Zermatt’s lift company have launched a new app for visitors which it describes as, “the perfect digital companion for the international Matterhorn ski paradise.”
Named the Skiguide Zermatt app its features include the option for users to pinpoint their location in the Zermatt and Cervinia international ski area.
The centrepiece of the app is a navigation function using a georeferenced 3D map. The intuitive route finder shows users how to reach their favourite restaurant from Zermatt, for example, and how long it will take to get there using the lifts and pistes currently open. The journey time calculated depends on the level of ability entered in the user’s personal settings – sporty or relaxed – and the difficulty of the pistes selected.
The app also features automated safety alerts about wind or avalanche conditions and any unscheduled closures of lifts and pistes. Other features include a restaurant guide, shop and route suggestions. The app.matterhornparadise.ch gives full details.
The practicality of using the app whilst at low temperatures or one handed was also considered in the design.
“A rail snap system was developed for the app to help users keep their orientation in the 3D space. This concept allows users to operate the map with just one finger, a great advantage considering the usually low temperatures in the Zermatt/Cervinia ski area,” says Sandra Stockinger, Head of Marketing and Sales at Zermatt Bergbahnen.
The free app is available now for iOS devices and is being rolled out in March on Android.