One Year On For Matterhorn Alpine Crossing – A First Assessment
With the commissioning of the new 3S Matterhorn Glacier Ride II cable car on July 1, 2023, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing generation project was officially opened last summer. The more than 80-year-old vision of crossing the Alps by cable car between Zermatt and Cervinia has become a reality. The fascinating cable car journey around the Matterhorn, characterized by unique nature, is extremely popular. With around 40,000 guests transported on the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II in individual travel traffic in seven months of operation in the first two summer seasons, the expectations of the new premium product have clearly been met and international interest in the new travel option is sustained and high.
Last year, numerous guests as well as FAM and media travelers found their way to the cross-border experience around the Matterhorn. The new premium offer Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is fascinating and is complemented by various experiences along the route. These include the attractions of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with the viewing platform at 3883 m above sea level with a magnificent view of over 38 of the highest Alpine peaks and the natural glacier palace. The new snow adventure park SnowXperience Plateau Rosa, right next to the Testa Grigia valley station, was also opened this year. In summer, guests can not only snow tubing but also experience their first adventure on skis on natural snow. All the equipment for this - from clothing to skis to the ski coach - can be rented at the Testa Grigia valley station. This summer, the rooftop ride of the Zermatt-Furi cable car was also opened. The new offer offers guests a ride on the roof of the cable car between Zermatt and Furi in the summer months. A breathtaking view of the Matterhorn is combined with a fresh breeze and can be added as an optional experience to the international cable car journey.
International media interest
In July 2024, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing was selected by the American TIME Magazine for the list of the "World's Greatest Places" 2024. These are the world's unique travel destinations of 2024, which stand out for their uniqueness, innovation and global influence. This award again highlights the international importance of the cross-border cable car journey and the pioneering spirit of the Zermatt Bergbahnen. Markus Hasler, CEO of the Zermatt Bergbahnen adds: "Our goal is to offer a high-quality premium product for small groups and individual tourists without promoting mass or transit tourism. This goal was clearly achieved in the first year of operation, which is why we are sticking to our strategy in the future.E
Further investments in the future
The cable car journey will soon be made even more carefree and comfortable by means of luggage transport between Zermatt and Cervinia. This will allow guests to check in their luggage at the counter at the valley station in Zermatt or Cervinia, similar to a flight, so that they can enjoy the cross-border cable car journey with just hand luggage. A specially created concierge position will monitor the luggage transport at the valley station in Zermatt and provide information to guests if they have any questions. In the long term, there are also plans to expand the infrastructure of the Klein Matterhorn, which will include an expanded range of restaurants and accommodation options and to complement the viewing platform at 3883 m above sea level with a unique, covered skywalk over the glacier. Cervino SpA is also working on new projects on the Italian side along the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing Route. These include a 3S cable car from Cervinia via Plan Maison to Testa Grigia and an expansion of the infrastructure in the Testa Grigia/Plateau Rosa region.
The premium product Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is being developed gradually and sustainably. This includes investments in the brand, awareness among international tour operators and unique and high-quality experiences between Zermatt and Cervinia. Over a period of around ten years, the Zermatt Bergbahnen are investing almost CHF 200 million in the two new cable cars and the future staging along the cable car journey. These investments in further enhancing the Zermatt - Matterhorn destination are the responsibility of the Zermatt Bergbahnen. Pioneering spirit, innovative strength and perseverance have always been part of Zermatt.
