Zermatt Inside 2023 - 1 - English Translation and Summary

Summary of significant articles

The Gornergrat Bahn (GGB) began operation on August 20, 1898, as the first electric cogwheel railway in Switzerland and has become a major tourist attraction.
Initially facing opposition from locals who feared competition for mountain guides, the railway proved to be a catalyst for tourism.
The railway originally operated only in summer, with winter service gradually expanding until year-round operation to the summit began in 1942.
The GGB's development was crucial for establishing Zermatt as a premier winter sports destination, significantly contributing to the village's prosperity.
A series of events and special features are planned throughout 2023 to commemorate the railway's 125th anniversary.

The Zermatt municipal council has defined official construction periods for Spring (May 1-31, 2023) and Autumn (October 2-27, 2023) to minimize disruption.
Strict rules govern the use of heavy machinery and construction-related transport, with specific operating hours from 7:30-12:00 and 13:00-18:30, Monday to Saturday.
Transport of excavation material via combustion engine vehicles is prohibited on Saturdays, and all such transports require a specific permit.
Permits for special transport, helicopter flyovers, and other specific work must be requested well in advance of the planned activity.
Construction work is prohibited on several public holidays and adjacent days, including Ascension, Pentecost, and Fronleichnam (Corpus Christi).

The 2023 municipal budget includes CHF 31.5 million in net investments, with the largest portion (CHF 15 million) allocated to the new Walka schoolhouse.
As of February 1, 2023, Daniel Feuz, the former Head of Finance, has been appointed as the new Head of Administration for the municipality.
The municipality is actively developing contingency plans for potential power shortages in collaboration with the local electricity company and other partners.
A new "Location Developer" role has been created to focus on improving the quality of life and addressing population needs in Zermatt and Täsch.
Efforts are underway to extend the operating season of the artificial ice rink, with the goal of significantly shortening its closure period in 2023.

A new cooperative, "Wohnraum Mattertal," has been founded by nine public and private institutions to address the shortage of affordable primary housing in the valley.
The cooperative aims to rent, acquire, and manage properties to offer them to local households with limited incomes at below-market rates.
It is actively seeking property owners in Zermatt, Täsch, and Randa who are willing to make their properties available for long-term management.
The business plan requires securing at least 12 to 18 apartments in its initial years to ensure financial viability.
The goal is to offer apartments at approximately 15% below the usual market price in Zermatt, helping to retain local workers and residents.

Significant construction and renovation projects are planned for 2023, affecting Staldenstrasse, Steinmattstrasse, Riedweg, and the area near the Sunnegga funicular.
The municipal council has adopted a strategy of implementing longer construction phases for public projects to improve efficiency, even if it causes greater short-term disruption.
Beginning in 2024, multi-month projects are scheduled for Moosweg, Riedweg, and Vispastrasse, with further work planned for 2025.
The Lüegelti freight handling area requires extensive excavation to remove contaminated soil, which will be conducted in stages to minimize disruption to logistics.
The municipality advises that these projects will lead to unavoidable road closures and diversions, and asks for public understanding.

As of January 1, 2023, a new regulation requires all new buildings with a floor area over 300 m² to install a solar energy system.
The mandate applies to building applications submitted after this date and can be fulfilled with either photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal panels on the roof or facade.
The solar installation must cover an area equal to at least 40% of the building's footprint.
This regulation is a cantonal implementation of a federal directive aimed at securing the nation's winter power supply.

The deadline for filing 2022 tax returns is March 31, 2023, and the use of the free VSTax software is recommended.
For the 2022 tax year, deductions for travel and meal expenses are only permitted for days physically worked at the office, not for home-office days.
Beginning February 1, 2023, a new communal real estate transfer tax will be levied on property sales.
Taxation of inheritances is changing in 2023, with heirs now required to declare their share of inherited income and assets on their personal tax returns.

The 14th Zermatt Unplugged festival will take place from April 11-15, 2023, with over 120 concerts and parties across 17 stages.
The festival generates an estimated CHF 7.5 million in additional economic value for Zermatt but relies on sponsorships and public funding for about 40% of its budget.
This year's event will not include the stage at the Hotel Alex tennis hall, a decision made to manage high costs and reduce transport over the Easter weekend.
Residents of Zermatt, Täsch, and Randa with a valid local ID card can purchase the Unplugged Pass for a discounted price of CHF 40.
Organizers are working to keep the public ice rink open until the end of the school holidays in mid-March, before festival setup begins.

Before the pandemic, Japan was Zermatt's fifth-largest international market, built on a travel tradition spanning over 50 years.
Zermatt Tourism is launching a new initiative to reactivate this market as Japan relaxes its strict travel restrictions.
A dedicated sales representative, Hideki Kaneko, has been hired in Japan to lead the market restart.
The new strategy aims to attract not only traditional visitors but also a younger generation, encouraging longer stays and more outdoor activities.

Zermatt Tourism and Swiss outdoor brand Mammut are celebrating a successful 20-year partnership that has been extended for another three years.
The collaboration has produced infrastructure projects like the Mammut via ferrata and the Avalanche Training Center at Schwarzsee.
A major highlight of the partnership was the 150th anniversary of the Matterhorn's first ascent, which featured a joint global campaign and product collection.
An upcoming event, the Mammut Mountain Days, will take place in Täsch from September 1-3, 2023, bringing around 350 participants to the region for mountain sports.