Richard and Barbara wrote:
The improvements to the lift system are absolutely great.
BUT, there is a big problem, and everyone who knows the area
is talking about it. Grooming of the pistes has clearly been reduced.
Wide trails have become narrower. Pistes that should be open,
remained closed after a big snowfall. Moguls were not smoothed over
on blue pistes. All of this is hurting Zermatt. Experts aside,
a reputation for poor grooming will keep visitors away. Everyone
assumes that the lack of grooming is a money saving measure taken
after the merger of three competing transport systems. Before the
merger, grooming was extensive so as to keep skiers from moving to a
competing area.

Over this past Christmas, Zermatt had great snow, but the
Village was not full of visitors. Unless they improve the grooming,
that trend will continue.

We are planning to go to Saas Fee this March, but with improved lifts
and reduced crowds Zermatt may deserve another look.

Smathers