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Gilded Zugspitze Summit Cross Returns by Helicopter as Ski Season Opens

New protections aim to curb sticker damage by steering souvenirs to a replica.

Overview

  • The 4.88-meter, 300-kilogram cross was flown to the 2,962-meter peak and reinstalled as lifts began running.
  • Bayerische Zugspitzbahn reports a low five-figure euro bill for the restoration, not including the complex transport.
  • Metalworker Andrea Würzinger spent about two weeks removing layered stickers and re-gilding with roughly 900 gold-leaf sheets, according to reports.
  • To prevent fresh damage, a posted sticker ban is in place, the cross now has a protective film, and a smaller replica at the mountain station is designated for stickers.
  • Early-season snowfall delivered around 60 centimeters of natural snow, though ongoing glacier retreat on the Nördlicher Schneeferner leaves the Platt tow lift’s operation uncertain.