LEITNERs next flagship project for the Matterhorn Ski Paradise

With an incredible 322 kilometres of slopes reaching an altitude of almost 4,000 metres, the Matterhorn Ski Paradise is one of the world’s most renowned and impressive skiing areas. With the “Matterhorn Alpine Crossing”, LEITNER has already completed two spectacular prestige projects in recent years, including the highest ropeway crossing in the Alps. Now comes the next major project: from the 2025/26 winter season, the first 8-seater chairlift by the South Tyrolean manufacturer in Switzerland, will ensure fast and luxurious transport along the route between Riffelberg and Gifthittli – all this including sustainable implementation and high-end design. 

Starting next season, the new system will replace a LEITNER 6-seater chairlift that has been in operation since 2003, and was one of the most high performance ropeways of its time. This continues the process of modernization, that began with the construction of the Matterhorn Glacier Ride I and II, including Europe’s highest top station, which was a technological and structural highlight, in this superlative ski resort. 

The replacement of the 22-year-old Gifthittli ropeway will take winter sports enthusiasts to their destination in just 5 minutes, transporting up to 3,400 passengers per hour. LEITNER has once again placed a strong focus on sustainability in the construction of the 1.8-kilometre-long facility. Among other things, solar panels for sustainable energy generation will be installed at the stations, and new tower bases will be adapted to allow the existing tower foundations to be reused. 

This reduces the impact on nature to an absolute minimum, while at the same time significantly reducing the consumption of materials and resources. As to be expected, the Zermatt project also focuses on high-quality, comfortable furnishing details, and an exclusive design in the high-end version. The new 8-seater chairlift “Gifthittli” will showcase stations in the striking design from the Italian design studio Pininfarina, and offer features such as the LEITNER DirectDrive, individual footrests, and protective hoods. 

“Our many years working with LEITNER, including on the construction of the world’s highest 3S ropeway on the Klein Matterhorn, have convinced us of the company’s excellent collaboration and innovative power. LEITNER’s ability to cater to our individual requirements was a decisive factor,” explains Fabian Imboden, member of the board of Zermatt Bergbahnen and Head of Technology North.