Matterhorn Alpine Crossing

When vision becomes reality

A once-in-a-lifetime project with superlatives

A long-cherished vision is now a reality: with the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, Zermatt Bergbahnen closes the last gap between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia. The modern 3S cableway due to go into operation on 1 July 2023 will provide the highest border crossing by cable car in the Alps and become a symbol of the successful international collaboration between tourist resorts.

The ski areas of Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia first linked up over 80 years ago. For almost as long, both resorts cherished the dream of a continuous all-year connection by cableway. On 1 July 2023, the big moment will finally arrive: the once-in-a-lifetime Matterhorn Alpine Crossing project will be complete, and the last link in the connection between Switzerland and Italy will be in place – all thanks to the new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II cableway. It will run from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain station at an altitude of 3883 metres to the Testa Grigia valley station at 3480 metres.

Measured by the technical parameters the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II is less spectacular than its predecessor. The structurally similar conceived 3S cableway which was built onto the existing station in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise carries up to 1300 passengers per hour and covers a total distance of 1.6 kilometres. The trip across the Theodul glacier from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Testa Grigia takes four minutes.

A new route over the Alps, accessible all year round

The two tourist destinations of Zermatt and Cervinia are moving even closer together and expanding their offering for winter and summer visitors. Franz Julen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zermatt Bergbahnen, says: “The Matterhorn Glacier Ride II is the last missing piece of the puzzle for our resort.” He adds that vision like the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing have a long tradition in Zermatt. “Without vision, Zermatt would not be what it is today: one of the best-positioned tourist destinations in the world.”

Instead of skiing or snowboarding, visitors can take the new cableway all year round to travel back and forth between Switzerland and Italy without getting their boots wet. On the scenic trip around the Matterhorn, which will last around an hour-and-a-half, passengers will experience what must surely be one of the most panoramic border crossings anywhere in the world.

Successful international collaboration

The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing requires even closer collaboration between the resorts of Zermatt and Cervinia. For example, the new connection means that from 2024, arrangements for the transportation of luggage from the respective starting point to the accommodation at the other end will be updated to ensure that visitors enjoy a comfortable, carefree experience. Offers on the slopes and ticket sales also need to be aligned. Markus Hasler, CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen, comments: “We’ve maintained a very good, positive relationship with our Italian colleagues for years. It is therefore all the more rewarding to see the joint Matterhorn Alpine Crossing project become a symbol of our successful collaboration.”

The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing – the highlights

  • The highest Alpine crossing by cableway
  • Matterhorn round trip
  • Two countries – two cultures – one boarding pass
  • Viewing platform at almost 4000 metres above sea level
  • Travelling on the Matterhorn Glacier Ride I and II
  • Crystal Ride cabins with glass floor
  • New photopoint on Testa Grigia: “One foot in Italy, one in Switzerland”
  • SnowXperience Plateau Rosa activity park near the Testa Grigia station
  • The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise summer skiing area
  • Hiker’s paradise: around 600 km of trails for all ability levels
  • (400 km in Zermatt and 200 in Cervinia/Valtournenche)