Changes at Zermatt

Tue 07 October 08

New snowmaking system with can produce snow at high temperatures, the much needed Glacier restaurant should be open at the top of the Matterhorn glacier paradise but best of all the new Stockhorn t-bar will open up some cool freeriding terrain

“Glacier restaurant” on the Matterhorn glacier paradise


The “Glacier restaurant”, with seating for up to 120 people, good sanitary facilities, accommodation for 40 alpinists and a "Peak Gate" vantage window facing the Breithorn mountain will open for the winter season 2008.

The “Glacier restaurant” and the alpinists’ accommodation will comply with the Minergie P standard (the highest energy standard). A special sewage treatment facility, the highest in the Alps, will ensure waste water is purified in an environmentally friendly way.

The entire front of the building will be equipped with solar panels, which at this altitude generate almost twice as much energy as systems with a similar surface area in lowlands areas. Solar energy will be stored and used for heating the building, which means that there will not be any external energy supply required.

“Snowmaker” – the snow machine marvel

For the benefit of people visiting Zermatt for snow sports, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG has bought the first snow machine in the world that can produce snow in temperatures above zero (up to 30 degrees Celsius). The machine will be used on a section measuring 300 metres, near the Trockener Steg station, where the ice front of the Theodul glacier has retreated. This machine is of particular value for our all-year snow region, because it can be used from the end of September for ski tests.

The Snowmaker produces large quantities of snow; 950 m3 a day, without the use of chemicals and whatever the temperature. The first artificial snow test was carried out to the east of Netanya in Israel in the middle of June in temperatures of over 30° C.

Stockhorn ski lift

Stockhorn free ride area
Stockhorn free ride area
Photo: Zermatt Bergbahnen

Stockhorn, a restored mountain station at an altitude of 3405 metres, can now be reached with a new ski lift. To the rear, the Dufourspitze, the highest peak in Switzerland: in one fell swoop free riders can congregate to conquer the area, which Zermatt Bergbahnen AG has made accessible once again after the closure of the Hohtälli-Stockhorn cable railway, thus giving experts and hopefuls perfect slope enjoyment in the Triftji/Stockhorn area.

With the new lift, the free ride area from Hohtälli or Rote Nase is completely accessible again.

Stockhorn ski lift
 

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Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is an extremely good resort with some excellent freering terrain set in an incredible location. Nightlife is descent but you need to bring yours and someone elses wallet with you.
Freeriding: 85% - Some trees and good off-piste
Freestyle: 65% - All year terrain parks and good natural
Pistes: 60% - Lots of cat tracks
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