Since July 1st, the new 3S gondola lift connects the Klein Matterhorn mountain station at an altitude of 3,883 meters with the Testa Grigia bottom station (3,458 m) in Italy, thus enabling the highest border crossing in the Alps - the so-called Matterhorn Alpine Crossing. With the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing generation project, the two destinations of Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia are moving even closer together. For the first time ever, guests will be able to travel not only on skis and snowboards, but also on dry feet along this route from Italy to Switzerland - and vice versa. The new installation closes the last remaining gap between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia and turns the long-standing vision of the highest Alpine crossing by ropeway into reality.
Opening ceremony
In the presence of Swiss and Italian representatives from politics and business, host Michelle Hunziker led the opening ceremony on June 30. Anton Seeber and Martin Leitner also took part in the opening ceremony: "After successfully commissioning the 3S ropeway "Matterhorn glacier ride I", a very prestigious project, in the fall of 2018, we were now able to master a new challenge together with Bergbahnen Zermatt. Using the same 3S technology, we have now connected Testa Grigia and the Klein Matterhorn with the "Matterhorn glacier ride II". We are very proud to be involved in the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing project."
Greater sustainability in the Alpine region
In building the new 3S gondola lift, Zermatt Bergbahnen has consistently pursued its chosen path toward greater sustainability in the Alpine region. Another photovoltaic system is in operation on the façade of the new mountain station, supplying around 16,875 kWh of electricity per year. This installation complements the large number of existing renewable energy production facilities in the Zermatt Bergbahnen area.
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is unique in many respects. The pioneering work on the construction sites at extreme altitudes on the one hand, and the collaboration of two countries on a project that connects two tourist destinations year-round on the other.
- Lenght: 1,6 Km
- Height difference: 365 m
- Speed: 7,5 m/s
- Travel time: 4 Min.
- Cabins: 10, of which 2 Crystal Ride
- People/Cabin: 28
- Capacity: 1.300 p/h
