Zermatt and Cervinia to Host First Cross-Border World Cup Ski Race
In autumn 2022, the first-ever cross-border FIS Ski World Cup races will take place on a new course named "Gran Becca."
The downhill course, designed by Olympic champion Didier Défago, starts at Gobba di Rollin (3,800m) in Switzerland and finishes at Laghi Cime Bianche (2,865m) in Italy.
The "Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening" will feature men's downhills on October 29-30 and women's downhills on November 5-6, 2022.
The course is designed to be comprehensive, including jumps, long turns, gliding sections, and high-speed elements over nearly four kilometers.
Zermatt Revises Construction Noise Regulations
Zermatt has updated its Noise Abatement Regulation, which has been evolving over the last 40 years to balance the needs of residents, visitors, and industry.
The official construction period is now defined as 20 working days, excluding public holidays, to provide more planning security for contractors.
New rules permit the use of jackhammers up to 10kg inside buildings on certain restricted days, under strict noise-dampening measures.
Regulations for hospitality establishments are now aligned with cantonal law, with a general nighttime quiet period from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Zermatt Unveils Long-Term Railway Redevelopment Plan
A new master plan outlines a phased, multi-decade renovation of Zermatt's railway infrastructure, including the MGB and GGB stations.
The first major project is the new Täsch-Zermatt tunnel, which is scheduled for completion around 2035.
Subsequent phases include relocating freight and maintenance facilities, which will then allow for a redesign of the main MGB station area to improve traffic flow and guest reception.
The plan clarifies that no substantial improvements to the main station area will be possible for at least the next 15 years due to these project dependencies.
Zermatt Advances Renewable Energy Use in Municipal Buildings
As an "Energiestadt" (Energy City) since 2016, Zermatt is actively working to increase energy efficiency and expand the use of renewables.
By replacing fossil fuel heating systems with pellet heaters and heat pumps, the municipality has reduced its heating oil consumption by approximately 75% between 2010 and 2021.
The municipality is also converting its street lighting to LED technology, which has already cut energy demand for lighting by around 50%.
The new Walka schoolhouse will be built to the Minergie-P standard and will include a photovoltaic system on its roof.
Hotel Association Issues Appeal Over Critical Housing Shortage
The Zermatt Hoteliers Association highlights a severe and worsening shortage of affordable housing for seasonal and permanent workers in the resort.
This housing crisis makes it difficult for businesses to recruit and retain staff, leading to over-burdened employees and a potential decline in service quality.
The association appeals to property owners to consider renting vacant properties to local workers to support the destination's future as a place to live and work.
They argue that ensuring a stable workforce is crucial to maintaining the high-quality tourism product Zermatt is known for.
Major Zermatt Summer Events Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
The Matterhorn Ultraks trail running event celebrates its 10th anniversary in August 2022, having grown from under 1,000 to over 2,500 participants.
The Tie-Break Cup tennis tournament marks its 30th anniversary, with founder and longtime director Eric Schwab stepping down.
The Matterhorn Eagle Cup, an iconic alpine golf tournament held on the Riffelberg, also celebrates its 30th year.
These anniversaries underscore the long-term success and importance of organized events for the destination's appeal and economic value.
Heavy-Lift Transport Brings New Gondola Cables Through Zermatt
A complex, heavy-lift transport operation is scheduled for June 22 and 29 to deliver two new support cables for the Furi - Trockener Steg cable car.
Two convoys weighing a total of 130 tons will navigate the narrow village streets from Täsch to the Furi station in the early morning hours.
The transport is the first of its kind since the early 1980s and requires special maneuvers, such as separating the vehicles to cross the Kirchbrücke.
The Moosstrasse will be closed on these days as the cables are temporarily unspooled and re-spooled to cross bridges with lower weight limits.
Gornergrat Offers Sheep Encounters and Sunrise Views This Summer
From late June to mid-September, a flock of 120 Valais Blacknose sheep will graze on the Gornergrat, and visitors can track their location via a live GPS map.
A new "Meet the Sheep" themed trail will be introduced between Gornergrat and Riffelberg, featuring 11 stations with information and quizzes.
After a two-year hiatus, the popular sunrise trips to the Gornergrat and Riffelsee are returning on Sundays from mid-July to late August.
Guided hikes in cooperation with ZERMATTERS will also be offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Gornergrat Railway Begins Testing New 'POLARIS' Trains
The first of the new "POLARIS" trainsets for the Gornergrat Railway arrived in Zermatt in April for extensive testing before entering service.
The new trains are designed to be more customer-friendly, featuring low-floor entrances for barrier-free access and modern passenger information systems.
They are also faster, run more quietly, and offer more multi-purpose space for sports equipment, bicycles, and luggage.
The trains are undergoing a comprehensive commissioning phase, including profile tests on the mountain route, throughout the summer.
A Look Inside Zermatt's High-Quality Water Supply System
Zermatt, once known as "Prato Borni" (meadows in the source area), has a rich history of developing its advanced water infrastructure.
The modern system sources 100% of its drinking water from 133 natural springs, delivering water of mineral-water quality directly to the tap.
The network includes over 45km of spring pipelines and a 47km distribution network, capable of serving up to 35,000 people on peak tourist days.
Due to the crystalline rock it filters through, the water is naturally soft and contains beneficial minerals while being virtually free of nitrates and other contaminants.