Cervino The One: LEITNER delivers a new generation of alpine mobility at the Matterhorn

From the first Cervino ropeway in 1936 to the forward-looking “Cervino The One” project, a span of nine decades of ropeway history is brought together. With the start of construction work on this project, a new chapter is soon beginning in Breuil-Cervinia. Together with Cogeis, Ivies and BGF, LEITNER will build two new 3S gondola lifts. The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art ropeway connection in two sections: from the centre of Cervinia to Plan Maison (IT), and onwards to Plateau Rosa on the border between Italy and Switzerland. There, the system will be directly linked to the “Matterhorn Alpine Crossing”, completed in 2023, which connects Breuil-Cervinia with Zermatt (CH) via Klein Matterhorn. For winter sports enthusiasts, this will provide a significantly more comfortable travel experience in the future. Modern Symphony cabins with 24 premium seats each will operate on both sections, Breuil-Cervinia–Plan Maison and Plan Maison–Plateau Rosa. Designed by Pininfarina, the cabins combine elegant styling with high-end comfort while reducing travel times, allowing guests to spend more time on the slopes. According to the current schedule, the new system is expected to enter service during the 2029/2030 winter season. During the approximately three-year construction period, transport capacity will remain assured through two parallel transport routes. Seasonal interruptions between Breuil-Cervinia and Plateau Rosa will then become a thing of the past.

The infrastructure will also undergo extensive modernization. The valley station of the new 3S gondola lift will be transformed into a contemporary welcome area featuring ticket offices, an information centre, rental facilities and retail spaces. In Plan Maison, the operational heart of “Cervino The One” will be created, including a multipurpose hall, workshops and storage facilities for the cabins. Plateau Rosa will continue to serve as the key connection point to Switzerland and to the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II.

Despite all its innovative strength, the history of the ski area remains an essential part of its identity. What was once known only to a small number of mountaineers as a starting point for ascents of the Matterhorn has evolved into one of the Alps’ leading destinations. Today, around 85 percent of visitors come from abroad. This development has been made possible through continuous investment – initially by Società Anonima Cervino and later under the leadership of the Cravetto family. Since 2008, the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley has held the majority stake and has consistently pursued a long-term investment strategy.

“This project is a clear commitment to the future of Breuil-Cervinia and the entire Aosta Valley. It represents a tangible investment in the younger generations who live and work in the Valtournenche region. It opens up new development opportunities and creates a modern infrastructure that will sustainably strengthen one of the world’s most renowned Alpine destinations. At the same time, it continues a dream that first began in 1936. From a tourism perspective, the two installations will play a central strategic role and further enhance the destination’s international appeal. This project is the result of a shared vision and of a partnership with the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley that has grown over many years.”

“The realization of ‘Cervino The One’ is an extraordinary engineering challenge that we are proud to take on. This project sets new benchmarks in comfort, sustainability and design along the entire Alpine Crossing and demonstrates how LEITNER technology contributes to creating infrastructure that is safe, efficient and harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape. Following the completion of the installations on the Swiss side, the same 3S technology will now complete the connection on the Italian side. The Alpine Crossing has created a unique cross-border link – made possible through ropeway technology.”

Total length: 5.8 km

Total vertical rise: 1,427 m Cabins: 56

Capacity per cabin: 30 passengers Towers: 7

Maximum speed: 8 m/s

Transport capacity: 3,000 passengers/hour

Travel time between Cervinia and Plateau Rosa: 16 minutes 49 seconds

The new website https://www.cervinotheone.it/ provides comprehensive information about the infrastructure project and follows its development through multimedia storytelling – from the laying of the foundation stone to the official opening.