Zermatt’s Gifthittli Eight-Seater Chairlift Opens

With the new eight-seater Gifthittli chairlift, Zermatt Bergbahnen is ushering in a new era of winter sports experiences. After more than two decades of reliable operation, the six-seater chairlift from 2003 has been replaced by a modern system that boasts greater comfort, increased efficiency, and innovative technology. Just in time for the start of the winter season in the "Mitte" area, the Leitner lift was officially opened. Cloé Maria Salzgeber, whose roots lie in Valais, hosted the opening ceremony at the mountain station.

The most important points in brief

• After 22 years of operation, the Gifthittli chairlift was replaced. Together with the Furgsattel chairlift, it was the first lift built by Zermatt Bergbahnen AG after the merger in 2002.
• On average, the old facility transported around 1.2 million winter sports enthusiasts per season and was the company's most frequently used winter sports facility.
• The new facility from the Leitner company is one of the first eight-seater chairlifts in Switzerland.
• The investment amounts to CHF 25 million.
• Greater comfort and efficiency for guests and employees

As one of the first eight-seater chairlifts in Switzerland, the new lift offers guests maximum comfort and ensures smoother daily operations. Boarding now takes place in the direction of travel, improving guest flow and making boarding significantly more comfortable. The redesigned boarding area, with a more spacious waiting zone, benefits both guests and staff. Employees enjoy improved visibility of the boarding area, while the clearer separation from the slope enhances safety in the waiting area. Operations are further supported by the Leitcontrol system, which simplifies the daily work of staff through automated processes and an intuitive user interface.

Technology, design and driving comfort at the highest level

The cable car is impressive not only technically, but also visually. The modern station design by Ferrari designer Pininfarina gives the facility an elegant and contemporary appearance. With 75 chairs, each offering eight comfortable seats and a maximum speed of 6 meters per second, the cable car achieves a capacity of approximately 3,400 people per hour.

Leitner's premium chairlifts are equipped with comfortable cushions and blue weather protection hoods, ensuring a pleasant ride in all weather conditions. Zermatt Bergbahnen invested a total of CHF 25 million in the new lift. Fabian Imboden, Head of Technology North, explains: "Alongside the Riffelberg Express, the chairlift plays a central role in connecting the southern, central, and northern areas. The lift represents a significant enhancement to the ski area, as it serves as a key link between the different sections. In the central area, it is the only lift and provides access to four varied slopes, offering guests a diverse skiing experience."

Social responsibility taken

A new building was constructed on top of the mountain station's garage, housing offices, a rescue service station, and sanitary facilities. "Our Gornergrat ski patrol team can work even more efficiently in the new, modern premises. The location of our new rescue station is ideal for operations," adds Daniel Imboden, Head of Ski Patrol North.

Sustainability and state-of-the-art technology as guiding principles

In the areas of sustainability and innovation, Zermatt Bergbahnen is setting new standards. The direct drive system ensures virtually silent operation with minimal maintenance. Compared to conventional drives, it eliminates the need for gear oil. Solar panels have also been installed in the station windows of both stations, contributing to the on-site power supply. By reusing more than half of the existing support foundations, the environmental impact has been significantly reduced. These measures not only lower material and resource consumption but also protect the environment. With the new eight-seater Gifthittli chairlift, Zermatt Bergbahnen underscores its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and maximum guest comfort, setting another benchmark for the future of alpine tourism.

Opening ceremony under the motto "Gift"

“It’s a gift to be able to hand over this state-of-the-art facility to the company,” said Martin Hug, CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen, at the opening ceremony. The “Gifthittli” chairlift owes its name to the British term “Gifthouse,” which referred to the former ticket office and small gift shop for guests who once traveled to the Gornergrat. This theme accompanied the festive opening and blessing of the lift during the pre-Christmas season, which was moderated by Cloé Maria Salzgeber.