The vision becomes a reality
The idea of connecting two alpine resorts — one in Switzerland and one in Italy — was a dream born more than 80 years ago.
That dream become a reality this June 2023 as the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing went into service. The new cable car joins the two resorts, Zermatt, Switzerland to Breuil-Cervinia, Italy, with a continuous link.
Year-round service for non-skiers
The new cable car completes the link and allows visitors without skis to cross between Switzerland and Italy. The service is the highest-altitude border crossing the Alps, and will be in year-round operation. It connects the Klein Matterhorn cable car station in Switzerland, at more than 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level, with Testa Grigia in Italy at 3,458 meters (11,345 feet).
The service consists of 25 cable cars, each holding a maximum of 28 passengers. Cars take about four minutes to travel the 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) over the Theodul glacier. The system is capable of carrying 1,300 passengers per hour.
The complete trip from Zermatt to Breuil-Cervinia requires several charges of cable car. It takes about an hour and a half.
The cabins for the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing were designed by Pininfarina, the Italian design studio and coach builders, best known as a designer for Ferarri, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. The cabins feature heated seats and a glass floor so riders can watch the glacier below.
Ticket pricing
With a one-way fare of 156 Swiss Francs ($175), the owner, Zermatt Bergbahnen, has set a pricing strategy. This strategy limits mass tourism or day-to-say transit, but instead focuses on the individual guest experience. Starting in 2024 there will be a luggage service to make the trip from Zermatt to Breuil-Cervinia. This will be more convenient and appealing to transit passengers.
New tour feature for 2024
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing offers Alpenwild guests an exciting new option for pre- and post-tour travel with the ability to include both an Italian and a Swiss stay in their vacation. Alpenwild trekking guests can also look forward to a new tour in 2024 which will include the new cable car in the tour itinerary.
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