergbahnen Pushes Forward with Major Construction Projects
Despite an early end to the winter season, construction is progressing on the new 10-person Kumme gondola, which is scheduled to open for the upcoming winter season.
Work also continues on the "Matterhorn glacier ride II," which will complete the highest Alpine crossing by cable car between Zermatt and Cervinia, Italy.
High-altitude construction presents significant challenges, including limited space, difficult logistics, and weather disruptions from wind and snow.
The "Matterhorn glacier ride II" is scheduled for completion during the 2021/2022 winter season.
"Zooom" Immersive Exhibit to Open at Gornergrat
A new multimedia experience called "Zooom the Matterhorn" is being built in the former "Hohtälli" cable car station on the Gornergrat.
The exhibit will allow visitors to experience the Matterhorn in three stages: a virtual 3D paraglider flight, an immersive projection of the mountain through four seasons, and real-life views enhanced with periscopes.
The project is part of a larger investment in the Gornergrat, which also includes an order for five new trains.
The new attraction is scheduled to open to the public in the summer of 2021.
Burgergemeinde Completes Major Corporate Restructuring
The 2019 financial year reflects a significant restructuring where hotel and restaurant operations were transferred to the newly formed Matterhorn Group AG, a wholly-owned subsidiary.
The Burgergemeinde retains ownership of the real estate and now earns income primarily from leasing these properties to the Matterhorn Group AG.
As part of the changes, the Hörnli Hut (Hörnlihütte) was re-integrated into the Burgergemeinde's assets and liabilities from its previous foundation structure.
The annual financial statement closed with a balanced result, demonstrating the success of the new, future-oriented corporate structure.
Flood Prevention Measures Enacted at Triftsee
Following an alert about increased water flow in the Triftbach, experts identified a risk of a glacial lake outburst flood from the upper Triftsee.
Receding ice masses along the Gabelhorn glacier had become unstable, threatening to cause a large wave if they calved into the lake.
To mitigate the danger, authorities decided to lower the lake's water level in a controlled manner.
An excavator was airlifted to the site in pieces to create a new, controlled outflow, successfully reducing the risk.
A Sentimental Look at the Glacier Express
Former St. Moritz tourism director Dr. Hans Peter Danuser reflects on co-founding the modern, year-round Glacier Express service 40 years ago.
The famous scenic train, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz, celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2020 and remains a major driver of tourism.
The service has shown strong performance, with passenger numbers up 10% in 2019 and the new premium "Excellence Class" proving popular.
The train is highlighted for its potential in promoting eco-friendly "Touring" holidays by connecting multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites.
An Overview of Zermatt's Evolving Childcare Landscape
The association FEA Zermatt has successfully consolidated the "Kinderparadies" and "Regenbogen" daycare centers under its umbrella to streamline services.
By 2024, the association plans to co-locate its before- and after-school care programs in the planned new "Niww Walka" school building.
FEA Zermatt provides a range of flexible options to meet diverse family needs, including fixed-day care, flexible bookings, and a network of in-home daycare providers.
Thanks to support from the canton and the municipality, Zermatt is able to offer affordable, high-quality childcare rates.
Zermatt Appoints New Head of Administration
The Zermatt municipal council has appointed Daniel Anrig as the new Head of Administration and Municipal Clerk.
Anrig, a 48-year-old lawyer, brings extensive leadership experience from various public sector roles.
His previous positions include chief of criminal police, an officer with the Zurich Airport Police, and a six-and-a-half-year term as Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
He will begin his new role on November 1, 2020, succeeding the retiring Beat Grütter.
Zermatt Expands Annual Clean-Up Day into 'Sustainable Days'
Zermatt will hold its 8th annual Clean-Up Day, bringing together volunteers to clear litter from the village and surrounding areas.
For the first time, the event is being expanded to include "Sustainable Days" in collaboration with local associations.
The expanded program will feature a permaculture workshop and a "Repair Café," where community members can get help fixing broken items.
The initiative aims to promote a broader message of sustainability, waste reduction, and community engagement.
Historical Origins of the Zermatt Burgergemeinde
The modern Burgergemeinde (citizen's community) has its roots in the economic and cooperative associations formed in the 13th and 14th centuries.
These early groups, known as "Bauernzünfte" (farmers' guilds), were created out of necessity to manage shared resources like alpine pastures, forests, and water.
Over time, these economic bodies evolved into political entities, establishing rules for acquiring citizenship, which granted rights to use communal land.
Citizenship was crucial for survival as it provided a permanent home and livelihood based on agriculture, distinguishing citizens from non-citizen residents.