The winter season has officially begun with expertly prepared slopes and top-tier infrastructure, promising high service quality and safety.
Special offerings include the "First Track" experience, providing exclusive early morning access to pristine slopes followed by breakfast.
The "Moonlight Descent" event allows guests to ski down from Rothorn under a full moon, followed by a fondue dinner in the village.
Guests can also experience piste preparation firsthand by riding along in a Pistenbully snow groomer in the evening.
Zermatt's Roadmap to a Sustainable Energy Future
Zermatt aims to drastically reduce the energy demand of its buildings and use only renewable energy by 2050.
To meet national energy strategy goals, the annual rate of building renovations must increase fourfold.
The plan identifies three high-density areas suitable for district heating networks, with potential energy sources including wastewater heat, wood, and geothermal energy.
The region has significant potential for solar energy, as Zermatt's annual solar radiation is much higher than the Swiss average, even accounting for winter snow cover.
The Science of Keeping Zermatt's Streets Ice-Free
The municipality uses a "black ice removal" strategy, which relies on salt as the most effective de-icing agent available.
A preventive salting strategy is employed just before snowfall to stop snow from compacting into ice on the roads.
Unlike many other destinations, Zermatt physically removes plowed snow from the village, which saves 30-40% on salt usage and minimizes environmental impact.
The amount of salt used is carefully controlled, with machines dispensing just 6-12 grams per square meter, equivalent to a heaping teaspoon.
Zermatt School Simulates a Power Outage for Energy Education
As part of a new "Energy School" project, all schools in Zermatt experienced a planned "powerless morning" to learn about energy dependency.
Students and teachers had to conduct lessons without electricity, using candles, chalkboards, and books instead of digital tools and automatic doors.
The exercise prompted discussions on where electricity comes from, which devices are "energy hogs," and how to conserve energy.
The project aims to integrate the topic of energy into the curriculum in a practical and holistic way throughout the school year.
Zermatt's "Matterhorn" Music Society Celebrates 150 Years with New Uniforms
Founded in 1873, the "Matterhorn" music society is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023.
The society, a cornerstone of village life, is fundraising to replace its current 25-year-old uniforms ahead of the celebration.
This will be the fifth distinct uniform in the society's history, with the new ones set to be unveiled on April 29, 2023.
The society's long history includes overcoming early financial struggles and evolving from a casual group to an integral part of Zermatt's cultural identity.
Initiative Aims to Enhance Zermatt's Welcome Culture
Zermatt Tourism's "Zermatt Insider" initiative is designed to strengthen the destination's hospitality and turn visitors into repeat guests.
The "Unique Biker" project promotes respectful cycling with seven golden rules, emphasizing pedestrian right-of-way and speed limits.
The "Unique Driver" program provides training and evaluations for taxi drivers to ensure they provide a welcoming first impression for arriving guests.
The initiative seeks to recognize local "Heroes in Tourism" who provide exceptional, spontaneous assistance to visitors.
Zermatt Updates Tourist Tax and Digital Reporting System
As of November 1, 2022, the nightly tourist tax has been raised to CHF 4.00 for adults and CHF 2.00 for children aged 9 to 15.
Accommodation providers are now required to register more detailed guest data, including nationality, language, and date of birth for all guests.
Guest registration must now be completed digitally via the "zTerminal" system, typically on the day of arrival.
The zTerminal system has been updated with new features, such as an Excel import function and an improved pre-check-in interface for guests.
Winter Offerings Expand on the Gornergrat
The Gornergrat Bahn offers a 30% discount for those who book their tickets at least 30 days in advance.
The "Dining with the Stars" package combines a fondue dinner with a visit to the Gornergrat observatory on Thursday evenings.
A new "Gourmet Ticket" allows guests to enjoy a progressive meal with courses served at three different mountain restaurants: Kulmhotel Gornergrat, Riffelhaus 1853, and Alphitta.
The "Snow Fun Pass" provides a day of non-skiing activities, including a round trip to Gornergrat and unlimited use of the sledge run between Riffelberg and Rotenboden.
Major Construction Projects Update from Zermatt Lifts
Work is progressing on the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, the final leg of the Alpine Crossing to Italy, with a crucial cable pull scheduled for the end of January 2023.
The new gondola from Zermatt to Furi is under construction, with support towers installed and concrete work on the stations set to begin in spring 2023.
The waiting area for the Matterhorn Express has been significantly enlarged to improve guest flow and reduce congestion in the village.
Piste optimization work was completed over the summer, including rock removal on the "Howette" run and the removal of old lift foundations on the Rothorn.
Täsch Parking Terminal Upgrades with Major EV Charging and Guidance System
The Matterhorn Terminal Täsch (MTT) has installed 131 new electric vehicle charging stations, creating the largest such offering in a public Swiss parking garage.
The electricity for the new chargers is sourced from 100% hydropower.
A new parking guidance system with individual space sensors and green lights now directs drivers to available spots more efficiently.
Parking can be booked online in advance with automatic entry via license plate recognition, and payment can be made via SwissPass, ParkingPay, and TWINT.