TL;DR
Zermatt's Matterhorn Ski Paradise is replacing the Patrullarve chairlift this summer - the oldest lift in the ski area, having operated since 1989. The replacement is a detachable six-seater built on Leitner's Ropera technology, targeting completion before the 2026-27 season. Construction is underway now in the Patrullarve-Sunnegga-Blauherd area.
Zermatt's Matterhorn Ski Paradise is replacing the Patrullarve chairlift this summer - the oldest lift currently operating in the ski area - with construction underway ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The existing Patrullarve-Blauherd lift is a detachable four-seater that has been running since 1989, originally manufactured by Garaventa. After 37 years of operation, it is being replaced by a six-seater chairlift built on Leitner's latest Ropera technology. The project is the most significant lift infrastructure change in the Sunnegga-Blauherd zone in recent years.
Where the Patrullarve Fits in the Mountain
The Patrullarve lift sits within the Sunnegga Paradise sector - the part of Zermatt's ski area accessed from the village via the underground Sunnegga Express funicular. The lift runs from approximately 1,994m up to 2,620m, connecting into the Blauherd area and linking with the broader Rothorn lift network above.
It's a well-used connection in a heavily trafficked part of the mountain. The Sunnegga-Blauherd area is one of Zermatt's most accessible zones from the village and sees significant traffic across all ability levels. The Patrullarve chairlift is also a known entry point to some of the sector's better off-piste terrain - the tree runs dropping from Blauherd into the Patrullarve zone are among the more popular powder options on the Sunnegga side after snowfall.
