HISTORY
from the gondola arrival station to the design hotel
from the gondola arrival station to the design hotel
A Gateway to the Alps
Perched majestically at 2,112 meters above sea level, the Chetzeron gondola arrival station once served as a bustling gateway for winter sports enthusiasts in the 1960s. Constructed at the dawn of the ski industry’s boom in the Valais region, this architectural relic witnessed countless skiers embarking on exhilarating descents amidst the breathtaking Alpine landscape.
The station’s imposing concrete and stone structure stood as a testament to the era’s utilitarian design, its cavernous entrance echoing with the anticipation of adventurers. For decades, it functioned as a vital hub, connecting visitors to the expansive slopes of Crans Montana. However, with the advent of more modern and efficient lift systems, the Chetzeron station was decommissioned in 2003, marking the end of an era.
Yet, the spirit of Chetzeron refused to fade into obscurity. Visionary hotelier Sami Lamaa, captivated by the station’s unique location and history, embarked on a transformative journey. In 2009, he breathed new life into the abandoned structure, converting it into a sophisticated mountain restaurant that celebrated its storied past.
Five years later, in 2014, the metamorphosis was complete with the addition of a luxury hotel, offering guests an immersive experience that melded historical charm with contemporary elegance.
Today, Chetzeron stands as a beacon of innovation and respect for heritage. The original gondola’s passageway has been transformed into a grand glass-enclosed lounge, providing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Architectural elements like the concrete façade have been thoughtfully preserved, harmoniously blending with modern materials such as oak and stone.
This seamless fusion creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect with the rich legacy of the site while indulging in modern comforts.
The legacy of the Chetzeron gondola station is not just a chapter in the history of the Alps—it’s a celebration of transformation and resilience. Chetzeron is a place where luxury meets the wild beauty of nature, but it is not luxury alone that defines us. Chetzeron is an experience. It’s an adventure that must be earned. The journey to reach us, whether by gondola, foot, or skis, is part of what makes being here so profound.
When you arrive, you are immersed in the pure, unspoiled grandeur of the mountains. Surrounded by alpine silence, the world becomes a little clearer. Here, you connect with nature in its rawest, most breathtaking form. This is where time slows down, and the sense of peace is not just seen, but felt deep within.
Chetzeron invites you to experience something beyond luxury—a state of mind. It’s a place where each detail has been carefully curated, not just to indulge, but to awaken your senses. It’s a space where you rediscover what truly matters. The mountains, the sky, the air, and the moments shared with those around you. Chetzeron is an invitation to escape, to reflect, and to remember the power of nature—an experience you’ll carry with you long after you leave.