KEE@FSWMAG.COM
ZERMATT, THE PARADISE OF THE ALPS.
NEWS FROM THE AREA SURROUNDING THE MATTERHORN
The Destination Zermatt - Matterhorn Continues to Invest in the Future
The year 2015 marked the 150th years first ascent of the Matterhorn. Thousands of guests were drawn to the Matterhorn village by this jubilee. The newly designed and rebuilt Hörnli Hut | Base Camp Matterhorn is a milestone for sustainable construction at a high altitude in the Alps. It is again available for climbers taking on the Matterhorn along the Hörnligrat.
“The Matterhorn Story” performed on an open-air stage drew thousands of enthusiastic guests to Riffelberg at Gornergrat. Negotiations are underway for the restaging of the open-air play in the summer of 2017
The destination Zermatt - Matterhorn hosts are not resting on their laurels. Further sustainable projects listed in the “Strategy 2018” are going forward. In the coming years, 1.1 billion Swiss francs will be invested in infrastructure, new tourist events, new or renovated lifts, hotels and restaurants.
The performance by now: Within the past four years projects for a total of 431 Millions of Swiss Francs have been realized.
The following pages show what kind of news the hosts can present to their guests in the destination Zermatt - Matterhorn beginning in the summer of 2016 according to the strategy mentioned.
Specific information with relevant facts and figures, contacts, photo and video database and a lot more for journalists and tour operators: http://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media-corner ¦ http://www.zermatt.ch/en/Tour-operators
NEWS ABOUT HOTELS & HOLIDAY APARTMENTS.
ZERMATT HOTELS ARE TOP
The best hotel in Switzerland is in Zermatt and is called The Omnia. The rating sites show this time and again – Zermatt hotels are unsurpassed: in their service, friendliness, in their design and organisation. The Zermatt hotels really cleaned up on the ratings site TripAdvisor. Seven hotels in Zermatt are among the top 25 hotels in Switzerland: The Omnia, Matterhorn Focus, Europe Hotel & Spa, Mountain Boutique Resort Cervo, Sonne, Schlosshotel and Riffelalp Resort.
The Best Hotels in Switzerland
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IMPROVED SPA & MORE CULINARY ART IN THE EUROPE
Not only guests of the hotel are able to enjoy the culinary delicacies prepared by the kitchen. It is now possible for external visitors to try refined dishes à la carte. And those who relax in the spa can restore their balance with a new ML7 ColourLight treatment. The Europe Hotel & Spa is very popular among external guests as can be seen in the TripAdvisor ratings (7th place among the best Swiss hotels).
Europe Hotel & Spa
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BIKE HOTELS IN ZERMATT
Cyclists love specialised hotels. Eleven Zermatt hotels meet the hotelleriesuisse criteria and are certified “Swiss Bike Hotels.” They provide bike rooms, cleaning areas, tools and much more. These hotels are not only located in the village but rather also on the mountain. For example, the Hotel Riffelhaus 1853 is a bike hotel at Riffelberg (2,581 m).
Cycling and Sleeping
THE MORE BEAUTIFUL HOTEL BELLERIVE
Guests staying at the Hotel Bellerive have 8 newly renovated rooms and 2 suites available to choose from beginning next summer. The hotel is also renowned for the best service. In 2016, it once again received the best guest ratings on TripAdvisor and finished second among the “Top 25 Small Hotels in Switzerland” and third in the “Best Service Hotels in Switzerland” category.
Sleep Well and be Spoiled
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NEW MANAGEMENT IN THE MONT CERVIN PALACE
André Seiler has left the Hotel Monte Rosa as its manager and is now the director of the Mont Cervin Palace, which can look back on a 160-year history. This because Kevin and Karin Kunz, the director couple, have departed for a new assignment in Bern after nine years in Zermatt. André Seiler and his wife Simone run the hotel together. As the directors of this rich in tradition five-star hotel, they continue the direct line of the descendants of the tourism pioneer and founder of the Mont Cervin Palace, Alexander Seiler, into the fifth generation.
Mont Cervin Palace
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MORE HOLIDAY APARTMENTS IN THE LUXURY SEGMENT
Mountain Exposure is a company specialising in the lodging of guests in chalets and apartments in the luxury segment. The accommodations include everything the heart desires in the meticulous complete services. New in the portfolio is the Chalet Orgon penthouse apartment with room for six guests. Rooms with a glass greenhouse, atrium and lift in the fifth floor of the wooden building. Furnished by the Zermatt artist Heinz Julen.
Mountain Exposure
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HOTEL COEUR DES ALPES WITH NEWS
This hotel is among the most popular in Switzerland. This can be seen from the guest ratings on different Internet sites, also including TripAdvisor, among others. For the survey of the “Top 25 Hotels in Switzerland”, it was in first place. It was ranked tenth among the “Top 25 Best Service in Switzerland” hotels. And fifth on the “Top 25 Small Hotels in Switzerland” list. Now the rooms have been renovated again and a newly designed sauna with a fibreglass shower now awaits the guests.
Top Hotel Coeur des Alpes
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RIFFELALP RESORT AT 2,222 M CLOSED
The highest altitude five-star hotel in the Alps is closed. In the 2016 summer, it will be renovated so that it can open its doors to receive guests again during the winter season 2016/2017.
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CULINARY.
CULINARY DISCOVERIES IN WINKELMATTEN
Three restaurants in the secluded outlying district of Winkelmatten have joined forces by offering a culinary discovery journey – 3 courses in 3 restaurants. They are: the restaurants Waldhaus, Sonnmatten and Filet et Fils in the Hotel Matthiol.
Feasting and Roaming Through the Quartier
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ENJOY THE VIEW FROM THE HOTEL’S TERRACE
The Parkhotel Beau Site built in 1907 also welcomes external guests on its panorama lounge and terrace, where the view of the village and the Matterhorn is unique. There is now cold and warm cuisine as well as homemade desserts served daily from noon to 10 pm. This is an insider’s tip for the bon vivant, who would like to remain in the village and still see the mountain panorama.
Parkhotel Beau Site
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BBQ REDISCOVERED
The Restaurant Filet et Fils in the Hotel Matthiol offers new specialties, such as a grill buffet, suckling pig, whole fish and also grilled food from a deep hole. This is a new dimension of culinary adventures.
Filet and Fish from the Fire
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1818 EAT & DRINK WITH A SECLUDED TERRACE
Sometimes, one looks for a hidden place where quiet rules. The Restaurant 1818 Eat & Drink offers such a terrace lounge in the centre of Zermatt. Connoisseurs meet for a drink and relaxation away from the popular Bahnhofstrasse. The restaurant on the first floor was designed by the Zermatt artist Heinz Julen. The cuisine is regional specialties presented in a modern way.
Relaxed Enjoyment
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RESTAURANT SPYCHER: NOW IN THE “GILDE”
Whoever is part of the Gilde established Swiss gastronomes not only cooks well, but he must be the owner of the establishment. That is the case with the Spycher restaurant in the Hotel Aristella. The house is now a Gilde member. Regular guests have known for some time that chef Koni Andenmatten is a master in the preparation of Chateaubriand, Tournedos, beef Stroganoff, rack of lamb, flambéing, fish and game. In addition, the hotel is now listed among the top 25 Hotels in Switzerland by TripAdvisor (ranked 13th).
To the Gilde Chef
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INDIA AND THE FAR EAST IN ZERMATT
The Time Out Sports Bar & Grill offers Far East cuisine with its Asian Summer Specials: Indian curries, Asian stir fry noodles, Thai curry, samosas, vegetable thali (Indian vegetarian meal with dal, rice and flat or pita bread) as well as Tandoori chicken (chicken breast with Indian spices).
Time Out Sportsbar & Grill
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RESTAURANT RIED OPENS AGAIN
The Restaurant Ried was closed for a while. It is now run by a team from the Z’ART restaurant under the direction of Claudio Borsoni. With Valais and Mediterranean specialties. Website: coming soon.
Panorama & Food
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CHEESE SPECIALTIES ON MATTERHORN PLAZA
It is now possible to enjoy cheese specialties in the lounge on the Matterhorn Plaza at the centre of Zermatt. During the summer, the “saycheese!” cheese restaurant team in the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof leaves the cosy confines of their restaurant souterrain and spoils the guests in the open-air.
saycheese!
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WINE & DINE IN THE RESTAURANTS
Various hotel restaurants offer Wine & Dine evenings. For instance, the Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni restaurant in the Zermatterhof and the restaurant in the Hotel Alpenhof. The Seiler hotels also offer their Wine & Dine and Dine Around programmes. This means that guests can select where they would like to have dinner: Schweizerhof, Mont Cervin Palace, Monte Rosa, Riffelalp Resort, Myoko, Molino and Sonnmatten
Zermatt Restaurants
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REGIONAL SPECIALTY IN THE LUXURY CHALETS
The Elysian Collection offers luxury chalets that define the word exquisite. The chefs spoil their chalet guests with local specialties, which portray the Zermatt mountain world: with flowers, hay, herbs, watercress and lichens from those mountains. Rye bread, lamb, cheese and other tasteful delicacies from local producers also are served.
Flowers in the plate
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SOMETHING FOR AN ASIAN APPETITE
There are new cup noodles at Gornergrat for the numerous guests from Asiatic region. Available in the Edelweiss shops at Riffelberg and Gornergrat. Tear open the package, add hot water, wait a moment and then enjoy. Included with every package: a view of the Matterhorn.
Cup Noodles
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INFRASTRUCTURE & MISCELLANEOUS.
READING & UNDERSTANDING
The world of Zermatt is exciting and complex. Guests can find literature about mountains and people of Zermatt and its surroundings in the library. There is literature to entertain children, youngsters and adults in German, English, French and Italian. There are also reference books and many specifically about mountains.
For Bookworms
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SWISSPASS WITH INTEGRATED SKI PASS
The Swiss Federal Railway has launched the SwissPass. The Travel Cards (general pass or other) are integrated into the chip card. And further services are as well: Mobility, PubliBike, SchweizMobil and ski tickets covered by the Snow’n’Rail offer for 1- and 2-day ski passes. Including those for Zermatt-Matterhorn / Cervinia. This means that you have a few cards less to carry with you all the time.
Load a Ski Card
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SPECIAL ADVENTURES.
STAR GAZING ON GORNERGRAT
The Stellarium at Gornergrat at 3,100 m is a research station used by the universities of Bern and Geneva for research. What is special: Light pollution is very low, which makes clear heavens at night the best condition for observing stars. Schools and students can click into the universe via the Internet. Tours: for school classes and groups with 10 people or more.
Contact with the Universe
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GET AN EXPLANATION OF THE MOUNTAIN WORLD
The peak Gornergrat is not only beautiful but also interesting. While giving tours each day, the guides explain about the mountains, fauna, flora, history and glaciers. Guided tours are in German, English and French. On request, Italian, Japanese and Spanish are also available. June to September 2016, daily between 11 am and 3 pm. Tickets at CHF 7 can be bought from the ticket office in Täsch and at the station of the Gornergrat Bahn.
Gornergrat Guides
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GLACIER WORLDS IN THE MATTERHORN MUSEUM
Climate change is altering the landscape lastingly. Nowhere can this be seen so clearly as in the glacier world of Zermatt. Using image material and objects found, a special exhibit in the museum is dedicated to early travel and the ice rubble fields of today. The remains of “Theo”, a traveller who perished in the ice in the 16th century, are also on display. The exhibit opens at the beginning of July 2016.
Matterhorn Museum
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A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE SCENES OF ZERMATT
What is actually going on in Zermatt? The car-free village requires a logistic master performance from the various agencies and operators. One is amazed when just watching a delivery of goods. The events organisation allows insight into Zermatt’s “backstage” and offers tours to see the various operations. For example, of food producers. And other topics, such as architecture, cuisine or culture are also offered. For groups including those from the MICE segment, among others.
Disclosing Secrets
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SCHALISEE: AN EVENTFUL AREA
Schalisee in Täsch is a local recreation area that offers a great deal for families and friends of nature: water-skiing on Schalisee, playground for children, grill areas, beach volleyball. There is now also a small restaurant offering drinks and snacks.
Around the Lake
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FOR CHILDREN: BAKING IN THE BAKERY
Twice a month during the summer and winter season, the Biner and Fuchs Bakery offer baking for children on Wednesday mornings. Kneaded and shaped into little scoundrels and marzipan figures. The children are proud to take home their self-baked items. Lasts 1 hour, for children from 9 to 12 years. Sign up in advance.
Baking for Youngsters
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DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THE RANDA ROCKSLIDE
Exactly 25 years ago, two enormous rockslides took place in Randa. The entire village disappeared under the cloud of dust, the Matter-Vispa was cut off and the result was that entire sections of the village were under water. Because of the cone of rock debris, the road and train tracks had to be moved. In a miracle, no one was hurt. To mark this day, activities will take place: a village tour, podium discussion and talk on the rockslide. On 7th May 2016.
Out of the Mountain Came
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OFFERS & PACKAGES.
GOURMET PACKAGE
Zermatt does not just have possibilities for hiking. The new Zermatt Tourism packages include both – in the heights for cuisine, whether in a hotel with a four-course menu, or on the mountain with a comfortable dining experience and hiking. Information follows.
The Package for Enjoyment
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SWISS FOOD FESTIVAL WITH FONDUE ON THE CABLE
The Swiss Food Festival Zermatt takes place for the sixth time in 2016. The Kitchen Party and breakfast in the gondola are established events. Now Fondue on the Cable is offered daily during the festival. This means: enjoy fondue in the gondola during a comfortable trip to Trockener Steg and back – with a view of the Matterhorn. From 12 to 14 August 2016.
Cheese Fondue in the Gondola
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SUNNEGGA-ROTHORN GOURMET PASS
The new Gourmet Pass allows travel into the Sunnegga-Rothorn area. Here one can enjoy the mountain mood along the hiking paths. Four Zermatt mountain restaurants spoil guests each with one course of a high-Alpine gourmet experience: Rothorn, Fluhalp, Chez Vrony and Findlerhof. Daily from 2nd July to 2nd October 2016.
Hiking and Enjoyment I
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“FINDELN EVENING” IN THE RESTAURANT PARADIES
It takes with the funicular just a few minutes to reach Sunnegga and then by foot the hamlet Findeln. In the Restaurant Paradies, host Gaston Zeiter (13 GaultMillau points) spoils his guests with culinary delights. On every date, guests can also use the extra trips independent of the “Findeln Evening” offer. On Friday evenings, 1st July to 30th September 2016.
Hiking and Enjoyment II
SKI & GOLF
The Ski & Golf Package in the year round resort Zermatt - Matterhorn blurs the distinctions between the seasons: Enjoy the freshly prepared pistes of Zermatt's summer ski area in the morning and the nine-hole golf course at Täsch-Randa in the afternoon. Can be booked daily from 25th June to 30th September 2016.
Skiing and Putting
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MARRYING IN ZERMATT
Saying “I do” can be done in many ways. When it should be something top-class for what is not only the most unforgettable day of one’s life but also the most beautiful. In 14 of the hotels and 3 of the restaurants in Zermatt, there will be nothing more to think about. The hotel or restaurant team handles every detail. For example in the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Parkhotel Beau Site, Mountain Boutique Resort Cervo and many others.
The Most Beautiful Day
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ASTRONOMY WEEKS ON GORNERGRAT
In October 2016, interested guests, who would like to learn about the night sky exclusively, meet in the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat during two weeks. The package week includes night time universe excursions by telescope, lectures and scientific discussions. In addition, the hotel guests have a scientific employee of the observatory available for tours on Thursdays. The dates will be communicated by the hotel.
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat
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HIKING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
“OLD ZERMATT” STAGED VILLAGE TOUR
The customs of 1865 in traditional clothes can be experienced during this tour. In the old section of the village of Zermatt, laundry ladies can be observed as they work and gossip while the village guide explains how they lived at that time. Colourful, entertaining and informative. Mid- June to mid-August, Mondays at 4.30 pm.
Immerse in another Time
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VISP-ZERMATT BIKE TRAIL
The bike trail from Visp to Zermatt goes through the deepest cut valley in Switzerland. Athletic cyclists climb almost 1,000 m over the 40 km path from the Rhone Valley up to Zermatt. Those who would like to relax more can travel down to the valley. Suitable for families. The Täsch- Zermatt section opens during the summer of 2016. The Visp-Täsch stretch is open after the snow melts in spring 2016. With picnic areas in St. Niklaus (Schwiedernen) and Täsch (Schalisee). It is possible to ride sections and then take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Opening ceremony for the entire bike trail: August 2016.
Cycling in the Visp and Matter Valley
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THE FIRST PUMPTRACK IN ZERMATT
At the south end of the village in the direction of the mountains, a pumptrack will be built in spring. At 300 m long, 1.5 m wide and with a maximum height of 1.2 m. The wave-shaped hills and angled berm curves can be ridden with bikes and are suitable for children, youngsters, families and adults. Opening: June 2016.
Sports in the Village
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NEW GORNER GLACIER THEME TRAIL
Nowhere is climate change more clearly visible than with glaciers. The new Gorner glacier theme trail leads from Furi via the Dossen glacier garden to the glacier tongue (end of the glacier) beginning in summer 2016. There is much to experience about natural landscape and its varied history during the two-hour tour. With information boards.
Glacier and Landscape
PREVIEW FOR WINTER 2016/2017.
SECOND FASHION WEEKEND
Zermatt certainly has the highest density of shops offering outdoor brands. Many of these brands can be seen during the second Zermatt Fashion Weekend: Calida, Canada Goose, Napapijri, Hannes B, Blondino, Freitag Taschen, Ogier, Gössl and much more. Open-air presentation on the Matterhorn Plaza. With parties and events from 15th to 18th December 2016.
Zermatt.Fashion
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NEW GANT–BLAUHERD CHAIRLIFT
They were part of a cult, the old gondolas of the lift from Gant (2,223 m) to Blauherd (2,571 m). Now a new Garaventa lift using chairlifts with a capacity of 1,800 people per hour is coming. The online construction diary provides insight into the building sites. Construction begins mid- May 2016. In operation: Winter 2016/2017.
Comfortable Ride to the Heights
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THE RIFFELALP RESORT 2,222 M REOPENS
The Riffelalp Resort 2,222 m is the highest five-star hotel in the Alps. All 65 rooms, the 5 suites and 2 apartments have been renovated and the baths glisten in new splendour. In addition, there is a new ski room. The new colour concept in the rooms lends a pleasant new touch to everything.
In new Shape
PREVIEW FOR SUMMER 2017.
OPEN-AIR THEATRE ON RIFFELBERG
After the major success of “The Matterhorn Story” during the summer of 2015, the tested team around director and author Livia Anne Richard will once again work in Riffelberg (2,600 m) at Gornergrat. With the real Matterhorn as the backdrop. About the new piece there is still a secret.
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MUSIC IN THE MATTERHORN MUSEUM
In the 2017 special exhibition in the Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis, it has less to do with music one can hear and more to do with the legacy of the former dean and composer from Zermatt, Gregor Brantschen (1894-1987). He composed hymns, church songs and folk music that mirrors the musical world around Zermatt. On display are scores, images and objects. Opens at the beginning of July 2017.
Matterhorn Museum
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PREVIEW FOR 2018.
HIGHEST 3S LIFT IN THE WORLD
The new high-performance 3S Lift carries 2,000 guests to nearly 4,000 m every hour. With a view of the Matterhorn summit seven kilometers away. Starting point: Trockener Steg (2,939 m); Destination: Matterhorn glacier paradise (3,883 m). The 25 six-seat cabins are a Pininfarina design and run parallel to the large aerial tramway. The construction time is 100 days in each of the summer seasons from 2016 to 2018. An information pavilion at Trockener Steg and the construction diary at matterhornparadise.ch document and accompany the construction of the lift. Building begins: May 2016.
New 3S Lift
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