2_1_DiscoverGermany_Issue32_November2015:Scan Magazine 1
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best Snow Destinations
Zermatt Bergbahnen Discover the Matterhorn and its winter sport paradise – on skis or from high above in a cable car High peaks and soft valleys, steep slopes and snow covered paths: during winter season the region around the Matterhorn, the Alps’ most iconic mountain, becomes the winter sport destination number one. Taking one of the Zermatt ski lifts or cable cars, winter enthusiasts can discover all the landscape’s fascinating facets and enjoy the rush of a steep descent on skis. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: ZERMATT BERGBAHNEN AG
Even during summer months the Matterhorn glistens white and snowy in the bright sunlight, but in winter the whole region snows over turning it into a winter sport paradise with 360 kilometres of perfectly prepared ski slopes. With up to nearly 4,000 metres, the ski area around the Matterhorn is the highest in the Alps. It is the landscape that makes the Matterhorn region so special, the magical contrast of steep slopes and soft valleys of rock, plants and a light blue sky. Why not experience this outstanding landscape from the Alps’ highest viewing platform? Or enjoy being the first roaring down the untouched slopes in the early morning? All through the winter season there are special events
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like nightly descents under the moonlit sky. “This winter season’s highlight is without a doubt the new six-seater chairlift, situated directly at the foot of the Matterhorn,”says Sandra Stockinger, marketing and sales executive at the Zermatt Bergbahnen AG that operates the region’s ski lifts.“During the approximately six-minute long lift, the passengers will get a view on the iconic mountain, starting at the northern wall following the Hörnligrat to the eastern wall. A spectacular scenic experience.” Spanning a stretch of 2.1 kilometres, the ‘Hirli’-lift replaces an older lift that had been operating there from the early 1960s until April 2015. Not the only upgrade: a new artificial snow system will help guarantee full snow cover all through the year.
All in all the Zermatt Bergbahnen AG operates six aerial tramways, nine chairlifts, eight cableways, a funicular railway, a rack railway and nine ski lifts – a great deal to choose from. Whoever needs help deciding can, from this winter season onwards, research what to do next online while waiting at one of the stations: every one of them is now equipped with free Wi-Fi. Above that the new free of charge skiguide app helps guests to find their way in this huge ski area. www.matterhornparadise.ch