Zermatt displays Union jack on Matterhorn

11th April 2020, by Abi Butcher

As the coronavirus toll hit 980 in the UK yesterday, Zermatt sent a sign of solidarity

As the coronavirus death toll hit 980 in the UK last night, the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt sent a sign of solidarity.

Since 25 March, the famous Matterhorn mountain which straddles the ski resorts of Zermatt and Cervinia has been lit up every evening from sunset to 2300, in a sign of hope and solidarity.

Light artist Gerry Hofstetter has used the mountain to project French and Spanish flags, along with messages of hope, and last night as the UK death toll from Covid-19 reached its highest yet, Zermatt projected the Union Flag on the iconic mountain. It comes at a time when many Brits would be heading to the ski resort for their Easter holidays.

This morning, Zermatt said in a statement: “Dear friends from the United Kingdom, Zermatt is deeply connected to you through its history. British mountaineers first brought tourism to Zermatt, and to this day, Zermatt can welcome many visitors from the UK. Unfortunately, travelling is not possible right now. We send you a sign of hope from the Matterhorn instead.”

Gerry Hofstetter is expected to continue the light installation project until at least 23 April.

Pic (and top) © Light Art by Gerry Hofstetter / Foto Zermatt Tourismus

• ski
• switzerland
• zermatt
• coronavirus
• covid-19

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