For almost two weeks now, the iconic Swiss Matterhorn peak (elevation 14,690 feet , or 4,478 meters) has been lit up at night with messages related to the Covid-19 outbreak—including 'Stay at Home' and 'All of Us' as well as with flags of various nations (including Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Japan). Tonight—the 15th of April—an image of the U.S. flag will light up the craggy, snow crusted facade of this alpine peak.
The Matterhorn Mountain, Zermatt, Switzerland
Because the U.S. has been most impacted by the virus (considering confirmed cases), this gesture is being made by the residents of the town of Zermatt (and Zermatt Tourism) to show 'Our thoughts are with the American people at this unprecedented time.'
To watch the event live, click on this Zermatt Tourism link at the following times in the U.S.: 6 p.m. EST; 5 p.m. CST; 4 p.m. MST; 3 p.m. PST, or noon, HST.
Alternatively—if you miss the livestream—you can see the images later at the social media site, or on their archives.
The Matterhorn was first ascended in the summer of 1865, led by British mountaineer Edward Whymper. However, tragedy struck the seven person climbing team on their subsequent descent—when four of the climbers perished in a fall.
Aerial View of Zermatt Valley and the Matterhorn, Switzerland
The story of the event is told by iconic mountain climber Rheinhold Messner in his book Fall of Heaven.
The Matterhorn is the tenth tallest peak in Switzerland, and is annually ascended by thousands of climbers, many with guides. Although the town of Zermatt includes fewer than 6,000 residents, some two million people visit each year.
At present, tourism is not permitted within Switzerland.
