Zermatt Bergbahnen's snowmaking and grooming teams have worked intensively to prepare the pistes in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise for the winter season.
Several slopes have been optimized for better comfort and safety, including the Wolli beginner's park at Sunnegga and the Gandegg piste (No. 73) leading from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
The new Matterhorn Testcenter at Trockener Steg allows skiers to test the latest models from Stöckli Swiss Sports AG with a ski-in/ski-out experience.
Exclusive on-mountain experiences are available for booking, such as 'First Track' early morning skiing, moonlight descents on the Rothorn, and co-piloting a snow grooming vehicle.
A Mayor's Reflection on a Record-Breaking Year
Mayor Romy Biner-Hauser reports that 2023 is expected to be another record year for tourism, following a snow-poor but guest-rich winter and a summer marked by many Asian visitors.
She emphasizes the importance of balancing tourism, which is Zermatt's economic lifeblood, with preserving the village's character and quality of life for residents.
Key events of the year included a student exchange trip to Zermatt's sister city in Japan, the opening of another stage of the cultural trail, and the launch of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.
The mayor expresses regret that the inaugural Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening ski races had to be canceled due to heavy snow and high winds.
Navigating Zermatt's Strict Construction Rules
This article is the second part of a series detailing Zermatt's unique construction regulations in the car-free resort.
Any use of public land, such as streets or paths, for construction purposes like scaffolding or material storage is considered 'increased public use' and requires a specific permit.
The municipality's primary goal is to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles, and unauthorized use of public space that obstructs traffic or emergency services is not tolerated.
Permits for road closures or excavation work must be requested well in advance with detailed justifications, detour plans, and signage proposals, as they require careful coordination with public safety organizations.
Major Upgrade to Zermatt's Power Grid
The Moos electrical substation is being completely rebuilt and the distribution network expanded to meet Zermatt's growing energy demands and ensure long-term supply security.
The new concrete building will house new high- and medium-voltage switchgear as well as five large, oil-cooled power transformers.
Construction of the main structure proceeded on schedule over the summer, with interior work planned for the winter months.
Spectacular heavy transports are planned for summer 2024 to deliver the massive transformers, with the entire new system expected to be fully operational by winter 2024/25.
Zermatt's New School Nears Completion
The first phase of the 'Niww Walka' school project is almost finished, with classes from 4th to 8th grade set to move into the modern new buildings on January 22, 2024.
The new facility includes classrooms, specialized rooms for music and crafts, a library, a cafeteria with a stage, and a new gymnasium.
Once the older students have moved, the old 'Walka III' building will be demolished to make way for the project's final phase, which will house younger grades and a daycare, scheduled for completion in August 2025.
Younger students in grades 1-3 will remain in the temporary container school until the entire project is finished.
Historic Gornergrat Hotel Undergoes Major Transformation
The 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, a historic building from 1907, began a year-long, comprehensive renovation in October 2023.
The project will completely overhaul the hotel's two restaurants, terrace, and shopping area to meet modern guest expectations for high-quality, local culinary experiences.
A key highlight of the renovation will be the transformation of the long-disused north tower into a luxurious three-story suite, complete with a private whirlpool for stargazing.
The grand reopening of the fully transformed hotel is planned for the end of 2024.
Historic Locomotives Given a Golden New Life
As part of the Gornergrat Bahn's 125th anniversary, three of its original, first-generation locomotives have been saved from the scrapyard and transformed into golden artworks.
The project originated with hotelier Benjamin Schaller, who integrated the first gilded locomotive (No. 3001) into his 'Golden Lok' restaurant in Zermatt.
A second locomotive (No. 3002) has been gilded and placed at the entrance to Täsch, welcoming visitors to the region.
The third locomotive (No. 3003) now serves as the 'Golden Spot' photo point on the Gornergrat, offering a unique picture opportunity with the Matterhorn in the background.
New Tunnel to Secure Zermatt's Rail Access
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn is planning a new, continuous rail tunnel between Täsch and Zermatt to bypass the current route, which is highly exposed to natural hazards.
The 4.1-kilometer tunnel will guarantee year-round, secure access to Zermatt and allow for an increased train frequency of every 15 minutes between the two villages.
The project is part of a federal strategic development program and will be fully financed by the Swiss government, with construction planned from 2028 to 2035.
A public information event is scheduled for the first half of 2024 to present the project details to the local population.
New Matterhorn Express Valley Station Opens
After 1.5 years of construction, the new Matterhorn-Express valley station is ready for use as of mid-December 2023, featuring new ticket counters, ski depots, and restrooms.
The project also included replacing the old Zermatt-Furi cable car with a modern, higher-capacity gondola, which has been in operation since November 2023.
A new 'Rooftop Ride' experience will be added in summer 2024, allowing passengers to ride on an open-air balcony on top of the gondola cabin for an unobstructed view.
The final phase of the project, including finishing the new administrative offices on the top floors, will be completed in spring 2024.
The Rescuer Who Needed Rescuing
The article recounts a dramatic incident from the life of legendary Zermatt mountain guide Alfons 'Fons' Lerjen.
While on a rescue mission, Lerjen abseiled into a deep crevasse on the Theodul Glacier to reach a fallen skier.
In the narrow confines of the crevasse, he lost his balance and became wedged himself, unable to move his arms or use his radio.
After a desperate struggle and near-death experience, he managed to calm himself, pray, and methodically clear away ice, eventually freeing himself from what he called the worst moments of his life.