Every year, around 550,000 people from all over the world visit the breathtaking Matterhorn glacier paradise vantage point. Until now, visitors were met with makeshift catering facilities, poor sanitary arrangements and, depending on their footwear, almost impassable routes through ice and snow up to the entrance of the glacier palace. Such conditions do not meet the requirements of today’s visitors: people who go on such an excursion at an altitude of 3,883 metres above sea level expect something very special and unique.

Zermatt certainly did build something very special this summer. The new “Glacier restaurant” and the alpinists’ accommodation will comply with the Minergie P standard (the highest energy standard). (more…)

Tags: alternative energy, green building, resources, Technology

What’s believed to be the world’s first solar-powered T Bar lift will help make a new ski lift connection between Westendorf and the rest of the SkiWelt this winter. As reported at SkiRebel,  the new connection involves the T Bar lift, a bridge over the main road at Brixen, and a new eight passenger gondola to make the ascent up to Westendorf.
The ski tow is powered by a photovoltaic system which even in poor weather has enough power to keep the lift running smoothly. The lift has been aptly named, “Sonnenlift.”

Any extra speed during periods of high sun spot activity?

Tags: Ski Resorts