ZERMATT, THE PARADISE OF THE ALPS NEWS ... 1 ZERMATT, THE PARADISE OF THE ALPS – NEWS SUMMER 2017....
Transcript of ZERMATT, THE PARADISE OF THE ALPS NEWS ... 1 ZERMATT, THE PARADISE OF THE ALPS – NEWS SUMMER 2017....
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ZERMATT, THE PARADISE OF THE ALPS –
NEWS SUMMER 2017.
NEWS FROM THE AREA SURROUNDING THE MATTERHORN
The Zermatt – Matterhorn destination is
one of the most successful tourist
resorts in the entire Alpine area. To
retain this status, we are constantly
investing in infrastructure, adventures,
events and offers. This is why this great
experience remains attractive.
Even in the summer, the gondolas take
skiers as well as Alpinists and those on
an outing to the highest mountain
station in Europe at 3,883 m. Zermatt –
Matterhorn offers summer highlights
while hiking, biking or travelling to one
of the mountains with a panoramic
view. In the mountains of Zermatt, Täsch and Randa the most beautiful Alpine panoramas in
Europe are on display with a view of 38 four thousand metre peaks including the most famous, the
Matterhorn (4,478 m).
Specific information with relevant facts and figures, contacts, photo and video database
and a lot more for journalists and tour operators:
www.zermatt.ch/en/Media-corner ¦ www.zermatt.ch/en/Tour-operators
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NEWS ABOUT HOTELS & HOLIDAY APARTMENTS.
HOTEL AND HOLIDAY APARTMENT RENOVATIONS
Partial renovations were made in the rooms, interior and wellness
centres in the following hotels: Continental, Eden Wellness, Hotel
Hemizeus and Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. Guests staying in the
Steinmatte village area will find a newly designed 2½-room apartment
with Whirlpool in the Olympia building, in the apartment Mischabel.
Details
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SILVANA MOUNTAIN HOTEL
A new large spa was built in close proximity to the Furi mountain lift
station. Guests staying in the Silvana Mountain Hotel experience the
bathing landscape at a 34°C (93°F) water temperature under Zermatt’s
twinkling night sky. Hotel guests enjoy the private spa with a hay sauna
and herbal steam showers. The Biner host family now also offers a
spacious lounge and terrace as well as the romance of a hut, the
Mountain Lodge: a chalet with a variety of rooms. Hotel and Mountain
Lodge are located on a mountain trail at almost 1,900 m. There are also
offerings for visitors.
Details
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NEW ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES.
NEW ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
The tour through the village of Zermatt is under the theme: “A Tour with
the Farmers from the Past”. During the guided tour in the old part of the
village where centuries-old wooden houses, stalls and barns stand, it is
possible to experience how the people lived and worked 100 years ago.
You can see women weaving wool, braiding baskets or also men roofing
the buildings with stone slabs. Those demonstrating these activities wear
clothing in a style from that time. In an attractive and entertaining way
your guide, Franz-Josef, tells you how the people lived in Zermatt then.
Guided tours are in simultaneous German and English.
10 July to 28 August 2017
Details
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HIKING TRAIL „EUROPAWEG“: NEW SUSPENSION BRIDGE
From this summer on it will be possible to hike again on the trail
„Europaweg“ between Grächen and Zermatt as a real altitude trail. For
years a part of it was closed due to rock fall. The hikers had to make a
detour of more than 500 metres of altitude into the valley and back. The
new suspension bridge is now on a new spot. It is the longest alpine
pedestrian suspension bridge of the world. Length: 494 m, 0,65 m wide,
altitude on the highest point on the valley “Grabengufer”: 85 m. Opening
in summer 2017.
Details (only in German)
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PHOTOS, JUST BEFORE THE FALL
“My subject – my moment – my Matterhorn photo”. With this motto in
mind, it is possible to take a photograph of yourself on Gornergrat this
summer. Using a green screen, a picture is taken which creates the
impression that someone is just jumping into the crystal-clear Riffelsee
(2,575 m). This person is the subject posing in the Matterhorn
PhotoShop at 3100 Kulmhotel on Gornergrat. And the result is a
photograph which fits very well in a souvenir memories album of the
most beautiful trips.
Details
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GLACIER EXPRESS AS A FANTASTIC SHORT EXPERIENCE
First of all, the famous Glacier Express (St. Moritz-Zermatt) can also be
booked for short sections. For example, Brig to Zermatt is a fantastic
short experience. And those who would like to have a culinary
experience through Valais in a panorama train should book a trip
between 18 September and 22 October 2017 – when the Valais Weeks
take place. Short-section offers on the Glacier Express from 13 May to
15 October 2017
Details
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SUNNEGGA: HUT EVENTS AND SPECIAL EVENING TRIPS
On Friday evenings in summer, pleasure seekers can experience
something very special: a cosy and comfortable evening in a hut at
Sunnegga or in Findeln. Swiss specialties are served in two different
restaurants and accompanied by a romantic sunset. This offering is also
available as just a mountain lift trip.
Each Friday.
Details
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MOUNTAIN ROMANCE AND A CLIMBING ADVENTURE
Two exciting adventures are part of the programme with the Climbing
Fun Package. First, we travel up to the viewing platform at Matterhorn
glacier paradise (3,883 m) and then into the Glacier Palace, where a
romantic and impressive ice world awaits your amazement 15 m below
the surface. After the return to the valley there are cables and devices
high up in the air which can be used to swing from tree to tree.
Details
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WATER SKIING AT SCHALISEE
Water skiing in the mountains? Really? Of course! This is possible at
Schalisee (1,428 m), the largest lake in the Nikolai Valley. There is an
electric tow lift more than 100 m above the water that pulls
wakeboarders and water skiers across the waves. Those who are
talented can ski as many loops as they would like to extend the ride.
There is also a little food stand offering snacks and drinks for the
betterment and enjoyment of the water skiing fans and swimmers.
Water skis, wakeboards, swimming aids and neoprene suits are included
in the offer. Together, they present a one-day adventure with skiing on
the glacier in the morning and water skiing on the lake in the afternoon – an irresistible adventure.
Details
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NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF MOUNTAIN BIKES.
BIKE FRIENDLY HOTELS
Besides beautiful mountain bike trails with the most amazing views,
Zermatt also offers mountain bikers a great deal of comfort. Hotels have
specialised infrastructure, such as bike wash stalls, locked bike rooms,
repair sets and much more. The hotels are located both in the village as
well as in the mountains and sometimes right next to the trails. The
Hotel Alpenlodge offers its guests electric bicycles to explore the
surroundings.
Details
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HOTEL PACKAGES
The Riffelhaus 1853 at Gornergrat and the Hotel Continental in Zermatt’s
village centre both offer bike packages. In the Riffelhaus 1853, a 2-night
bike package can be booked; in the Hotel Continental in the village, 3-
night packages are available with 2 nights in the Continental and the
third night in the Riffelhaus 1853 at 2,600 m.
Details
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BIKE TOURS WITH THE HOTEL OWNER
The Hotel Hemizeus is located in Zermatt at the edge of the village and
not far from the new Moos Trail. This is the easiest flow trail in Zermatt.
The hotelier Ruggero Palazzo personally guides his guests along the
most beautiful trails in the surrounding area.
Details
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ZERMATT-VISP BIKE & TRAIN COMBINATION PACKAGE
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn adds real pleasure to the new Zermatt-
Visp mountain bike trail. Whoever buys a combination ticket can
conveniently take along his or her bike on the entire or part of the route
in the self-load wagon. Children with a Junior Pass travel for free
including bike transportation.
Details
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BIKE TRANSPORTATION TO GORNERGRAT
The Gornergrat Bahn is also a mountain bike train. A day ticket for
bikers with flat rate for bikes makes unlimited use of the train for
mountain bike riders available for an entire day. Escorted children with a
Junior Pass travel for free, package price for their bike.
Details
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BIKE TRANSPORTATION
With a package price, a mountain bike can ride on all of the mountain
lifts and trains in the Zermatt excursion area. You just need a mountain
lift ticket such as a one-way ticket, day ticket or multi-day ticket.
Details
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NEWS FOR FAMILIES.
WOLLI KIDS FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES
Wolli, Zermatt’s mascot for children, invites them to the Wolli Kids
Festival. This is about exciting adventures in the village and at Leisee,
Zermatt’s swimming beach at 2,232 m. The theme is pirates – with a
treasure hunt, pirate feast and concert. A day rich in variety for the
entire family.
4 August 2017
Details
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WOLLI SUMMER FUN – ALSO FOR JUST
ONE DAY OR HALF-DAY
Wolli is Zermatt’s mascot for children. This young black-nose sheep
invites every child to the Wolli Summer Fun event each summer. For one
week there are different events in the mountains and village that they
can experience each day. For example, on the programme are a day in
the cable park, a visit to the Glacier Palace or a day among the
marmots. Activity days can be booked either for an entire week or now
also for just one full day or half-day.
From 26 June to 18 August 2017
Details
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TOP EVENTS.
ZERMATT OPEN-AIR THEATRE
Every two years, the Open-Air Theatre “Freilichtspiele Zermatt” appears
at 2,600 m – within view of the Matterhorn. In the summer of 2017:
“Romeo and Juliet at Gornergrat”. This surprising version of the world-
famous love story is portrayed by two leading Zermatt actors – Romaine
Müller and David Taugwalder. Play in dialect from the Haut Valais, with
explanations in English in the booklet. Performances take place
Wednesday to Sunday with 700 seats, food and beverages on site. The
play is performed under all weather conditions. The Hotel Riffelhaus
1853 offers culinary packages in conjunction with the Open-Air Theatre.
6 July to 27 August 2017
Details
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SWITZERLAND’S NATIONAL HOLIDAY
Zermatt offers some great events to mark Switzerland’s National
Holiday. Beginning on Monday evening, 31 July 2017, the locals will
gather with their guests for a street party with food, drinks and music.
On Tuesday morning, 1 August, the mountain worship service is
celebrated at Sunnegga (2,288 m) next to a lake reflecting the
Matterhorn. As each year on 1 August, a large fireworks display is
presented in the evening, including a Bengal fire in the cliff face above
the village along with colourful rocket bouquets in the dark heavens at
night.
1 August 2017
Details
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ZERMATT FESTIVAL WITH MASTER CLASSES
The Zermatt Festival & Academy places great emphasis on the open
teaching in the Master Classes (Academy) in 2017. Interested guests can
listen and watch how the masters pass on their best abilities and
knowledge to the selected young musicians. The special Alpine music
treat is the projection of the Arnold Fanck 1921 silent movie, “In Storm
and Ice”, with live accompaniment by the Berlin Scharoun Ensemble
made of a fusion of many of the musicians in the Berlin Philharmonic
Orchestra. Mozart’s Coronation Mass will be performed in the St.
Mauritius Pfarrkirche on Sunday, 11 September 2017.
9 to 18 September 2017
Details
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2017 PERSKINDOL SWISS EPIC
This year, the mountain bike race goes from Grächen and over
Leukerbad to Zermatt. The penultimate stage ends in Zermatt and then
the last race goes through the mountains above Zermatt, which is the
best time to watch the top riders as they flow on the trails. For the first
time, there are various race formats for the two-rider teams on both of
the last stages.
From 11-16 September 2017
Details
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2017 ZERMATT IMPULSE
This symposium combines thoughts and visions around the topic of
mountains. The mountains and their use, the joy of climbing, the
demands of Alpinists, tourists, and environmentalists. Films and events
lead into these topics. With public discussions, with the special view of
the mountains in Valais, in Switzerland, and throughout the entire world.
Participating: mountain guides from the Mattertal, experts from near and
far, and local heroes such as the Anthamatten family Alpinist brothers.
22-24 September 2017
Details
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2017 ZERMATT FASHION
The Zermatt Fashion Weekend takes place on the walkway for the third
time in a completely new concept: young designers and trending fashion
labels. New on Friday evening: Fashion meets Food with dinner for those
interested in fashion, fashion bloggers and fashion journalists. On
Saturday evening: Brand Fashion Show with live performances. Pop-up
store with fashion and lifestyle products all four days as well as events
and parties.
14-17 December 2017
Details (only in German)
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CUISINE & CULINARY ART.
NEW PIZZERIA: “GUSTO MATTO”
A new pizzeria is opening on the village side of the Zermatt train station
with seating for 70, a bar, vinothek and a large terrace. The menu offers
pizzas, seasonal and vegetarian specialties, fish and meat, along with a
large selection of wine. As the name promises: Everything is a bit
“crazy” (“matto”) but also cosy, comfortable and uncomplicated. Open
daily.
Details (only in German)
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KITCHEN AROUND – BACKSTAGE DINING TOURS
This special event is now also offered in summer: Culinary enjoyment –
from a different point of view for once. This offering includes a culinary
evening in the restaurants in the heart of Zermatt. An aperitif and
appetisers are served in one local restaurant, the main course in another
and dessert somewhere else in a third. And this does not take place in
the guest dining area but rather in the restaurant’s kitchen where you
can have a look of the chefs at work. It is entirely possible that these
interested visitors will learn about one or the other kitchen trick directly
from the source.
Details
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“LOCAL GAME” AND “GONDOLA FONDUE”
The Swiss Food Festival (11-13 August 2017) is not only a festive
presentation of high-class cuisine but also always “Gondola Fondue”
each time. Now there is also a new addition to the menu: autumn
delicacies – “Gondola Local Game”. Four guests sit in a gondola and
enjoy food and drink while they slowly travel towards the Matterhorn on
their way to Trockener Steg and back. During the trip, new dishes are
placed in the gondola each time at two short stops in between.
Gondola Fondue: 25 August 2017, Gondola Local Game: 9 September
2017
Details
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“HORUGÜET” CULINARY HIKE
Zermatt is the culinary paradise for those connoisseurs, who also enjoy
nature and the mountain panorama. The participants will experience full
enjoyment when they participate in the “Horugüet” hike. The motto of
this outing is “eating, enjoying and hiking.” The hike is over mountain
meadows and hiking trails to six mountain restaurants where diverse
delicacies are presented. Guided by a personality with close ties to
Zermatt, you will hear some of the best stories and facts from the
region. By the way, “Horu” means “horn” in the local dialect and in
Zermatt is always used as a reference to the Matterhorn. And “güet”
means “good”.
7 October 2017
Details (only in German)
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GOURMET PASS FINDELN
Top-class mountain restaurants, the mountain world and relaxed hiking.
The Findeln Gourmet Pass offers all of this. You take a culinary discovery
tour in the hamlet of Findeln, where three chefs cook with 41 Gault
Millau points which they have collected together. This experience offers:
travel on the funicular to Sunnegga, aperitif with Valais specialties. Then
a walk to the Restaurant Paradies, where there is a delicious appetiser.
Then take a mini-hike to the Restaurant Chez Vrony, where the main
course is served. And finally, a few steps further to dessert in the
Findlerhof.
Details
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MOUNTAIN LIFT & TRAIN TICKETS.
PEAK2PEAK
With this new combination ticket, you can travel to the top of two
excursion peaks, Gornergrat (3,089 m) and Matterhorn glacier paradise
(3,883 m). Both of these dream peaks offer an unforgettable view into
the Alpine world with the Matterhorn, the mighty four-thousand metre
peaks and the impressive glaciers. The cross connection from Furi to
Riffelberg on Gornergrat (the Riffelberg Express) reduces the travel time.
Valid from 1 July to 20 August 2017.
Details
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PEAK PASS FOR ONE DAY AND MORE
The Peak Pass is now also available as a one-day or two-day pass. It
makes free travel available on all of the mountain lifts and trains and
also on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn between Randa, Täsch and
Zermatt. Also included are the following: admission to the Glacier Palace
at Matterhorn glacier paradise and the use of the local busses in
Zermatt.
Details
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GLACIER EXPRESS ALSO WITH INTERRAIL AND EURAIL
The Glacier Express is one of the most popular trains in the world.
Guests, who are travelling with an Interrail Pass or Eurail Pass train
ticket, can learn about and enjoy the mountain landscape of Switzerland
on the Glacier Express, the slowest fast train in the world. And now
Interrail Pass and Eurail Pass tickets are valid on the St. Moritz-Zermatt
stretch. Reservations with a fee charge are required.
Details
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INFRASTRUCTURE.
GOLF COURSE MATTERHORN WITH 9+HOLES
In the Golf Club Matterhorn, the game will be played on an altered 9-
hole course on the greens at Täsch-Randa this summer. New and unique
in Switzerland is that with this layout one can play each hole from
different tee locations. This means that one can play 18 holes on a 9-
hole course. Whoever has played the course twice has played 18 holes.
Details (only in German)
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ZERMATT, OBERE MATTEN: A NEW PLACE TO BE
A new gathering spot – with a breath-taking view of the Matterhorn – is
now being created near the Obere Matten sports and leisure arena in the
Zermatt village centre with a water game for children, playground,
courts for street ball, basketball and volleyball as well as different forms
of beach sports. Grassy facilities, sunbathing lawns, sports fields,
additional sports areas and a solar sail are also arising. Everything
remains moveable so that various major events can use the surfaces.
The tennis courts, ice rinks and the sports pavilion under renovation
remain. Ready during the 2017 summer season.
Details
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MOUNTAIN LIFTS: THE RIFFELBERG EXPRESS
ALSO RUNS IN SUMMER
The gondola cross connection from Furi to Riffelberg now also operates
in summer. This is a good opportunity for hikers and mountain lovers to
experience the mountain world even better and more varied on one day.
One can move from the Matterhorn glacier paradise area to Gornergrat
without taking the roundabout via the valley station of the Gornergrat
Bahn in the village centre. And mountain bikers may also use the
Riffelberg Express with their bikes.
In July and August 2017.
Details
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CHARGING STATIONS FOR ELECTRIC CARS
The partners in the Zermatt-Matterhorn destination are further
supporting environmentally friendly mobility. Since Zermatt is car-free,
all automobiles are parked at Täsch. In the Matterhorn Terminal as well
as at other locations, there are places available where eAutos can be
charged. Travel to Zermatt continues with the train shuttle (12 minute
trip) or by taxi.
Details
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SHOPS.
SPORTS ATTIRE: FUSALP
This French fashion label has opened a shop at Bahnhofstrasse 39 in
Zermatt. It offers dreamlike sports attire for women, men and children:
waistcoats, sweaters, jackets, hoodies, short-sleeved blouses and shirts,
t-shirts, hiking pants and, naturally, skiing and après ski fashions.
Details
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GIFTS AND DESIGN: MERINGUE
The Meringue Alpine concept store in the background under the
Bahnhofstrasse in Zermatt (Bodmenstrasse 14) offers Alpine design
pieces, knives, placemats, child stools, blankets, foulards, small textile
goods, Arven wood bags, cloth belts and much more. Simply plain – the
place for finding your inspiration for a different kind of souvenir or gift.
Details (only in German)
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WATCHES: OMEGA BOUTIQUE
OMEGA, the Swiss watch brand, has opened a watch boutique in
Zermatt. At Bahnhofstrasse 80a, you will find an interior concept
embodying the topics of water, earth and time. The selection includes
the Constellation, Seamaster, De Ville, Speedmaster watches as well as
sunglasses, accessories, perfumes, leather goods and jewellery.
Details
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WATCHES: ROLEX BOUTIQUE
The Bucherer Bijouterie and Watch Boutique at the beginning of the
Bahnhofstrasse has been redesigned. There is a new brand watch shop
for the Swiss cult timepiece ROLEX now integrated into the store. This
specialist shop offers luxury watches in a new, exclusive beautifully
designed ambiance.
Details
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STOKED BOOT FITTING AND RACE BASE
The Stoked company (ski and snowboard boots, as well as the oldest
shoe store in Zermatt) continues to expand its boot-fitting programme
by using the latest technologies and services. As the racing base for the
Völkl ski brand, Stoked provides strong support with their special service
for the junior ski racers beginning in the summer 2017. In addition, an
in-house shoemaker takes care of all mountain, climbing and street shoe
matters as well as repairs, alterations and adjustments.
Details
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MICE – MEETINGS, INCENTIVE & CONVENTIONS.
EXPANDED STRUCTURES FOR MICE
The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof has increased its capacity for MICE
events. Up to 300 persons can be received. In addition, there is a two-
day offering. In the conference package are, among other things, the
conference infrastructure, overnight stay with breakfast buffet as well as
an excursion with lunch at Gornergrat are included.
Details
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EXPANDED TURBINA LOCATION
Through its uniqueness, the Turbina is the ideal event location and a
very special place for festivals and gatherings of every kind. The former
electrical power station now has a greater expanded infrastructure.
Details
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BE INFORMED.
THE MOUNTAIN WORLD TELLS ITS STORIES:
THE “MATTERHORN BLOG”
The Zermatt - Matterhorn destination is full of exciting stories. Not every
guest has the opportunity to experience personally the life at the foot of
the Matterhorn, and Zermatt dreamers from near and far even less so.
But now everything has changed: Storytelling now takes place over a
newly created information channel, the Matterhorn Blog. Here, locals
regularly tell stories about their lives at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Teams tell those stories, which are part of their daily lives out in nature,
in the village or with guests. The topics are: mountains, hotels, gastronomy, culture, news and
tourism. If you read this regularly, you will soon feel almost at home in Zermatt.
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ZERMATT - MATTERHORN IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Telling stories in a single sentence and a beautiful picture happens daily
on the Zermatt - Matterhorn social media. Every once in a while, there
are live sessions in a mini-format on Facebook. Zermatt – Matterhorn
has expanded the activities on social media in a big way. The first 24-
hour live report about a tourist destination took place at the end of 2016
with 30 mini-reports on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This is a way
to experience Zermatt from home or on your smartphone. The next 24-
hour live report from the destination is planned for 21-22 July 2017.
Being part of it means everything. Something is always happening on
the Zermatt – Matterhorn channels, day after day…
Details
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2017/2018 WINTER PREVIEW.
DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM THE UK TO THE VALAIS
Beginning in December 2017, PowdAir will offer direct flights between
Great Britain and Sion during the winter months. The goal is to transport
the British winter sports enthusiasts quickly to the resorts in Zermatt,
Verbier and Crans-Montana. Flights will take place from Thursday to
Monday with departures from Southend, Southampton, Bournemouth,
Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh. Ticket prices range from 99 to 150
pounds and skis are transported at no charge. And for the locals: The
residents in Valais can take an outing to the same British destinations.
Why not?
Details
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2018 SUMMER PREVIEW.
AIR ZERMATT CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The heroes of the air are celebrating. The founding of the helicopter
company Air Zermatt took place in 1968. Beat H. Perren from Zermatt
had a pioneering vision and founded Air Zermatt. The company initiated
and developed modern mountain rescue. And this Zermatt enterprise
remains the world’s leader with its expertise and experience. Rescue
stations and helicopter pilots from around the world come to Zermatt to
learn from its mountain rescuers, who also remain in close contact with
others around the world, such as the experts in Nepal. Celebrations in
Raron with round-trip flights, helicopter shows and party tent.
19 and 20 May 2018
Details
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2018/2019 WINTER PREVIEW.
HIGHEST MOUNTAIN LIFT IN EUROPE: THE NEW 3S BAHN
The Zermatt Bergbahnen AG is investing in the future and increasing the
transportation capacity of the mountain lifts, which run between
Trockener Steg (2,939 m) and Matterhorn glacier paradise (3,883 m).
The new 3S lift is named that because it has one towing cable and two
load-bearing cables (3S) which pull 25 gondolas to the top with 28 seats
in each. The transportation capacity is 2,000 passengers per hour. The
opening of the lift is planned for the 2018-2019 winter season. If you are
interested in taking a ride in one of these cabins now – wearing virtual
reality goggles – visit the InfoCube at Trockener Steg.
Details
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