Although a lot of the focus of news from Zermatt and Cervinia this summer is likely to be on the completion of the long-planned Alpine Crossing by ultra-modern gondola between the two resorts, with the completion of the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II will start operating between Testa Grigia and the Klein Matterhorn due to open on 1st July, a second new cable car connecting Zermatt to Furi will also go into operation a few months later, in the autumn.
For an added novelty the new cable car will follow recent installations at the Dachstein Glacier in Austria and on the Grande Motte glacier in Tignes that allow users to ride in the open air in an enclosed 'balcony' on the roof of the cabin.
"The new state-of-the-art cabins will offer space for up to 100 people and feature a contemporary design with generous glass fronts promising a perfect view of the Matterhorn," a spokesperson for the lift company enthused, adding, "The first pylon immediately after the valley station has been constructed in the shape of a magnifying glass. Depending on the viewing angle, the cabins will pass through the magnifying glass construction with the Matterhorn in focus, creating a fascinating image."