Zermatt-Cervinia Glacier Ski Area Closed Amid Alpine Heatwave

Zermatt Bergbahnen has temporarily suspended summer skiing for visitors on the Theodul Glacier after weeks of exceptionally high temperatures, lack of night‑time cooling, repeated thunderstorms and deteriorating snow and glacier conditions. The operator said the safety of guests and staff could no longer be guaranteed, prompting the closure while maintenance work continues.

Training slopes on the glacier remain open on a limited basis for Swiss‑Ski teams, and the French speed‑ski squad was forced to cancel its planned training camp. Coach Xavier Fournier‑Bidoz explained that the heat made the pistes unsafe, delaying the men’s program until late August or September, with alternative locations in South America being considered. The closure will be reassessed daily, and operations will resume once natural conditions improve.