2021 - 6

Issue page for Zermatt Inside with English translation links and article summaries.

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Summary of significant articles

New Winter Experiences Unveiled for Gornergrat

  • Discounted travel is available through new 'Early Bird' and 'Happy Hour' tickets, which reward advance booking or off-peak travel.
  • ZERMATTERS is now offering new guided winter tours that include options for snowshoeing or hiking, complete with a fondue meal at the Igloo Village.
  • Admission to the 'Zooom the Matterhorn' multimedia experience at Gornergrat is included with all train tickets for the 2021/22 winter season.
  • The popular 'Dining with the Stars' evening program, featuring fondue and a visit to the observatory, is returning after a one-year hiatus.

Zermatt Train Stations to Become Smoke-Free

  • The train stations for the MGBahn and Gornergrat Bahn in the village of Zermatt are designated as smoke-free zones, effective from the winter 2021/22 season.
  • As part of the initiative, new recycling stations are being installed to improve waste separation and management for travelers.
  • This is a pilot project in Zermatt, with a plan to gradually roll out the concept to all stations across the MGBahn and GGB networks starting in 2023.

A Look Back at Zermatt's Year of Resilience and Milestones

  • The mayor's annual review reflects on a year of adapting to ongoing pandemic-related challenges while successfully keeping the resort operational.
  • The community celebrated the 150th anniversary of Lucy Walker's historic first female ascent of the Matterhorn with a new monument and art installations.
  • Major infrastructure projects were undertaken, including the full renovation of the historic Marmot Fountain and the demolition of the Walka schoolhouse to make way for a new building.
  • Successful community events like the 'Reine du Cervin' cow-fighting festival marked a welcome return to social gatherings.

Zermatt to Revise Noise Control Regulations

  • The municipal assembly will vote on a revision of local noise control regulations to better balance the needs of tourism, construction, and residents.
  • The proposed changes for the hospitality sector aim to clarify responsibilities for noise control, especially concerning après-ski music and activities.
  • Revisions to construction rules are intended to extend the permissible building period in May to reduce the concentration of intense noise.
  • The regulations also seek to provide a clearer framework for tunneling work required for building on hard-to-access hillsides.

Major Reservoir Project Proposed for Gorner Glacier

  • The municipality of Zermatt and the energy company Grande Dixence SA are jointly studying the feasibility of a large multi-purpose reservoir named 'Gornerli'.
  • The project is designed to mitigate flood risks from accelerating glacial melt, optimize hydroelectric power generation in winter, and secure future drinking water supplies.
  • The proposal includes an 85-meter-high dam at the foot of the Gorner Glacier, which would create a reservoir holding approximately 170 million cubic meters of water.
  • Discussions with environmental organizations are planned to ensure that ecological considerations are integrated into the final project design.

Zermatt Clarifies Winter Snow Removal Rules

  • Municipal snow clearing operations commence between 4 and 5 AM to ensure main and secondary roads are passable by the start of the business day.
  • Private property owners are permitted to move snow from their land to the edge of public roads for collection, but this must be done before 9:00 AM.
  • Dumping snow onto already cleared public streets and paths after the 9:00 AM deadline is strictly prohibited and subject to fines, as it creates hazardous conditions.

Ecological Restoration Project Completed in Gant Area

  • An ecological compensation project in the Gant glacier forefield was successfully completed in October 2021, earning praise from cantonal authorities.
  • The restoration work serves to offset the environmental impacts of several recent development projects, including new mountain bike trails and a ski piste.
  • Key measures included the renaturation of old vehicle tracks, improving hydrological connections between existing wetlands, and optimizing the water supply for the Grünsee lake.

Zermatt Bergbahnen Pioneers New Communication System

  • Zermatt Bergbahnen is the first Swiss cable car company to adopt a 'Push to Talk over Mobile' communication solution for its operations.
  • This new system replaces the previous TETRA radio network and uses the Swisscom mobile network for secure group communication.
  • The upgrade aims to provide more reliable connectivity for all operational staff, from ski patrol and lift technicians to piste groomers.
  • Employees will be equipped with new, robust, smartphone-like devices that are more versatile than traditional radios.

Matterhorn Alpine Crossing Opening Delayed to 2023

  • The completion of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, the new lift connection to Italy, has been officially postponed to spring 2023.
  • Project managers cite significant construction delays caused by heavy snowfall and unseasonably cold temperatures during the summer of 2021.
  • Key upcoming milestones include the start of the ropeway mechanics installation in February 2022 and the complex main cable pull in April 2022.
  • The official branding for the new connection has been finalized, featuring a large 'X' to symbolize the cross-border alpine traverse.

Zermatt Launches New 'Winter Celebrations' Event Series

  • Zermatt is launching a new event series called 'Winter Celebrations Zermatt' to mark the start of the winter season.
  • Running from December 17, 2021, to January 17, 2022, the event will feature large, illuminated ice sculptures and light art installations throughout the village.
  • A supporting program will offer music, late-night shopping events, and special culinary highlights from local businesses.