Detailed plans for a lift connection between the Cervinia – Zermatt area on the Swiss/Italian border and Italy’s ‘Three Valleys’ of Monterosa have been unveiled.
The plans have been in the pipeline for some time and the two areas combined would offer around 530 kilometres of piste, putting it second in the world on size behind the 3 Valleys according to official figures.
According to a report in Italian newspaper La Stampa, the newly published masterplan for the project envisages two of the large modern 3S Gondolas making the 8km connection. Each would have cabins capable of carrying up to 35 people per cabin.
Costs are estimated at around 65 million Euros which the project’s backers believe could be financed by the various ski lift companies without requiring public investment.
The main issue facing the planned development are said to be environmental concerns. The route for the connection takes in an unspoilt high Alpine valley and is already being described as an “insanity” by one nature photographer quoted in La Stampa newspaper. The lifts would require 4 to 5 support towers. A local referendum of the plans would need to be held in the Monterosa resort of Gressoney-Saint-Jean.
An alternative route plan with a direct connection to Plateau Rosa from Ayas and one to Valtournenche with other facilities including an underground funicular in the Courtod valley has been discounted due to the prohibitive estimated price tag of €250 million.
