Seite 1

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

Seite 2

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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Seite 3

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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Seite 4

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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Seite 5

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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Seite 6

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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Seite 7

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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Seite 8

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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Seite 9

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

Seite 10

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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Seite 11

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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Seite 12

“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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Seite 13

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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Seite 14

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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Seite 15

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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Seite 16

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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Seite 17

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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Seite 18

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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Seite 19

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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Seite 20

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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Seite 21

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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