Zermatt

Zermatt owes its existence to the majestic Matterhorn. This mountain turned what was once a remote village into a thriving destination for mountaineers eager to conquer this iconic peak. As tourists flocked to follow in the footsteps of these adventurers, a wave of hotels emerged, driven by a few families determined to maintain their influence over the local tourism scene right up to the present-day.

A destination defined by the Matterhorn

Few places exemplify the close relationship between a mountain and a tourist resort as well as Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Without this distinctive peak, it would be reasonable to suggest that Zermatt might  not have achieved its remarkable renown. From the village, the peak presents a unique silhouette, a true pyramid of the Alps that has captivated both locals and visitors alike. Horace Bénedict de Saussure was so taken by its beauty during one of his expeditions in 1789 that he returned in 1794 for what would be his final journey. By 1830, British climbers had made the Matterhorn their prime destination, all vying for the honour of being the first to ascend its formidable heights. Numerous attempts ended in failure until, on 14 July 1865, a party led by Edward Whymper achieved this remarkable feat. However, their triumph was soon overshadowed by tragedy, as four members perished during the descent. This incident sparked outrage among many – including Queen Victoria – and ultimately cemented Zermatt’s reputation.

Vue du village de Zermatt et du Cervin

Ill. 1 : Le Cervin et Zermatt : Une association qui explique l’essor du village touristifié. https://www.kayak.fr/Zermatt.40374.guide (consulté le 10 mars 2023)

A destination under control

While mountaineering was central to Zermatt’s development, it also served as the catalyst for the establishment of the first hotels, thanks to the aspirations of the local entrepreneur, Alexandre Seiler, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry. Despite being somewhat of an outsider, Seiler had to navigate the complexities of the local bourgeoisie, a unique institutional characteristic of Switzerland. This remnant of the Middle Ages comprises the property owners and citizens of a locality, who typically manage its assets. In Zermatt, this powerful body has substantial control over the majority of land, thereby influencing all tourist-related developments. Nevertheless, this did not hinder the town’s extraordinary growth. Between 1838 and 1911, thirty-eight hotels were built. To this day, the influence of the bourgeoisie is still prevalent. With a membership of 1,500, primarily from historically local families, they own several mountain hotels and restaurants, which, since 1996, have been consolidated under the Matterhorn Group, employing over 300 staff and holding significant shares in the local lift company. They also own 1,000 hectares of forested land. This has great implications for the nature of the town’s development. By 2011, more than two-thirds of the hotels were owned and operated by families with a presence in Zermatt for generations. In 2002, an attempted takeover of local facilities by the Compagnie des Alpes prompted local stakeholders, under the guidance of the bourgeoisie, to unite and safeguard their interests.

Illustration des grands hôtels de Zermatt

Ill. 2 : La famille Seiler a réussi à bâtir un véritable empire hôtelier à Zermatt, mais aussi dans d’autres lieux. Elle est partie prenante de la bourgeoisie locale qui exerce un contrôle total sur le développement de village.

A destination connected to the World

Another significant milestone in Zermatt’s history was the construction of a narrow-gauge railway in 1891, connecting Zermatt to Viège, located 31 kilometres away in the valley. This rail link dramatically reduced travel times, effectively connecting Zermatt to various Swiss and international transport networks. Another specific feature of the village is that it has prohibited the use of private vehicles within its borders since 1931. This decision, supported by many votes from the community, has provided the resort with a strong symbolic and promotional power which, along with the Matterhorn, presents it as a pioneering destination.

Laurent TISSOT

Bibliography

  • Antonietti Thomas, 2000, Bauern, Bergführer, Hoteliers. Fremdenverkehr und Bauernkultur. Zermatt und Aletsch 1850-1950. Baden, Hier&Jetzt.
  • Guex Stéphanie, 2016, Tourisme, mobilités et développement régional dans les Alpes Suisses : mise en scène et valeur territoriale. Montreux, Finhaut et Zermatt du XIXe siècle à nos jours. Neuchâtel, Alphil, , 496p.
  • Merki Christoph Maria, 2004, Eine aussergewöhnliche Landschaft als Kapital : Destinationsmanagement im 19. Jahrhundert am Beispiel von Zermatt, dans  Histoire des Alpes, pages 181-201.
  • Truffer Bernard,  « Zermatt », dans Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse (DHS), version du 13.02.2014, traduit de l’allemand. Online: https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/fr/articles/002822/2014-02-13/, consulté le, 19.10.2022.