Zermatt's autumn ski test threatened by decaying glacier ice on Furggsattel

The future of the autumn ski test at Zermatt is uncertain after new images revealed thin, decaying glacier ice on the Furggsattel, threatening the planned October opening. The ski resort operator remains optimistic, but a leading glaciologist warns of growing risks. The Zermatt Bergbahnen have already started preparations, with snow groomers in the area, and plan to operate the Furggsattel-Express as scheduled. However, they admit that a lack of natural snowfall is hindering piste preparation. Glaciologist Matthias Huss states that the glacier's disintegration is "impressive," with rock islands emerging from the thin ice, accelerating its melt. Huss estimates that at least half of the ice at the photographed locations has been lost since 2015, with recent annual loss rates around three meters. This poses a significant infrastructure challenge, as twelve of the seventeen lift supports are "floating" on the glacier, and their stability becomes a concern as the ice disappears.