Photos/Source: Sebastian Anex/20min.ch

UPDATE: "As recently reported, it has been found that developments were taking place outside the area dedicated to skiing for the World Cup planned in Zermatt.

Without answering fundamental questions, the organizers assured the public, however, that the entire track was within the ski zone (on the Swiss side).

However, it appears that the event organizers have lied. The president of the local committee claimed back in 2022 that the glacier would neither be intentionally scraped nor destroyed. However, since the beginning of September, diggers have been working on the ice around the Matterhorn and the images speak for themselves. Local news service 20minutes have been working on this tirelessly and despite a lack of response from organizers or FIS, they have calculated that parts of the planned race course clearly lie beyond the zones designated for winter sports.

The start of the women's race is to be positioned outside of the zoned area and the men's course will also traverse large areas of ground not designated for winter sport. They estimate that a total of about five football fields worth of glacier may have been affected. Unfortunately, the damage to the glacier may already be done, but in light of these findings, local authorities have ordered a cessation of building works, which may hamper the ability of the resort to finish the course in time for race day."

For more info 20min.ch investigation video (in French): HERE

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The picturesque alpine town of Zermatt, nestled in the Swiss Alps, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and world-class skiing. However, recent developments have sparked alarming controversy as excavators dig into the ice on the Theodul glacier, a crucial component of Zermatt's landscape and ecosystem. The reason behind this unsettling action? To prepare for the Ski World Cup races scheduled to take place in just a few weeks, in mid-November. The piste route and its impact on the glacier's extremely delicate ecosystem have raised concerns among environmentalists, residents, and ski enthusiasts.

With the event being cancelled last year due to a lack of snow, onlookers are confused to witness preparations underway, with the dates pushed back by only two weeks. At a media event in Altenmarkt, Austria, Mikaela Shiffrin expressed her bewilderment, stating, "To what extent should we adapt our environment to a schedule that we want? Or should we adapt our schedules to the environment?"

Protect Our Winters Switzerland shared disturbing images on their Instagram page, captioned with the following message: "Heavy work is currently underway on the Theodul glacier in Zermatt to prepare for the Ski World Cup. Last year, the same competition was cancelled due to a lack of snow. This year, the resources deployed to ensure that the event actually takes place are beyond the bounds of acceptability and common sense. The images of the shovels digging up the glacier to form the slope that will welcome the skiers are shocking. Such a spectacle is incomprehensible at a time when glacier melt is accelerating, and glaciers have lost 10% of their volume in the last two years alone. To maintain their credibility, the @fisalpine and the tourist destinations that host such events must act as role models and show that they take the current challenges seriously!"

The extensive excavation on the glacier has raised concerns about its environmental impact. The Theodul glacier plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region, and excavation disrupts this delicate balance, affecting the glacier's ability to store water and potentially accelerating its retreat. Recent reports indicating unexpectedly strong glacier melting make these concerns all the more urgent. The glacier mass has already shrunk by 10% in the last two years, with scientists predicting that over 50% of the glacier will have shrunk by 2080, presenting a worrying prospect for the future of Zermatt.

As Zermatt prepares for the Ski World Cup races, it faces a pivotal moment in balancing tradition, economic growth, and, most importantly, environmental preservation. The decision to expand the piste route on the Theodul glacier raises vital questions about the town's commitment to maintaining its pristine natural environment. Finding the right balance between hosting world-class events and protecting extremely fragile ecosystems is a challenge that Zermatt must address.

Sign the Petition by POW Switzerland to help them hold FIS and Zermatt accountable.