«I work on the highest construction site in Europe!»

It has been aspired to for over 80 years and will finally be inaugurated in spring 2023: the continuous cable car connection between Zermatt (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) and the Italian town of Cervinia. The Matterhorn Glacier Ride I has been around since 2018 – the highest three-cable gondola or 3S-Bahn in the world, which leads from the Trockener Steg ridge to the Klein Matterhorn. But the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II was still missing. This tricable gondola connects the Klein Matterhorn mountain station with the Testa Grigia valley station in Italy. It thus provides the missing piece of the puzzle for the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, as the project is collectively called.

One who makes it possible is Saša Pavlovic. The 42-year-old Croatian is a senior electrician at Werner Electro AG, a company in the BKW network. He’s been in the job for 20 years. «For ten years I’ve only done projects that challenge me. I love a challenge!” he says.

Big difference in altitude

At the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing he is of course at the right place. Even the commute to work is demanding. “I live at 700 meters and work at almost 4,000 meters,” says Pavlovic. This means that he experiences a height difference of almost 3300 meters twice a day. “Especially in summer, when it’s 35 degrees below and around 0 degrees above, you can really feel it. It’s a big challenge,” he says.

Pavlovic and his team of four usually get to their work locations by train, but sometimes also by helicopter, snow groomer and skis. Everyone carries a heavy backpack filled with tools. The task of the crew: “We do everything that has to do with electricity. We cooperate with all companies – wood construction, metal construction, construction companies, plumbing. Everyone comes to us if they have a question. And we are on the construction site from start to finish.”

It is unbelievable how well the cooperation works. Everyone thinks along: «If you forget a screw, you can’t go up here to the depot and get it. Then nothing works and you can’t finish the work.” The highest requirements also apply when it comes to safety. «We have to secure everything. It’s really challenging at this altitude.”

Dream job with a view

When he talks about his job, Pavlovic gets enthusiastic. “It was my dream job from childhood to do something with electricity and cables.” He started his working life in Croatia. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked there as an electrical and electronic engineer. When he came to Switzerland, he continued to practice his chosen profession. «Now I’m working on the highest construction site in Europe! And I’m a senior electrician! That makes me proud.”

He is still as enthusiastic about his job as he was before. «Even after 20 years, I learn something new every day. Every day is exciting and varied. It’s an incredible job. And up here the view is fantastic,” says Saša Pavlovic. Even if the conditions at altitude are rough: “I’ve never got up in the morning and didn’t feel like going to work.”

fewer tracks

Pavlovic and his team try to work with respect for natural resources. «We installed two timers so that the lights on the construction site are not on day and night. Nothing is lit at the weekend. This is how we save energy,” he says. In addition, the waste is separated. “Normally, everything ends up in a big trough on construction sites.” The overall mission is clear: “We want to leave as few traces as possible.”

The fact that the latest technology is used on the Glacier Rides is also a plus. “Everything is automated and can be switched on and off via smartphone or laptop.” For example, if someone leaves the heating on, it can be turned off remotely. For Saša Pavlovic, one thing is clear: “Automation saves a lot.”

“Only possible with a lot of know-how”

Kurt Guntli, Deputy CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen AG.

Michael Portman

As the client, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG is looking forward to the completion of the Alpine Crossing. Kurt Guntli, head of electrical engineering and deputy CEO, on the importance of the project, adverse circumstances and his “joker” Saša Pavlovic.

How important is it for Zermatt that you can travel to Italy from the Matterhorn in the future?
Kurt Gunli: For our company and the entire Zermatt destination, the realization of the Alpine Crossing is another milestone in the history of the world-famous tourist resort. The transnational connection in a high alpine environment, combined with a tourist highlight, opens up new access to pleasure and adventure trips.

Did you sometimes have sleepless nights because of the Alpine Crossing?
The implementation of such a project requires a meticulous approach and precise preparation. Such a lighthouse project is only possible with a lot of know-how and great commitment from every single person involved. Under the motto “nothing is possible”, everyone has reached their limits at times. But it’s a nice experience for everyone.

The inauguration should have taken place in autumn 2022. Why was there a delay?
Due to the external conditions with cold, wind, snow and unfavorable summer and weather conditions, there were one or two delays in this high alpine environment. But now nothing should stand in the way of the opening in June 2023.

How did you experience working with Saša Pavlovic and his team?
She was good with all the companies involved, but we drew an absolute joker in Saša and his team. The cooperation and execution of the electrical work was carried out on schedule and in top quality, considering the sometimes difficult environment and extreme altitude in which the work had to be carried out. We acknowledge and thank you.

The workers on the mountain save electricity and separate the waste because they want to leave fewer ecological footprints. How do you find that?
We have consistently carried out the efforts for an ecological and economical construction method. That was worth it.

Which sustainable efforts are announced for you?
The environment and sustainability are important to us, and the ISO 14001 certification makes an important contribution to protecting the environment. We have also implemented a number of projects in the field of renewable energy generation and we have contributed to sustainability in many other activities – and will continue to do so in the future.

Kurt Guntli, Deputy CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen AG.

Michael Portman

As the client, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG is looking forward to the completion of the Alpine Crossing. Kurt Guntli, head of electrical engineering and deputy CEO, on the importance of the project, adverse circumstances and his “joker” Saša Pavlovic.

How important is it for Zermatt that you can travel to Italy from the Matterhorn in the future?
Kurt Gunli: For our company and the entire Zermatt destination, the realization of the Alpine Crossing is another milestone in the history of the world-famous tourist resort. The transnational connection in a high alpine environment, combined with a tourist highlight, opens up new access to pleasure and adventure trips.

Did you sometimes have sleepless nights because of the Alpine Crossing?
The implementation of such a project requires a meticulous approach and precise preparation. Such a lighthouse project is only possible with a lot of know-how and great commitment from every single person involved. Under the motto “nothing is possible”, everyone has reached their limits at times. But it’s a nice experience for everyone.

The inauguration should have taken place in autumn 2022. Why was there a delay?
Due to the external conditions with cold, wind, snow and unfavorable summer and weather conditions, there were one or two delays in this high alpine environment. But now nothing should stand in the way of the opening in June 2023.

How did you experience working with Saša Pavlovic and his team?
She was good with all the companies involved, but we drew an absolute joker in Saša and his team. The cooperation and execution of the electrical work was carried out on schedule and in top quality, considering the sometimes difficult environment and extreme altitude in which the work had to be carried out. We acknowledge and thank you.

The workers on the mountain save electricity and separate the waste because they want to leave fewer ecological footprints. How do you find that?
We have consistently carried out the efforts for an ecological and economical construction method. That was worth it.

Which sustainable efforts are announced for you?
The environment and sustainability are important to us, and the ISO 14001 certification makes an important contribution to protecting the environment. We have also implemented a number of projects in the field of renewable energy generation and we have contributed to sustainability in many other activities – and will continue to do so in the future.