The next step in the huge CHF 1.1 billion infrastructure investment in Zermatt will be the upgrading of the Gant Blauherd gondola.
Gondola replaced by a chairlift
We often see chairlifts being replaced by gondolas, but this is a rare case of a gondola being replaced by a chairlift.
The existing gondola will be replaced by a 6-seater chairlift with work starting this month (May 2016) and with the lift due to be operational for the winter season 2016/17.
The upgraded lift will be able to carry 1800 people per hour and will mean the journey from Gant (2223m) to Blauherd (2571 m) will take a mere 3 minutes 36 seconds – significantly faster than the previous lift.
Old cabins sold for 500 euros each
It was reported in March that the existing cabins – which date back 65 years – were auctioned off and sold in just five days.
At a cost of just 500 euros each what better present to buy the skier who already has all the kit they could ever need?
Part of an ongoing upgrade project
Other development work completed over recent seasons include the Hirli chairlift, the Furggsattel Express on the glacier, and Zermatt’s new avalanche detection system.
The total budget for new and replacement lifts is CHF 420 million.
The Furgsattel lift
Chalets in Zermatt
Do you want to enjoy all the great new lifts in Zermatt? Matterhorn Chalets offer a selection of superb chalets in Zermatt, as well as self-catering apartments and hotels.
For more info on prices and our concierge service, please contact our small team of Zermatt specialists.
Catered Chalet Ulysse
Article by Iain Martin
