LEITNER: First ROPERA system in Switzerland is coming to Zermatt

At the foot of the Matterhorn, another pioneering ropeway project is taking shape: in collaboration with Zermatt Bergbahnen AG, LEITNER is building the new CD6C “Patrullarve”, the first ROPERA® system installed in Switzerland. The modern 6-seater chairlift is replacing the existing 4-seater chairlift from 1989 and will improve convenience, efficiency and sustainability in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise from the 2026/27 winter season onwards.

The construction of the new 6-seater “Patrullarve” chairlift will mark the continuation of an important chapter in the history of ropeways in Zermatt. One of the first facilities in the Sunnegga–Blauherd area was the “National” ski lift, opened back in 1965. The 4-seater “Patrullarve” chairlift was built in 1989 due to the increasing number of visitors and has transported around 24 million visitors over the past 37 years, making it a key facility in the skiing area. The new generation of the ropeway will retain the original name “Patrullarve”.

The new system is centrally located between Patrullarve and Blauherd, offering winter sports visitors spectacular views of the Matterhorn during the trip. With a capacity of 2,000 passengers per hour, an operating speed of 6 meters per second and state-of-the-art technologies such as LEITNER DirectDrive and the LeitPilot autonomous operating system, the ropeway will meet the highest standards in terms of performance and passenger comfort.

The use of ROPERA® technology will be particularly significant: the CD6C “Patrullarve” will be the first facility of this type that LEITNER has implemented in Switzerland. This innovative system will combine performance, sustainability and flexibility across all components and be designed to ensure quiet operation, a high level of occupational safety, ease of maintenance and reduced life cycle costs.

The drive technology will be based on the tried-and-tested LEITNER DirectDrive, a gearless synchronous motor that is connected directly to the sheave. It will ensure particularly quiet, energy-efficient and low-maintenance operation, along with maximum reliability. This will be complemented by the modern Monitor 5 operating and monitoring system (part of the LeitControl family), which will enable intuitive, touch-based control and comprehensive real-time monitoring of all system parameters.

LEITNER worked with the renowned Italian design company Pininfarina to advance the tried-and-tested station design. The new, elegant and aerodynamic station covering, offers optimum weather protection and reduces snow load and wind effect. The revised concept will combine outstanding design expertise with enhanced functionality while prioritizing sustainability, safety, and ease of maintenance.

The CD6C “Patrullarve” top station will be equipped with the LeitPilot system to enable autonomous operation – a further step towards more efficient and future-proof ropeway systems.

Fabian Imboden, Head of Technology North: “With this investment, Zermatt Bergbahnen is reaffirming its commitment to continuously developing the mountain experience and offering visitors state-of-the-art infrastructure at the highest level. The new ropeway system will epitomize the company’s spirit of innovation and forward-looking approach, offering a skiing experience that will continue to set standards for decades to come.”

For LEITNER, the project also marks the continuation of its successful partnership with this renowned skiing area. Some years ago, the company completed two flagship projects that attracted international attention with the “Matterhorn Alpine Crossing”, including the highest ropeway crossing in the Alps. LEITNER also installed the first 8-seater chairlift in Switzerland – the new “Gifthittli” chairlift, which went into operation in the 2025/26 winter season. The new CD6C “Patrullarve” is now building on this joint success story, once again highlighting the innovative strength of both partners.