It might seem a long time away to 2019, but Zermatt is always thinking ahead to make sure their lift system is as good as it possibly can be.
Across the next three seasons, the resort will build what will be the highest gondola in Europe. It will connect the Trockener Steg and Matterhorn ski areas, giving access to the Klein Matterhorn in both summer and winter.
The new gondola planned for Zermatt
The new lift will be built by Leitner and have twenty-five cabins, each seating almost 30 people. That translates to an hourly uplift capacity of 2000 people.
Work will begin on the lift in the summer of 2015 and work will continue in the following two summers until the lift opens for for the 2018/19 winter season.
As well as the new gondola, the Hörnli T-bar will be replaced with a six person chairlift. This will open for the new 2015/16 season and will cover a slightly longer distance, starting from a lower point on the mountain.
Facts about the 3S gondola lift to Matterhorn glacier paradise
- Cabin manufacturer: SIGMA
- Hauling cable length: 7930 m
- Vertical rise: 900 m
- Speed: 7.5 m/sec
- Capacity: 2000 passengers/hour
- Journey time: 9 min
- Number of cabins: 25
- Seats per cabin: 28
- Drive system: LEITNER DirectDrive
- Cabin design: Pininfarina
Article by Iain Martin