Zermatt Tourism is relaunching its 'Home of Winter' campaign for the upcoming season following a successful debut last winter.
The previous campaign was the most successful to date, generating nearly 760,000 Swiss francs in turnover despite COVID-19 challenges.
For the first time, the campaign's visuals will be displayed on digital billboards along Zurich's prestigious Bahnhofstrasse.
A 24-hour live stream from various locations in Zermatt is planned as a social media kick-off event.
The campaign is a broad collaborative effort funded by Zermatt Tourism, Zermatt Bergbahnen, the hotelier association, Gornergrat Bahn, and other local partners.
New School Construction Project 'D'niww Walka' on Schedule
The construction of the new 'D'niww Walka' school complex is progressing on schedule following the demolition of the old school buildings.
Major progress has been made on excavation, the retaining wall is largely complete, and the first phase of geothermal drilling has been finished.
By the end of the year, work will focus on completing the excavation, installing the remaining geothermal probes, and pouring the first foundation slab.
The public is invited to a cornerstone laying ceremony for the new school on November 9, 2021.
Kindergarteners Embrace Outdoor Learning with 'Forest Days'
For the past seven years, Zermatt's kindergarteners have spent one school day per week in the forest.
The program, initiated by teachers in 2014, uses the natural environment as a classroom to develop motor skills, creativity, and an appreciation for nature.
Each September, parents assist teachers in 'renovating' the 'Waldsofa' (a seating area made of branches) and the main forest meeting place.
The Forest Days run from August to November and again from April to June, taking place in almost all weather conditions.
Zermatterhof Hotel Gains 'Historic Hotels Worldwide' Status
The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof has been accepted into the 'Historic Hotels Worldwide' program, an official program of the US National Trust for Historic Preservation.
To qualify, hotels must be at least 75 years old and hold significant historical importance.
The Zermatterhof was built between 1876 and 1879, with local citizens contributing labor in exchange for usufruct rights.
This recognition follows the hotel's recent distinction as Hotel of the Year 2021 in the Karl Wild hotel rating for Switzerland.
Pilot Project Explores Untapped Potential of Local Timber
A pilot project by HES-SO Valais University is investigating how to better utilize the vast, untapped wood resources in Zermatt's municipal forests.
The goal is to create local value chains for construction timber and energy, such as supplying a district heating network, to benefit the climate and the destination.
The project highlights that heating with wood is CO2-neutral and using it for construction significantly reduces emissions compared to concrete.
Zermatt's Burgergemeinde (citizen's community) is a key partner, having already converted the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof's heating system from oil to locally-sourced wood pellets.
New Matterhorn Test Center Opens for High-Altitude Skiing
A new, modern Matterhorn Testcenter is opening in October 2021 at the Trockener Steg station.
The facility offers guests the opportunity to test the latest ski models from 14 different brands directly on the Theodul Glacier.
It is designed as a high-quality ski-in, ski-out experience, offering convenience and a unique testing environment.
Special ski test packages, including a partnership with the brand Stöckli, are available for booking online.
Ski Pass Pricing Becomes More Dynamic to Reward Early Bookers
Zermatt Bergbahnen is intensifying its dynamic pricing strategy for ski passes starting in October 2021.
The model guarantees that customers who book early will receive the best possible price.
As part of this change, the traditional pre-sale discount and the general 5% online discount for tickets will be discontinued.
The strategy aims to smooth out visitor flow throughout the season and make the on-piste experience more attractive.
'Wake Me Up In Paradise' Winter Campaign Launched
Zermatt Bergbahnen has launched its 2021/2022 winter marketing campaign with the slogan, 'Wake up! You're in paradise.'
The campaign centers on a fictional character named Linus, a 'certified dream-waker,' whose job is to rouse guests who are left speechless by the resort's beauty.
Guests are encouraged to share their own 'dream moments' on social media using the hashtag #zermattcalling.
A limited-edition product line and a contest to win a vacation in Zermatt are also part of the campaign.
A History of Excommunication in Zermatt
The parish of Zermatt was first placed under a church ban (excommunication) in 1361 after locals participated in the imprisonment of Bishop Witschard Tavelli.
The ban, which prohibited all church services and sacraments, was lifted in 1362 after negotiations.
A second excommunication was imposed on the parish in 1518 for its vehement opposition to the powerful Cardinal Matthäus Schiner.
The community endured four years without church rites until Pope Hadrian VI lifted the ban in 1522, partly out of fear they might join the Protestant Reformation.
The Gornergrat Railway is conducting a major, multi-year renovation of the 792-meter-long Riffelbord gallery, originally built in 1940.
The project involves the complete renewal of the track bed, including rails, sleepers, and ballast, as well as the gallery's structural components and drainage.
Work is being executed in phases between 2021 and 2026, primarily during night shifts to keep the railway operational for tourists during the day.
The high-alpine location and tight spaces present significant logistical challenges, requiring meticulous planning and specialized equipment.