The municipality has committed to a 'Schwarzräumung' policy, aiming to keep all traffic surfaces completely clear of snow and ice during winter.
The decision is a response to safety concerns arising from fluctuating temperatures, increased traffic, and the need to maintain mobility in the resort.
Analysis revealed that the resulting brown slush is primarily caused by asphalt abrasion from studded tires and dust from construction sites.
To ensure safety on key routes like the Bahnhofstrasse, the situational use of road salt is considered unavoidable.
Village-Wide 'Meeting Zone' Proposed for Zermatt
Zermatt is planning to establish one of Switzerland's largest 'Begegnungszonen' (meeting zones) to prioritize pedestrian traffic.
Within this zone, pedestrians would have right-of-way, and the speed limit for all vehicles would be set at a uniform 20 km/h.
Parking would be permitted only in officially marked spaces, which would help declutter public areas.
The new regulation is expected to significantly reduce the number of traffic signs and create a more attractive and unified village center.
Construction Begins on Major Power Grid Upgrade
A multi-year project has started to modernize and expand Zermatt's electrical supply network, with completion scheduled for summer 2024.
The resort's two main substations, Spiss and Moos, are nearing their capacity limits and require replacement.
The project includes rebuilding the Moos substation and installing a new 65kV underground cable to connect it with the Spiss substation.
This upgrade will create an N-1 redundant system, significantly increasing the reliability and security of the region's power supply.
The Matterhorn App has been updated to version 2.0, featuring a modern design with a new font, color palette, and improved usability.
The app functions as a digital travel guide, offering real-time information on weather, lift status, webcams, and local events.
Users can purchase mountain railway tickets and book activities directly within the app, which now uses the Datatrans payment system for secure transactions.
The app is available in German, English, and French for both iOS and Android devices.
The Case for Welcoming Long-Haul Tourists
A guest column by the director of Switzerland Tourism argues that guests from overseas markets are of high economic and strategic value.
He contends that instead of discouraging long-haul travel, the focus should be on managing it sustainably.
Long-haul visitors tend to stay longer, travel frequently by public transport, and visit during off-peak seasons, which supports year-round tourism.
By actively engaging with these markets, Switzerland can promote individual, sustainable travel itineraries rather than losing visitors to other European destinations.
Mattertal Railway Line Faces Four-Week Autumn Closure
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGBahn) railway line between Visp and Täsch will be completely closed from October 24 to November 20, 2022.
The closure is necessary for major construction work, including extensive track renewals and infrastructure maintenance.
Conducting the work during a total closure allows for more efficient, higher-quality, and safer operations compared to sporadic nighttime work.
A bus replacement service will be in effect, and passengers are advised to plan for longer travel times.
A Profile of Gregor Brantschen: Zermatt's Priest, Poet, and Composer
The article looks back on the life of Gregor Brantschen (1894-1987), a highly respected priest who served the Zermatt parish for 29 years.
A talented musician from a young age, he composed many beloved local hymns and folk songs, such as 'Mis Heimatderfji'.
In 1935, he founded Zermatt's traditional costume choir (Trachtenchor), which he was known to sometimes conduct while holding a cigar.
For his significant contributions to regional culture, he was awarded the prestigious Upper Valais Culture Prize in 1957.
The landmark 'Matterhorn Alpine Crossing' lift, creating a year-round connection between Zermatt and Cervinia, Italy, is on track for an early summer 2023 opening.
Current construction work is focused on adding wood cladding to the stations and preparing for the main cable pull, set to begin in December 2022.
The premium experience is primarily being marketed to individual travelers rather than mass tour groups.
A new luggage transport service is planned for the Schluhmatte valley station starting in 2024 to allow for seamless travel.