The 10-seater Kumme gondola lift went into operation on 19 December 2020. Passengers can enjoy a magnificent view of the Matterhorn through the large panoramic windows during the ride. The surrounding peaks are also reflected in the design of the cabins. Various four-thousand-metre peaks from the Zermatt mountain world and local Alpine animals are depicted on the gondolas.
But the special feature of the new gondola lift is its technology. The Kumme lift is the first autonomous gondola lift in Switzerland. With the new "AURO" – Autonomous Ropeway Operation – cable car system, the manufacturer Doppelmayr/Garaventa has developed a ropeway that can run without an operator. The lift is equipped with cameras and sensors that monitor the system – especially when entering and exiting the cabins. The system independently detects situations that deviate from "normal operation". If a passenger gets a ski boot caught in the cabin door, for example, the system reacts immediately and switches off automatically.
More information on the Kumme gondola lift is available here
Technical details
| Cable car manufacturer | Doppelmayr/Garaventa |
| Lift type | Detachable D-Line gondola |
| Inclined length | 3,192 m |
| Difference in altitude | 965 m |
| Track width | 6.4 m |
| No. of towers | 17 |
| Cable diameter | 50 mm |
| Speed | 6.0 m/s |
| Carrying capacity | 1,500 persons per hour |
| No. of cabins | 56 |
| Cabin type | OMEGA V-10 |
| Project cost | CHF 30 million |