3S Bahn Matterhorn Glacier Ride II: Michelle Hunziker Opens Historic Project
With the opening of the new 3S Bahn Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, a superlative generation project becomes reality: the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing and thus the first continuous connection between Switzerland and Italy over the Alpine ridge. At the opening ceremony on June 30, 2023, the Swiss-Italian presenter Michelle Hunziker will lead through the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing for invited guests will take place on June 30, 2023 at 3,480 m above sea level. M. in the new valley station Testa Grigia - right on the border between Switzerland and Italy. In order to celebrate the historic moment appropriately, Michelle Hunziker will moderate the opening ceremony. She leads through the supporting program with exciting guests from Switzerland and Italy, who will demonstrate the importance of the cooperation between Zermatt and Cervinia and the realization of the long-standing vision of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.
Tourist potential
With the generation project Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, the two destinations Zermatt and Cervinia (IT) are moving even closer together. For the first time ever, guests can not only travel on skis and snowboards, but also, from July 1, 2023, without getting their feet wet by cable car from Switzerland to Italy – and vice versa.
The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II facility closes the last remaining gap between Zermatt and Cervinia and makes the longstanding vision of the highest crossing of the Alps by cable car a reality. Markus Hasler, CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen explains: “The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing brings us great tourism potential with the innovative development of Zermatt and Cervinia across the Alps. Enabling new itineraries for our existing international guests and opening up new markets will be an exciting add-on product for both individual travelers and small groups.”
Franz Julen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zermatt Bergbahnen, adds: “The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is much more than a cable car trip. It is a brand for a unique and superior experience between two countries and cultures in the premium segment. The focus is always on the majestic Matterhorn, both from a Zermatt and from an Italian perspective." and adds: "Michelle Hunziker embodies the Italian-Swiss connection ideally".
Last stage of construction in May 2023
The construction work around the new cable car is currently in the final stages. In May and June 2023, the gondolas will be installed, the internal commissioning and the safety check will be carried out by the Federal Office of Transport. The new cable car runs from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain station at 3,883 m above sea level. M. to the Testa Grigia valley station at 3,480 m above sea level. M. Markus Hasler, CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen: “Great things were achieved on the construction sites under extremely difficult conditions. The new cable car does not require any supports and hovers over the glacier. This enables a sustainable and wonderful driving experience!» In order to meet the demanding conditions in the high alpine region, the extraordinarily wind-stable three-cable gondola system from the cable car manufacturer LEITNER from South Tyrol was chosen - as was the case with the construction of the Matterhorn Glacier Ride I. The associated cabins by Ferrari designer Pininfarina also offer great comfort. Crystal ride cabins will also be used in the new facility, which are equipped with a glass floor and allow a clear view of the Theodul glacier.
Day of the open railway for the whole population
On July 1, 2023, on the day the new cable car was commissioned, there will be an open railway day for the public. Interested parties are invited to take a free trip on the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain station to the Testa Grigia valley station and back. All information on this is available on the website www.matterhornparadise.ch/testa
