The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II 3S cable car is scheduled to open on July 1, 2023.
It connects the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station in Switzerland with the Testa Grigia station in Italy.
This link creates the highest continuous cable car crossing in the Alps, enabling year-round travel between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia for non-skiers.
A public "Open Day" is planned for the inauguration, with special offers on lift tickets.
The project is aimed at individual travelers rather than mass tourism, and a luggage transport service will be offered starting in 2024.
Major Flood and Avalanche Defenses Planned for Lüegelbach
Following frequent debris flows, extensive protective measures are being implemented for the Lüegelbach stream.
The primary goal is to prevent debris from blocking the Mattervispa river and causing upstream flooding in Zermatt.
The chosen solution involves rerouting the stream into a new, engineered channel and building a 10-meter-high avalanche deflecting dam.
The project impacts a nationally protected dry meadow, requiring mitigation measures like transplanting vegetation and habitat restoration.
Once complete, the measures will significantly reduce the danger zone and protect the Spiss area of Zermatt from floods and debris flows.
"D'niww Walka" School Project Faces Delays
Construction on the new "D'niww Walka" school complex is progressing, with the structural shells of the first-phase buildings complete.
Global supply chain issues have caused delays, pushing the move-in for the first two buildings to late 2023 and early 2024.
The project's second phase has been delayed by a full year, with the new completion date now set for summer 2025.
As a result, temporary school classrooms located on the Obere Matten will need to remain in use for longer than originally anticipated.
Zermatt Schools Focus on Media Literacy
Schools in the Zermatt, Täsch, and Randa region are rolling out a new program to promote digital media literacy among students.
School social workers will conduct workshops in all classes from grades 3 through 11 on responsible and critical use of smartphones and apps.
The initiative also includes sessions with external experts, regional police, and popular TikTok creators to engage students.
In addition, parent evenings will be held in May to provide guidance and support for families navigating the digital world.
A Look Inside Zermatt's Water Supply
Zermatt's drinking water is comprised of 100% pure spring water, collected from 133 separate springs across 13 catchment areas.
The modern system includes nine reservoirs, a 47-kilometer pipe network, and serves over 1,600 buildings and 207 fire hydrants.
Originally established in 1900, the waterworks is now run by the municipality and has a team of six staff providing 24/7 service.
Future plans to ensure long-term supply security include a major reconstruction of the Blatten reservoir and ongoing modernization of the network.
"Matterhorn" Music Society Marks 150 Years with New Uniforms
The Musikgesellschaft "Matterhorn" music society will celebrate its 150th anniversary on April 29, 2023.
A key part of the celebration will be the official inauguration of the band's new uniforms, its fifth set in history.
The festivities will take place on the church square and feature performances from numerous local music groups and village associations.
The purchase of the new uniforms was funded by generous donations from the local community, businesses, and public foundations.
Hörnlihütte Launches New Digital Booking System
The Hörnlihütte, the main base for climbing the Matterhorn, has launched a completely new website and modern online reservation system.
The system allows guests to book directly and receive instant confirmation, secured by a non-refundable deposit of CHF 50 per person.
It is designed to reduce administrative work for the hut keepers and better accommodate guest needs, such as allergies and dietary restrictions.
The new website also includes a comprehensive Q&A section and a live webcam to help guests better prepare for their stay.
Zermatt Develops Innovative Digital Marketplace
The destination is creating a new "Digital Marketplace" to serve as a central online platform for all of Zermatt's bookable tourism offerings.
The project aims to use artificial intelligence to provide personalized offers and allow guests to book everything from hotels to activities in a single, seamless process.
A key innovation is the ability to purchase a mixed basket of items from different vendors in one transaction, with automated payments sent directly to each provider.
This major digitalization project is a collaboration between Zermatt Tourism, Zermatt Bergbahnen, and the municipality, and has secured federal innovation funding.
Remembering Albert Julen: Priest, Professor, and Historian
Albert Julen (1895-1968) was an influential Zermatt native who became a respected priest, professor at the college in Brig, sociologist, and historian.
As a history teacher during a critical era, he was known for warning his students about the dangers of National Socialism.
He was a dedicated historian who served as president of the Upper Valais Historical Research Association and published scholarly work on Zermatt.
Despite his academic career, he remained deeply tied to his home village, serving as its chaplain and co-founding its mixed choir.
Gornergrat Railway: 125 Years of Snow Clearance
The Gornergrat Railway (GGB) is celebrating its 125th anniversary throughout 2023 with a series of historical features.
Initially a summer-only operation, the railway has run year-round since 1942, necessitating a massive snow clearance effort each winter.
In the early 20th century, up to 60 men spent weeks manually shoveling the nearly 10km track clear of snow and avalanche debris.
Today, the same task is performed by a modern 40-ton snow-blowing machine that can clear about 3,000 tons of snow per hour.