A multi-agency task force was formed to ensure the health of locals, workers, and guests while maintaining public order.
Comprehensive safety concepts were implemented across the destination, including mask mandates, capacity limits on transport, and increased police patrols.
"Covid-Angels" were deployed to manage crowds and ensure compliance with health measures at key locations.
Mountain restaurants adapted to closures by offering take-away services, and disinfection measures were intensified using new technologies like cold foggers in buses and gondolas.
Despite the challenges, service providers showed great flexibility and solidarity to keep the destination running for guests.
Zermatt's Schools Enter a New Era
After 63 years, Zermatt's old Walka I and II schoolhouses have closed, with students moving to temporary facilities in the Obere Matten area.
The move is necessary to make way for the "D'niww Walka" construction project, a new modern school complex to be built in two phases.
The first construction phase involves demolishing the old buildings to construct new classrooms, a gym, and a library, expected to be ready for older students by August 2023.
The temporary school village is now fully operational, housing classrooms, a therapy center, and other educational facilities until the new school is completed in August 2024.
Zermatt Pushes for a Green Heating Revolution
The article urges homeowners to replace fossil fuel heating systems with renewable alternatives to help Switzerland meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Over half of property owners currently do not consider renewable options when replacing a heater, despite their long-term financial and environmental benefits.
Impending revisions to the national CO2 law will likely introduce emission limits for buildings, making it more difficult to replace an old oil heater.
Free and low-cost energy consultations are available to help homeowners analyze the costs and benefits of systems like heat pumps or pellet stoves.
Gornergrat Railway Announces Major Track Renewals
Significant track renewal and maintenance work is scheduled for the Gornergrat Bahn (GGB) line beginning in the spring of 2021.
The work will include both daytime and nighttime shifts, with some night work potentially causing noise disruptions for residents.
A key switch at the Findelbach station will be replaced, requiring a total closure of the line from the evening of May 2nd to the morning of May 4th.
Further track renewal will occur on the Riffelbord gallery section during the summer, with some night transports expected between Zermatt and Riffelbord.
New Kumme Gondola Opens on Rothorn
A new 10-person gondola, the "GB Kumme," began operations on December 19, 2020, connecting Tufternkehr and Rothorn.
The CHF 30 million project includes the gondola, a 4.5 km snowmaking system, and five avalanche blasting masts to ensure slope quality and safety.
Significant effort was made to minimize environmental impact, including recycling materials from the old Kumme chairlift and restoring surrounding vegetation.
To protect the local chamois population that uses the area as a winter refuge, a new wildlife protection zone has been established.
Pandemic Spurs Rapid Digitalization for Matterhorn Group
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a massive digitalization push within the Matterhorn Group, achieving more in five months than in the previous five years.
A key innovation was the implementation of a QR code-based self-ordering and room service system, first launched at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.
Guests can scan a QR code with their own smartphone to view menus, place orders, and pay, minimizing physical contact with staff and printed materials.
The system has been rolled out to all of the group's restaurants, including those on the mountain, to improve efficiency and enhance guest safety.
Digital Startup Bonfire AG Proves Vital During Pandemic
The digital infrastructure provided by local startup Bonfire AG was crucial for Zermatt's response to the pandemic.
Projects like the destination-wide voucher system ("Mehr Matterhorn") generated millions in revenue, helping to secure future tourism.
New high-resolution webcams enabled the "Light is Hope" Matterhorn projections to become a worldwide success, while digital guest registration provided vital, anonymous data on visitor numbers.
Future projects include integrating SwissPass validation into the Matterhorn App for direct ticket purchases and developing a new interactive 3D map of the ski area.
The "Tässla": Zermatt's Historic Wooden Ledger of Trust
Zermatt's historic farmer guilds used a clever system of wooden sticks called "Tässla" to record rights, duties, and debts.
These 12-15 cm long sticks had information carved into them, with a corresponding counterpart held by the guild to prevent tampering.
Different types of Tässla were used to track community work obligations, alpine pasture rights, water rights, and financial loans.
This system relied on a culture of absolute trust, where a person's word was as binding as an oath and formal contracts were unnecessary.
New "Zooom the Matterhorn" Experience Coming to Gornergrat
A new multimedia experience named "Zooom the Matterhorn" is being built on the Gornergrat and is set to open in June 2021.
The exhibition will be housed in the renovated former Hohtälli cable car station, which has been thermally upgraded and fitted with a photovoltaic system.
It will allow guests to immerse themselves in the world of the Matterhorn through three "zoom levels," featuring periscopes, virtual paraglider flights, and cinematic presentations.
The nearly CHF 9 million project is a key part of the Gornergrat's strategy to enhance its offerings as a nature-focused destination.