Although the 10-person Kumme gondola did officially open in December 2020, it will be this winter that many international visitors to Zermatt will be able to try this hi-tech lift for the first time.

This new 30-million-Swiss-France lift on the Rothorn sector of the resort will take passengers from Tufternkehr via the Wyss Gufer middle station to Rothorn at 3103m.

We previewed the Kumme lift in the summer of 2020, showing progress on its construction:

Official opening in December 2020

By November 2020, the lift was almost ready for its formal opening on 19 December 2020.

Last winter, travel bans meant that this spectacular lift ran for Swiss guests only. They were able to enjoy the picturesque views from the gondola’s panoramic windows.

First autonomous lift in Switzerland

It’s not the only lift in Zermatt with spectacular views, but it is the first autonomous gondola lift in Switzerland.

The ‘AURO’ – Autonomous Ropeway Operation – cable car system from Doppelmayr means the lift can run without an operator.

The Kumme is equipped with cameras and sensors that monitor the lift – especially when skiers, snowboarders and pedestrians enter and exit the cabins.

The system is so advanced that it can automatically detect any circumstances that deviate from ‘normal operations’. For example, if a passenger is unfortunate enough to get their ski boot or ski caught in the door of the gondola, the system will immediately switch off, before it is restarted by one of the team who monitors operations.

Technical Data

Cable car manufacturer: Doppelmayr/Garaventa

Lift type: Detachable D-Line gondola

Length: 3192m

Difference in altitude: 965m

Track width: 6.4m

No. of Pylons: 17

Cable Diameter: 50mm

Speed: 6.0 m/s

Carrying capacity: 1,500 persons per hour

No. of cabins: 56

Cabin type: OMEGA V-10

Project cost: CHF 30 million

Accommodation in Zermatt

To find out more about accommodation in Zermatt this winter, please contact Ed or Suzanne from Matterhorn Chalets.