Peter Lange
Top of Zermatt’s Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Photo: Gabriel Perren
Never underestimate the potential of the Zermatt Bergbahnen. Thankfully, at the end of June, they committed to continuing the preparation of the lanes during their unplanned closure. They knew if enough resources were applied, when the time was right, they could provide an amazing and safe product. This video and accompanying photos prove that they kept their promise.
To review, due to dangerous conditions, on June 28th Zermatt suspended skiing on the Theodul glacier. The lack of winter snowpack combined with high temperatures made it impossible to manage all the required crevasses safely.
However, as of September 20th, they will resume operations. On Tuesday, the Zermatt Bergbahnen invites both teams and tourists to return to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The drop in temperature combined with the long-awaited recent snowfall allows for safe operation. Thanks to the weather change, the glacier is again offering great conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Unfortunately, the snow park will remain closed.
Additionally, the preparatory work on the new World Cup downhill course also continued during the closure. On Tuesday there is a planned inspection of the current situation. of the new “Gran Becca.” The ski racing community will be anticipating the report. Currently this is the report from the Zermatt Bergbahnen, “We remain confident that nothing will stand in the way of the first-ever staging of the “Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening” at the end of October and beginning of November,” says Markus Hasler, CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen. Tickets are still available for the World Cup races at www.speedopening.com.
