Italy’s Cervino Breaks Ground on Lift Linking it to Switzerland’s Matterhorn

Cervino Ski Paradise (S.p.A.) has commenced work on “Cervino The One,” a new cable-car linking the Italian ski resort directly with Plateau Rosa and the greater Matterhorn Ski Paradise. Resort patrons will now have direct access to Switzerland – the top station crosses the international border. It’s a fitting cap on Cervino’s 90th anniversary as a ski resort. In that timeframe, the resort has progressed from operating a single ropeway to the world’s most sophisticated lift system. 

Cervino The One

“We chose the name ‘The One’ because the Matterhorn is unique in the world. This lift will take us to a new level, the one our resort deserves,” explained Cervino S.p.A.’s president Federico Maquignaz at a recent presentation. Federico went on to assure attendees that the new lift “will eliminate queues,” and drastically reduce total transit time to just 15-20 minutes.   

The new chair will incorporate 3S infrastructure. Modern 3S cable cars use three cables, hence the name. Two stationary carrying cables support the cabin, while a third haul cable pulls it along the route. The configuration makes the cabins stable in strong wind. However, perhaps the biggest advantage is that the haul cable forms a continuous loop. This allows many cabins to circulate independently, rather than being limited to two cabins moving back and forth. 

Since the first time I stepped onto a 3S – the Jandri 3S in Les 2 Alpes – I’ve understood that they are the future of mountain transport. The lifts effectively solve every issue. Lift lines, wind holds, exposure, and time. Even the ground footprint is much smaller than a chairlift because they require so few towers. The only obstacle? The cost. Only the largest resorts in the world can currently afford one.

The project is currently scheduled for completion in time for the 2029-30 season, with a planned budget of €200 million. That sounds like a stratospheric figure, a budget more akin to fighter jet development than a ski lift. But it goes to show that 3S infrastructure at these elevations is considerably more complicated than installing a traditional lift on a ski slope. Notably, the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley, which owns a controlling (70%) stake in Cervino, will finance about €70 million through a capital increase in the company, with the rest coming from Cervino S.p.A. itself.

Matterhorn Ski Paradise

Matterhorn Ski Paradise refers to the cross-border, interconnected resorts of Cervino and Zermatt. The two ski areas operate on the same pass. However, Zermatt Bergbahnen GmbH runs lift operations on the Swiss side, while Cervino S.p.A runs operations in Italy. Zermatt already has a modern 3S system. The Matterhorn Glacier Ride currently connects Trockener Steg (2,939 meters / 9,642 feet) to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at Klein Matterhorn (3,883 meters / 12,740 feet), with a capacity of 2,000 passengers per hour. For now, Zermatt is the preferred international tourist destination, especially amongst Americans.

However, Cervino’s new dream project is likely to put the two resorts on a much similar playing field, at least as far as ski access goes. From the bottom station at 2,050 meters (6,726 feet) to the top at 3,480 meters (11,427 feet), skiers and riders will be able to seamlessly cover 1,430 vertical meters (4,692 feet), far more than the Matterhorn Glacier Ride. That’s also more than the entire vertical of nearly every resort in North America. As if that wasn’t enough, Cervino The One also dwarfs Zermatt’s 3S in skier capacity (3,000 vs. 2000 per hour).

• Related: “Cervino the One” Project: Matterhorn Ski Paradise Plans Dramatic Overhaul of the Connection from Cervinia, Italy, to Zermatt, Switzerland

It Doesn’t Get Better Than Modern 3S Cable Cars

Cervino The One 3S will cut the current three lift ascent down to just two stages, with the second stage simply being a mid-station re-entry rather than a separate lift station. Skier capacity will be over 3,000 passengers per hour, nearly triple the current capacity of 1,250. Under normal conditions, the system will operate at about 8 meters per second, or 29 kph (17 mph). The first stage will take 4 minutes and 28 seconds, while the second will take 9 minutes and 22 seconds. Including transfers and without any queues, Leitner expects the entire trip to last about 16 minutes. 

The 3S configuration is well-suited to European ski terrain, which means long distances and exposed terrain. The cabins are supported by two carrying cables rather than a single cable. Therefore, they can remain stable in strong winds, while the system can cross large gaps between towers. In fact, the system will require just three towers, in addition to the terminal stations. However, the “tricable” system will also require 40 kilometers (25 miles) of cables, weighing 650 tons. 

Cervino The One will be equipped with 56 Leitner 3S Symphony cabins, designed by Pininfarina, the famous Italian design and engineering company. Each cabin features a 360-degree view and 24 seats. There’s also additional standing capacity for about six people (capacity is listed at 30 persons per cabin). In addition to speed and the ability to operate in wind, comfort is a massive part of the investment. Sitting on a comfortable seat in a closed container between ski runs immeasurably improves the overall guest experience.  

• Related: Matterhorn Paradise, Switzerland/Italy, Report: Crossing Countries on Skis—A Full Day Linking Zermatt and Cervinia

Will Cervino The One Revolutionize Cervino?

“[The One] is a unique investment that can boost the region’s appeal and break down the barrier of winter-only tourism,” elaborates Regional President Renzo Testolin at the recent presentation. I’m inclined to agree with him. There’s a reason why investors are dumping hundreds of millions of euros into each of these lift systems. 

Queues, and an overall long journey time, has historically been an issue on the Cervino-Zermatt connection. Currently, crossing to the Zermatt side typically involves squeezing into two separate cable cars, with a gondola ride in between. As with many European out-and-back style bins, massive lines can build up because most systems have just one cable car every 10 minutes. Skiers can also use a chain of chairlifts to access the Swiss side. Unfortunately, these lifts operate in exposed, wind-affected terrain and often close, or are at least uncomfortable. Having such easy access to the Swiss side will make Cervino a much more attractive proposition for many international tourists. 

In conclusion, Cervino The One has the potential to revolutionize the Italian side of one of the world’s best ski resorts. The seamless access, the comfort, and the 3S’s ability to operate in any weather condition are going to be a game-changer at Cervino. As lower resorts see less and less snow, I think we’ll be hearing a lot more about Cervino in the coming years.