Zermatt’s New Gifthittli Eight-Seater Chairlift Opens, Enhancing Winter Sports Efficiency

Published on December 9, 2025

Zermatt Bergbahnen has officially opened the long-awaited Gifthittli eight-seater chairlift. This new lift promises to change the winter sports experience in the region. It replaces the previous six-seater that had been running for over twenty years. This upgrade is an important step in the area’s ongoing effort to offer guests excellent comfort and efficiency.

A Modernized Lift for Enhanced Comfort and Capacity

The Gifthittli chairlift from Leitner is one of the first eight-seater chairlifts in Switzerland and offers considerable improvements over its predecessor. With a total investment of CHF 25 million, the new lift is designed for both guests and staff, combining modern technology and thoughtful design to provide an elevated experience. This lift boasts a maximum speed of 6 meters per second, with a capacity of approximately 3,400 people per hour, making it an efficient choice for both locals and international visitors.

The lift’s design not only improves the guest experience but also optimizes operations. The new system features boarding in the direction of travel, which significantly enhances guest flow and makes the boarding process smoother and more comfortable. Additionally, the Leitcontrol system automates processes and helps staff manage the lift more easily, offering a user-friendly interface and improving overall operations.

Cutting-Edge Design and Technology

The new lift’s visual design, by renowned Ferrari designer Pininfarina, gives the station a modern, elegant appearance that seamlessly blends with the surrounding alpine environment. The facility also offers practical enhancements such as comfortable cushions on each of the 75 chairs and blue weather protection hoods, ensuring guests are protected from the elements, whether on a sunny day or during a snowstorm.

In addition to aesthetic improvements, the Gifthittli lift operates with a direct drive system, which not only ensures a quieter, smoother operation but also eliminates the need for gear oil, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact. The lift’s eco-friendly features are complemented by solar panels installed on the station windows, which help provide power to the lift stations, further demonstrating Zermatt Bergbahnen’s commitment to sustainability.

Safety, Efficiency, and Social Responsibility

The new facility also contributes to social responsibility. A new building has been constructed above the mountain station’s garage, housing essential facilities such as offices, a rescue service station, and sanitary facilities. This addition will help the Gornergrat ski patrol team work more efficiently in the area, improving safety and emergency response time in a region that sees high foot traffic, particularly during ski season.

The new chairlift’s design also prioritizes safety for both guests and employees. The expanded boarding area, which includes a more spacious waiting zone, ensures that there is a clear separation between waiting areas and slopes. This not only improves safety but also increases the overall efficiency of the lift’s operations, ensuring smooth transitions throughout the day.

A Key Link for Skiers and Snowboarders

The Gifthittli chairlift plays a central role in connecting the southern, central, and northern areas of the resort. The chairlift serves as a key link between four varied slopes, offering skiers and snowboarders a more diverse experience across the resort’s expansive terrain. It is now the only lift in the central area, offering guests easy access to four different slopes.

In addition to these functional benefits, the Gifthittli chairlift enhances the entire Zermatt ski area, contributing to a more connected and seamless experience for winter sports enthusiasts. With its significant increase in capacity and technological advancements, the Gifthittli chairlift will further elevate Zermatt’s reputation as a premier destination for winter sports tourism.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Sustainability continues to be a guiding principle for Zermatt Bergbahnen. By reusing more than half of the existing support foundations for the new lift, the environmental impact of the construction process was significantly reduced. These eco-conscious efforts align with the broader goals of Zermatt’s tourism infrastructure to preserve the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps while providing guests with world-class experiences.

The sustainability initiatives extend beyond the lift itself, with ongoing efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the resort. The direct drive system used in the chairlift ensures that the lift runs with minimal energy consumption, and the integration of solar panels further supports Zermatt’s commitment to renewable energy sources.

A Bright Future for Zermatt

The opening of the Gifthittli eight-seater chairlift is an important part of Zermatt Bergbahnen’s ongoing effort to improve the guest experience and raise the region’s profile in the global ski tourism market. This investment in the lift shows Zermatt’s commitment to both sustainability and technological progress. It also ensures the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of all visitors. As Zermatt continues to lead in the ski tourism industry, the new lift is just one of many exciting developments in the area. For skiers, snowboarders, and alpine tourism professionals, the Gifthittli chairlift will certainly change the game in the coming years.