Snowy projects
by Tripack
Each year I notice improvements on my favorite Swiss ski area, which make more attractive this snowy paradise.
I think it is important to have a quick outlook over planned projects about the ski area.
Good news for 2006/07:
Furi-Riffelberg cable car link in time for winter.
A new 8-seat cable car will be built for service between Furi and Riffelberg. It will run from Furi via Schweigmatten up to Riffelberg (where it joins the Gifthittli chairlift). The cable car is scheduled to open in time for winter 2006. So the Matterhorn ski area will be directly linked to the Gornergrat ski area.
Since the merger in 2002 up to the end of 2005, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG has already invested more than CHF 130 million. These are the most important investments:
- 8-seat cable car Matterhorn-Express (Zermatt - Furi - SchwarzSee)
- 6-seat chair lift with hoods Furggsattel Gletscherbahn (the world longest chairlift on a glacier)
- 6-seat chair lift with hoods Gifthittli chair lift
- Extension to Gandegg skilift
- Sunnegga - Blauherd Combi cableway (8-seat cable cars and 6-seat chair lifts)
- Elevator from Riedweg to the Sunneggabahn tunnel
Snow making systems are continously improved and extented to guarantee enough snow at the beggining of the Winter ski season (end of November).
The following are planned over the next few years:
- 4-seat chair lift Sunnegga - Findeln - Breitenboden (season 2006/07)
- 4-seat chair lift Gant - Rosenritz (season 2007/08)
Long-term important cableway projects:
- 8-seat cable car Matterhorn-Express extension from Schwarzsee to Trockener Steg
- New development at Stockhorn
- 4-seat chair lift at Hörnli
- Infrastructure extension at Klein Matterhorn
Wow enough to do and ride for the future ;-) The excellent and confortable ski cableways systems with a high debit (no queue or less) and plenty of large slopes and endless snow powder fields...
Glacier Express
by mvtouring
The Glacier Express is one of Switzerland's most famous train excursions. The Glacier Express, which has been operating since 1930, is billed as "the world's slowest express train" and averages 22 mph (36 km/h) during the 7?-hour trip between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The 169 miles (272 km) of narrow-gauge track are punctuated by 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Trains reach a peak elevation of 6,670 feet (2,033 m) at the Oberalp Pass near Andermatt and traverse the 9.5-mile (15-mile) Furka Tunnel, which takes a shortcut beneath the Alps between Andermatt and Brig.
Trains are a curious mixture of old and new. Modern passenger cars have panoramic windows for enjoyment of the spectacular scenery, while the antique dining cars feature wood paneling, brass fixtures, and special tilted wineglasses that are designed to prevent spilling during the steeper portions of the journey. Some trains have glass-roofed observation cars with a narrated trip commentary that first-class passengers can visit when they aren't dining or occupying their assigned seats.
Electro Busses
by mvtouring
It is easy to get around in Zermatt. Most distances can easily be covered on foot.
"Electro" buses
Zermatt has two routes with electrically-powered buses which serve all major intersections. In winter the bus service is included in the ski-pass.
Lunch Overlooking the Stellisee
by travelfrosch about Bergrestaurant Fluhalp
One of my favorite things about hiking in the Swiss Alps is there's almost always a restaurant waiting at the top. Here's another nice example: Bergrestaurant Fluhalp. Open from December to April and late June to early October, the outpost offers hearty meals with magnificent views. There's also a stand called "Murphy's Pub" that appears to offer Guinness on tap, though I didn't try it.
The restaurant also doubles as a hotel in the summer. You can stay in a double room for CHF 86 per night, while a dorm bed costs CHF 29 for the night. Breakfast is CHF 10. 3-course dinner for guests is CHF 30 per person. We sat on the patio and ordered Rösti. Mine was quite large with bits of bacon and two fried eggs on top. Sara tried a Rösti with tomatoes and cheese. They were both quite tasty. Beer was on tap, but we had more hiking to do, so I stuck with the Swiss soft drink Rivella. Salad bar is included in the price of the meal. Expect to pay about CHF 40 per person for lunch and a drink.
The Viewing Platform/Klein Matterhorn
by barbskie
A 3,883 meter high- sightseeing platform in Europe. As soon as you are at the final station of Matterhorn Glacier Express cableway, find the lift which is built into the rock. You will be transported to the highest viewing point. Up there, you will be offered a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. It is a beautiful feeling up there! Experience it yourself!
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Matterhorn
Dariolis Tea Room.....
with the Matterhorn in the background
Walking in alpine meadow near Sunnegga
