New cable cars and lifts in Switzerland’s ski resorts

Ski resorts in Switzerland are working hard to get new ski lifts and cable cars finished in time for the 2023/2024 winter season. SNOWELL has researched for you which new lifts and cable cars are being built where.

Zermatt – Matterhorn

The beautiful and sprawling Zermatt / Breuil-Cervinia / Valtournenche – Matterhorn ski area has invested heavily to make guests feel comfortable. The Furi 80-seater cable car has been replaced by a 100-seater cable car and a second cable car called Alpine Crossing has been built to connect Testa Grigia to the Matterhorn glacier area.

Furi – 100-person cable car

The old Furi cable car, also affectionately called the ‘old lady’ by the staff, which once carried 80 people has been retired. But not to worry, because you can still get to the glacier area in Zermatt, not only for skiing or snowboarding, but also for hiking and sledding.

In fact, the cable car has been replaced by a 100-seater. The name remains the same, however, and despite fitting more people, more space per person has been created. More comfort and faster exploration of the ski area is the motto.

The Schlumatte valley station has also been completely renovated and not only looks very modern and beautiful, but also offers more space for guests and their equipment.

Matterhorn Alpine Crossing: Testa Grigia – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

A dream has come true! In July 2023, the new 3-S-Bahn, called Alpine Crossing, went into operation, making the highest Alpine connection by cable car between two countries a reality. From now on, you can travel from Zermatt to Breuil-Cervinia and back in an hour by cable car with its stunning panoramic windows. Skiing or snowboarding in two countries during one holiday.

The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing allows you to ski not only in winter but also in summer in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ski area. And of course, the area is also a hiker’s paradise.

The beautifully wood-panelled valley station is located in Testa Grigia on the Italian side, and the mountain station joins the extensive Matterhorn glacier ride building. The Crystal Ride cabins make the ride because of the glass bottom a fantastic experience.

The Zermatt Bergbahnen are always working to build as sustainably and environmentally friendly as possible, and they have succeeded with the new Alpine Crossing, including solar panels on the 74m2 fassade.

New lifts in Switzerland 2023/2024 📍 Matterhorn Zermatt Bergbahnen

Flims – Laax – Falera

FlemXpress – Gondola taxi

In the Flims – Laax – Falera ski area they have a world first: the new FlemXpress is not a normal 10-person gondola, but is also called a gondola taxi (Ropetaxi system). Why gondola taxi? Just like with a taxi, you can more or less decide where you get in and out.

The gondola runs between 6 lift stations, namely Flims, Foppa, Startgels, Segnes, Nagens Sure and Ils Cugns / Cassons. You get in and then choose where you want to get off at the touch of a button and the gondola then goes to the selected spot without any stops.

The gondolas are spacious and entry and exit is very comfortable, because they stand still when boarding and disembarking. In winter, 10 skiers or snowboarders can be transported per gondola and in summer there is room for 5 people with a mountain bike. It is planned that the gondolas can also be used in the evening, which is why atmospheric lighting has been installed. There is even a mobile phone charging system available.

Because the Ropetaxi only operates when guests actually use it, the lift is very sustainable. Thanks to the eMotion electric drive, the gondolas also generate their own energy.

New lifts in Switzerland 2023/2024 📍 Flims-Laax-Falera

4 Vallées – Verbier / Veysonnaz

La Matze – Thyon – combination lift

A new combination lift, La Matze, has been created between Les Collons 1900 and Thyon 2000 to replace two drag lifts (Theytaz 1 and Matze). The lift is a combination between eight 10-seater design panorama cabin lifts and 28 six-seater chairlifts.

The lift is basically built for skiers and snowboarders, but can also be used by pedestrians. Novice winter sports enthusiasts in particular will be happy with the disappearance of the drag lifts and the use of the much more comfortable cable car.

The new ski lift allows the slopes to be widened and to have better snow coverage with new snow cannons. And winter sports enthusiasts can now not only ski and snowboard, but also sled. In summer, the lift can also be used to offer more activities, such as the transport of mountain bikes.

Les Portes du Soleil – Morgins

Morgins – La Foilleuse

The new 10-seater gondola lift Morgins-La Foilleuse is a decisive step forward for the cross-border ski area Les Portes du Soleil, which includes parts of Switzerland and France. This ultra-modern facility will come into operation in 2023, replacing the ageing 3-seater chairlift La Foilleuse, which had been in operation since 1983.

The gondola lift plays an important role as a feeder lift, significantly improving the accessibility of the ski area from Morgins.

With this modern new gondola, comfort for ski and snowboard enthusiasts has been significantly improved. Thanks to the good connection to the cable car, winter sports enthusiasts with children can now also enjoy their holidays in Morgins stress-free.

Several new ski lifts are already planned for the 2024/2025 winter season in Switzerland, for example in Saas-Fee and Crans-Montana. As soon as construction has started and more information is available, SNOWELL will inform you in a new blog.