Zermatt Restaurant received a "solar prize"

Zermatt, which is known as one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland and a resort, where the ski season lasts all year round, added another bonus to its already significant reputation. From now on, here is located the sunniest restaurant in Europe. The restaurant, located on the slopes of Little Matterhorn was awarded with the European award in the field of ecology and energy conservation European Solar Prize on December 10, 2010. The award was presented at a ceremony in Berlin.

The restaurant, which is currently controlled by the operator of the ski lifts Zermatt Bergbahnen AG, is unique because it produces electricity for heating and ventilation systems using special solar panels that are installed directly on the facade. The restaurant meets the latest standards of energy saving Minergie-P.

Organizers of the European Solar Prize 2010 ceremony have decided to mark the restaurant for the promotion of energy saving ideas in the world. Matterhorn - one of the most famous peaks of the Alps and Switzerland - is home to the largest ski glacier Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which is annually visited by 500,000 tourists.

The restaurant is situated at an altitude of 3,883 meters. The grand opening of the restaurant took place in winter 2008-2009. According to general manager of Zermatt Bergbahnen AG, Hans-Peter Julen, awarding the restaurant with such a high award reinforces the authority of the resort in their choice of the right path. Following steps on upgrading Zermatt will expand the glacier ski area in order to increase the number of tourists, who can visit the Matterhorn glacier simultaneously.

European Solar Prize - this award is presented starting from 1994. It emphasizes the efforts to reduce and optimize energy consumption in Europe. A prototype of the European award was established earlier Swiss Solar Prize in Switzerland, which is part of the concept of the country to reduce energy consumption by using alternative sources of energy. The peak of the Matterhorn is now the sunniest place in Switzerland.