Zermatt Bergbahnen is ushering in a new era for winter sports fans with its innovative eight-seater Gifthittli chairlift. After more than two decades of dependable service, the six-seater chairlift dating back to 2003 has now been replaced by a modern installation boasting greater comfort, increased efficiency and innovative technology. The lift, produced by Leitner, went into service in time for the start of the winter season in the resort’s central region. An opening ceremony took place on 28 November, conducted by TV presenter Cloé Maria Salzgeber, whose roots reach back to Valais.
The main points at a glance
- The Gifthittli chairlift has been replaced after 22 years of operation. Together with the Furgsattel chairlift it was the first to be installed by Zermatt Bergbahnen AG after the merger in 2002.
- The old lift carried an average of around 1.2 million winter sports enthusiasts per season and was the company’s busiest winter sports lift.
- The new Leitner-built system will be one of Switzerland’s first eight-seater chairlifts.
- Investment in the project came to CHF 25 million.
