Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: all tickets and tours
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a ski resort on the Klein Matterhorn. In summer, the area around the Theodul glacier becomes the highest ski resort in Europe. Prominent winter athletes are here regularly training. A network of ultra-modern mountain railroads makes the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise accessible. In addition to winter sports, you will find snowshoe trails and hiking trails with indescribable views of 38 mountain giants. Mountain guides will take you to one of these 4000-meter peaks within a few hours. (Photo: Skier in front of Matterhorn, © Pascal Gertschen, Zermatt Tourism)
Rated by more than 130 customers and booked more than 1,100 times
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a ski resort on the Klein Matterhorn. In summer, the area around the Theodul glacier becomes the highest ski resort in Europe. Prominent winter athletes are here regularly training. A network of ultra-modern mountain railroads makes the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise accessible. In addition to winter sports, you will find snowshoe trails and hiking trails with indescribable views of 38 mountain giants. Mountain guides will take you to one of these 4000-meter peaks within a few hours. (Photo: Skier in front of Matterhorn, © Pascal Gertschen, Zermatt Tourism)
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From Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Ticket for round-trip cable car ride
4.682 reviews1K+ bookingsOfficial ticketYou depart from Zermatt via the cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and back. The highest 3S cable car takes about 40 minutes to reach Europe's highest mountain station at Klein Matterhorn.
- Take the highest 3S cable car to 3821 meters above sea level
- Visit the Glacier Palace
- Enjoy the views from the observation deck
The 2 offers in comparison
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|---|---|---|
| Official ticket | ||
| Price | PriceAUD 217per person | PriceAUD 433per person |
| Rating | Rating4.6 (82)1K+ bookings | Rating4.7 (6)29 booked |
| Location | Starts from | Location |
| Duration | Duration– | Duration1 hr 30 min |
| Select | Select | |
Guided tours
- Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt1/7

Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt
4.8(51)ZermattTop ratedper person
from AUD 406
- From Geneva: Day trip to Zermatt, Matterhorn, and Glacier Paradise1/10

From Geneva: Day trip to Zermatt, Matterhorn, and Glacier Paradise
Genevaper person
from AUD 584
- Plateau Rosa demanding glacier hike from Zermatt1/5

Plateau Rosa demanding glacier hike from Zermatt
Zermattper person
from AUD 451
Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt
4.851 reviewsGuided toursClimb with a guide a four-thousand-meter peak of the Valais Alps and experience the view of 37 other four-thousand-meter peaks. This tour starts in Zermatt and is suitable for beginners and is done as a mountain tour in summer and as a ski tour in winter.
- Climb your first four-thousand-meter peak in 3-4 hours from Zermatt
- Discover the five-peaked Breithorn at 4164 m.a.s.l. all year round
- Take a selfie on the Breithorn on the border between Valais and the Autonomous Region of Aosta
From Geneva: Day trip to Zermatt, Matterhorn, and Glacier Paradise
Guided toursExperience a day trip from Geneva to Zermatt with cable car ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Enjoy panoramic views from Europe’s highest observation deck at 3,883 m above sea level.
- Discover car-free Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn.
- Enjoy the cable car ride to Europe’s highest mountain station.
- Experience a 360-degree view of the Alps from the viewing platform.
Plateau Rosa demanding glacier hike from Zermatt
Guided toursGo with a mountain guide on a challenging hike on Plateau Rosa over the glacier to Trockener Steg. The glacier hike is done roped up and safely guided.
- Take the mountain lifts with your mountain guide to Testa Grigia station (Plateau Rosa)
- Hire crampons, a climbing harness and a pole from ZERMATTERS in Zermatt in advance if needed
- Get expert guidance from a professional local mountain guide
Tickets1 Offers
From Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Ticket for round-trip cable car ride
4.682 reviewsTicketsYou depart from Zermatt via the cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and back. The highest 3S cable car takes about 40 minutes to reach Europe's highest mountain station at Klein Matterhorn.
- Take the highest 3S cable car to 3821 meters above sea level
- Visit the Glacier Palace
- Enjoy the views from the observation deck
Important information
- Return trip on the cable car from Zermatt
- Access to the viewing platform and Cinema Lounge
- Admission to the 3S InfoCube
- Entry to the Glacier Palace
- Local bus green line: free with a valid mountain railway ticket
+ Make sure to check the timetable on your travel day to ensure you catch the last descent. We recommend starting your ascent by 14:00 at the latest. + The ticket must be exchanged at the ticket office. + If the onsite display shows the cable car is closed, contact the staff to ask if an alternative connection is available. + If there is an alternative connection or the cable car operates at any time on your booked day, refunds are not possible. + Refund requests submitted later will only be considered if you provide written confirmation that the cable car was closed all day and travel was not possible. + This ticket is not a ski pass. + If an attraction on the glacier is closed by the operator, this does not entitle you to a refund if the cable car was operational.
From Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Ticket for round-trip cable car ride
4.682 reviewsTicketsYou depart from Zermatt via the cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and back. The highest 3S cable car takes about 40 minutes to reach Europe's highest mountain station at Klein Matterhorn.
- Take the highest 3S cable car to 3821 meters above sea level
- Visit the Glacier Palace
- Enjoy the views from the observation deck
Important information
- Return trip on the cable car from Zermatt
- Access to the viewing platform and Cinema Lounge
- Admission to the 3S InfoCube
- Entry to the Glacier Palace
- Local bus green line: free with a valid mountain railway ticket
+ Make sure to check the timetable on your travel day to ensure you catch the last descent. We recommend starting your ascent by 14:00 at the latest. + The ticket must be exchanged at the ticket office. + If the onsite display shows the cable car is closed, contact the staff to ask if an alternative connection is available. + If there is an alternative connection or the cable car operates at any time on your booked day, refunds are not possible. + Refund requests submitted later will only be considered if you provide written confirmation that the cable car was closed all day and travel was not possible. + This ticket is not a ski pass. + If an attraction on the glacier is closed by the operator, this does not entitle you to a refund if the cable car was operational.
Guided tours3 Offers
- Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt1/7

Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt
4.8(51)ZermattTop ratedper person
from AUD 406
- From Geneva: Day trip to Zermatt, Matterhorn, and Glacier Paradise1/10

From Geneva: Day trip to Zermatt, Matterhorn, and Glacier Paradise
Genevaper person
from AUD 584
- Plateau Rosa demanding glacier hike from Zermatt1/5

Plateau Rosa demanding glacier hike from Zermatt
Zermattper person
from AUD 451
Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt
4.851 reviewsGuided toursClimb with a guide a four-thousand-meter peak of the Valais Alps and experience the view of 37 other four-thousand-meter peaks. This tour starts in Zermatt and is suitable for beginners and is done as a mountain tour in summer and as a ski tour in winter.
- Climb your first four-thousand-meter peak in 3-4 hours from Zermatt
- Discover the five-peaked Breithorn at 4164 m.a.s.l. all year round
- Take a selfie on the Breithorn on the border between Valais and the Autonomous Region of Aosta
Important information
- Half-day mountain hike or ski tour on the Breithorn
- Professional and experienced mountain guide
+ Minimum age group: 16 years / Private: 12 years + Meeting point: Summer 07:00 / Winter 08:30 + Minimum number of participants for public group: 3. + If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the tour may be cancelled. + Summer requirement: Experienced mountain hiker + Winter requirement: Freeride experience
From Geneva: Day trip to Zermatt, Matterhorn, and Glacier Paradise
Guided toursExperience a day trip from Geneva to Zermatt with cable car ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Enjoy panoramic views from Europe’s highest observation deck at 3,883 m above sea level.
- Discover car-free Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn.
- Enjoy the cable car ride to Europe’s highest mountain station.
- Experience a 360-degree view of the Alps from the viewing platform.
Important information
- Travel in a comfortable bus
- Driver guide
- Shuttle between Täsch and Zermatt
- Cable car to Glacier Paradise
- Ice palace
- Panoramic platform
+ Bring: warm clothing, good shoes
Plateau Rosa demanding glacier hike from Zermatt
Guided toursGo with a mountain guide on a challenging hike on Plateau Rosa over the glacier to Trockener Steg. The glacier hike is done roped up and safely guided.
- Take the mountain lifts with your mountain guide to Testa Grigia station (Plateau Rosa)
- Hire crampons, a climbing harness and a pole from ZERMATTERS in Zermatt in advance if needed
- Get expert guidance from a professional local mountain guide
Important information
- Approx. 5–6-hour guided glacier tour across the Upper and Lower Theodul Glacier
- Mountain guide
+ Meeting point: 07:30 at the Matterhorn Express valley station (depending on the season) + Private tour: 1–8 people per mountain guide + Runs daily from the beginning of July to the end of October, weather permitting + Please contact the tour provider 2–3 days in advance to discuss the final details. You’ll receive the contact details with your booking confirmation.
Experiences1 Offers
- Paragliding “The Spectacular” in Zermatt1/10

Paragliding “The Spectacular” in Zermatt
4.7(6)Zermattper person
from AUD 433
Paragliding “The Spectacular” in Zermatt
4.76 reviewsExperiencesFly with the paraglider from Rothorn (3,100 m above sea level) and enjoy breathtaking views. Experience the Matterhorn and the entire mountain world from a unique perspective.
- Experience an unforgettable paragliding flight with a view of the Matterhorn
- Feel the thermals and enjoy the weightlessness in the air
- Soar at 3,100 meters above sea level over glaciers, valleys, and impressive peaks
Important information
- 20 to 25 min tandem flight from Rothorn
- Certified Pilot
+ Weight: max. 90 kg + Age: max. 60 years + Bring: Good footwear (hiking boots or winter boots), warm clothing, sunglasses, cash or credit card for cable car tickets
Which ticket is right for you?
Tickets for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise differ by starting point and what's included — here's how to find the right one.
The 5 offers in comparison
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | PriceAUD 217per person | PriceAUD 406per person | PriceAUD 451per person | PriceAUD 584per person | PriceAUD 433per person |
| Rating | Rating4.6 / 582 Reviews | Rating4.8 / 551 Reviews | Rating4.7 / 56 Reviews | ||
| Popularity | Popularity1K+ bookings | Popularity100+ bookings | Popularity2 booked | Popularity29 booked | |
| Duration | Duration13 hr 15 min | Duration1 hr 30 min | |||
| Meeting point | Meeting pointMatterhorn Glacier Paradise Talstation, Schluhmattstrasse 123, 3920 Zermatt | Meeting pointTalstation Matterhorn Express, 3920 Zermatt | Meeting pointTalstation Matterhorn Express, 3920 Zermatt | Meeting pointBusbahnhof Genf, Place Dorcière, 1201 Genf | Meeting pointVispastrasse 32 in 3920 Zermatt |
| Languages | LanguagesGerman, English, French | LanguagesGerman, English, French | LanguagesEnglish, German | LanguagesEnglish, French, German | |
| Provider | ProviderSchweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB | ProviderZermatters | ProviderZermatters | ProviderKeytours SA | ProviderMatterhorn Paragliding |
| Cancellation | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 48 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before |
| Check availability | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability |
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on the map
Bookable experiences, places and events at a glance
From travellers like you
“I enjoyed the cable car and the scenery.”
“Allan is the MAN! Could not be better👌”
“The views at the top and the challenge of getting there were great. Our guide was excellent company and helped us feel confident.”
Activities near Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- From Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Ticket for round-trip cable car ride

From Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Ticket for round-trip cable car ride
4.6(82)ZermattIn demandper person
from AUD 217
- Matterhorn Glacier Trail private day hike from Zermatt

Matterhorn Glacier Trail private day hike from Zermatt
Zermattper person
from AUD 460
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Good to know about Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Travel guide
8 Highlights at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located on the 3883 m high Klein Matterhorn.
- The highest mountain railroad station in Europe at 3821 m above sea level can be reached within 45 min by gondola from Zermatt.
- From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise you walk in 3.5 hours with a mountain guide to the summit of the Breithorn (4164 m above sea level).
- At the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lies the famous Theodul glacier.
- 15 m below the Theodul Glacier is the accessible Glacier Palace.
- The summer ski area on the Theodul glacier is the highest in Europe and is used by international ski athletes as a training location.
- The Gravity Snowpark offers the best conditions for jumping and slalom skiing.
- In winter you can use up to 360 km of slopes in the ski area, in summer 21 km.
What awaits you at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
At 3821 m above sea level, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is home to the highest mountain railway station in Europe. Professional mountain guides start from here with mountain hikers to the 4000-mountain peak Breithorn
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the summit of an international ski resort open all year round. In summer it even becomes the largest ski resort in Europe. Many famous international winter sportsmen are attracted here in summer.


Klein Matterhorn at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Klein Matterhorn sits at 3,883 m above sea level. Its observation platform provides a view that often extends all the way to the 4,810-meter-high Mont Blanc in France. The Klein Matterhorn is separated from the Matterhorn by the Theodul Glacier.
Theodul Glacier at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Theodul Glacier combines two glaciers at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. They stretch between the Breithorn and the Matterhorn and are referred to as the Upper and Lower Theodul Glacier, belonging to the Gorner Glacier system.
Furi
Located at 1,867 m above sea level, Furi is about three kilometers south of Zermatt. Furi serves as a transportation hub within the ski area. From Furi, there are direct connections via cable cars to:
- Zermatt
- Trockener Steg
- Schwarzsee
- Riffelberg
The cable car to Riffelberg connects the Klein Matterhorn ski area with that of Gornergrat. You can reach the Glacier Garden Dossen from Furi in about 30 minutes via a suspension bridge that spans the Gornerschlucht. It is always open and showcases evidence from the last Ice Age.
The Furi forest playground and the Ricola herb garden near Blatten ensure fun and entertainment for the whole family. There’s also the campfire site at Schweigmatten nearby.
Schwarzsee
Schwarzsee lies at the foot of the Matterhorn at 2,552 m above sea level. The mountain ridge of the same name (at 2,583 m above sea level) can be accessed from both Furgg and Furi. It houses the mountain railway station. The view of the Hörnligrat on the Matterhorn with the Hörnlihütte is particularly impressive from here. Zermatt is also easily visible.
From the Schwarzsee station, the Matterhorn Glacier Trail and ascents of the Matterhorn begin. You can reach the Hörnlihütte (at 3,260 m above sea level) in about two hours. In winter, the ski runs pass through here. Schwarzsee is the spot within the ski area where the sun first reaches in the morning.


Dry Steg
About a kilometer from the tongue of the Theodul Glacier, you'll find the summit station Dry Steg. This ridge stretches between altitudes of 2900 and 3000 meters above sea level between Zermatt and Furggsattel. The slopes here are particularly steep.
Furggsattel
The Furggsattel is located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. This mountain pass is slightly higher than the nearby Theodul Pass, reaching 3349 meters above sea level. You can access it from Dry Steg via the chairlift. The Furggsattel is bordered by the mountain peaks Furgghorn (3451 m above sea level) and Theodulhorn (3469 m above sea level).
Glacier Palace
The Glacier Palace is also part of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It lies about fifteen meters below the surface of the Theodul Glacier. You can reach the Glacier Palace via an elevator. It showcases not only very old ice formations but also intricately carved sculptures in the ice.
Getting to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise by Cable Cars
In the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Schwarzsee area, there are five gondola lifts, two cable cars, and one 3S cable car. During the winter season, five ski lifts operate here.
The fastest way to get from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn is with the 8-person gondola lift Matterhorn Express. The ride takes place over four sections and can take up to 45 minutes including transfers. The lifts overcome about 2200 meters in altitude from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn.
A special experience is a ride on the 3S cable car. It features heated seats and gets you to the highest cable car station in Europe in just nine minutes. The three-cable gondola lift is a large cabin lift.


Mountain railroads to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
| Tal station | Altitude (m a.s.l.) | Mountain station | Altitude (m a.s.l.) | Lift type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt | 1638 | Furi | 1871 | 8-seater gondola lift Matterhorn-Express 1 |
| Furi | 1871 | Schwarzsee | 2583 | 8-seater gondola Matterhorn Express 2 |
| Schwarzsee | 2583 | Furgg | 2432 | 8-seater gondola lift Matterhorn Express 3.1 |
| Furgg | 2432 | Trockener Steg | 2939 | 8-seater gondola lift Matterhorn Express 3.2 |
| Furi | 1871 | Riffelberg | 2582 | 8-seater gondola |
| Trockener Steg | 2929 | Klein Matterhorn | 3821 | 3S Bahn Matterhorn Glacier Ride |
| Furi | 1867 | Trockener Steg | 2929 | 125-seater aerial tramway |
| Trockener Steg | 2920 | Matterhorn Glacier Paradise | 3820 | 100-seater aerial tramway |
| Trockener Steg | 2913 | Furggsattel | 3369 | 6-seater chairlift |
| Furgg | 2427 | Sandy Ground | 2786 | 4-seater chairlift |


Restaurants at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
On the way at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise you will always find restaurants and ski bars. The stations of the mountain railroads are usually also attached to restaurants.
Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
At an altitude of 3883 m above sea level, you will find the highest mountain restaurant in Europe. The restaurant even has a fully equipped conference room. It is designed for up to 72 people.
On the menu are daily changing menus of the Valais cuisine. Burgers, pasta and stir-fry dishes are among them. A show kitchen lets you watch the preparation. Large panoramic windows provide a fantastic view of the mountains.
The building meets the latest environmental standards and supplies itself with 100% energy. A photovoltaic system on the south side takes care of this. A microbiological wastewater treatment plant completes the environmental concept.
open daily: 09:15 to 15:45
Schwarzsee Mountain Restaurant
The Schwarzsee mountain restaurant serves traditional Swiss cuisine at 2600 meters above sea level.
The gondola takes you up to the Schwarzsee station above Furi in about 20 minutes. On the way you already have breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
Open daily during the season 09:00-15:30 Summer season: beginning of July - middle of September Winter season: 2nd week of December - 3rd week of April


Activities at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a year-round paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Snowshoe hikers can enjoy an exceptionally beautiful glacier trail that brings them close to towering peaks.
Activities at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise include:
- Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding
- Backcountry skiing
- Snowshoe hiking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering and climbing
- Backcountry skiing and cross-country skiing
- Mountain biking
In summer, the trail from Schwarzsee to Zermatt is a great ride for mountain bikers. It’s advisable to undertake mountain tours and via ferrata with professional guides whenever possible. Guided snowshoe hikes over the glacier trail are also available.
ski resort Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
This ski resort is regularly awarded as the best ski area in the Alps. The famous Matterhorn is always in view. From Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can gaze at 38 peaks that are at least 4,000 meters high.
You can access 360 km of slopes in the Zermatt ski area, including the Italian part, Breuil Cervinia. The winter sports area stretches from about 1,600 to 3,899 m above sea level. In summer, there are 21 km of well-maintained slopes available.
Young people aged up to 16 can ski or snowboard for free on Saturdays.
The ski schools in Zermatt offer lessons for adults, teens, and children.
Offer for ski tours at Swiss Activities:
- Ski tour to Breithorn and Schwarztor
- Mountain tour or ski tour to Breithorn
- Ski tour to Breithorn and Theodulgletscher


Gravity Snowpark at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Snowpark is a fun park located on the Plateau Rosà at the Theodul Glacier. This freestyle hotspot is the highest in Europe, situated near the Furggsattel Glacier Lift at an altitude of 3,250 m. You’ll find six creative lines spanning around 1,200 m.
The Funslope is also suitable for kids, providing an exciting yet playful descent. Depending on your skill level, you can take speedy steep turns, ride through tunnels, or go over hills. Some obstacles along the way make the route even more engaging.
Winter highlights in the Snowpark include:
- Funslope for beginners & advanced
- Beginner Line with 12 jumps and 12 boxes
- Boardercross track
- Rail Garden with 8 rails
- Slopestyle with 3 rails and 3 jumps
From Zermatt, you can get here from Trockener Steg via the Matterhorn Glacier Ride (3S gondola), the Furggsattel chairlift, or the cable car.
Open: October to mid-May
Snowshoeing at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail is a path that takes about 5 hours to complete. It’s popular for its stunning views of the Matterhorn and is offered as a guided snowshoe hike.
Offering Matterhorn Glacier Trail at Swiss Activities:


Snow School at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
All year round, you can take advantage of a snow school at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Here, you get the chance to improve your skiing and snowboarding skills under the guidance of a highly trained snow sports instructor. The ski instructors use modern teaching aids for this purpose. Classes are available in groups or as private lessons.
Swiss Activities Offers for Ski School:
Swiss Activities Offers for Freestyle Ski School:
Hiking at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Hikes around the Schwarzsee are very popular. Here you can feel the Matterhorn very close. Hikes between the individual mountain railway stations are also ideal in the summer months. Then you can continue with the cable cars to Zermatt.
Some hiking trails at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:
Säumerweg: Trockener Steg - Furi
- Distance: 7.6 km
- Duration: 2:30 hours
- Altitude difference: 1165 hm
- Season: June to October
Matterhorn Glacier Trail: Trockener Steg - Schwarzsee
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Duration: 2:00 hours
- Altitude difference: 363 hm
- Season: June to September
Larch path: Schwarzsee - Furi
- Distance: 4.4 km
- Duration: 1:40 hours
- difference in altitude: 716 hm
- Season: June to September
Climate at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The air is very thin at 3800 m above sea level. Not everyone can tolerate these heights, especially during athletic efforts. Headaches are not uncommon from 2500 m above sea level. Because of the lower air pressure, it is important to acclimatize a bit first in order not to risk any damage to your health. Pulmonary edema can be life threatening. Before visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you should talk to your doctor about whether these altitudes could be a health risk for you.
Temperatures hardly reach more than +5 °C even in summer, thus maintaining the snow cover. In the months of January and February, it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach -35°C.


The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a very special destination for a winter vacation, even in summer. The huge mountains all around and always the view of the striking Matterhorn make the vacation an unforgettable experience.
8 Highlights at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located on the 3883 m high Klein Matterhorn.
- The highest mountain railroad station in Europe at 3821 m above sea level can be reached within 45 min by gondola from Zermatt.
- From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise you walk in 3.5 hours with a mountain guide to the summit of the Breithorn (4164 m above sea level).
- At the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lies the famous Theodul glacier.
- 15 m below the Theodul Glacier is the accessible Glacier Palace.
- The summer ski area on the Theodul glacier is the highest in Europe and is used by international ski athletes as a training location.
- The Gravity Snowpark offers the best conditions for jumping and slalom skiing.
- In winter you can use up to 360 km of slopes in the ski area, in summer 21 km.
What awaits you at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
At 3821 m above sea level, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is home to the highest mountain railway station in Europe. Professional mountain guides start from here with mountain hikers to the 4000-mountain peak Breithorn
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the summit of an international ski resort open all year round. In summer it even becomes the largest ski resort in Europe. Many famous international winter sportsmen are attracted here in summer.


Klein Matterhorn at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Klein Matterhorn sits at 3,883 m above sea level. Its observation platform provides a view that often extends all the way to the 4,810-meter-high Mont Blanc in France. The Klein Matterhorn is separated from the Matterhorn by the Theodul Glacier.
Theodul Glacier at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Theodul Glacier combines two glaciers at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. They stretch between the Breithorn and the Matterhorn and are referred to as the Upper and Lower Theodul Glacier, belonging to the Gorner Glacier system.
Furi
Located at 1,867 m above sea level, Furi is about three kilometers south of Zermatt. Furi serves as a transportation hub within the ski area. From Furi, there are direct connections via cable cars to:
- Zermatt
- Trockener Steg
- Schwarzsee
- Riffelberg
The cable car to Riffelberg connects the Klein Matterhorn ski area with that of Gornergrat. You can reach the Glacier Garden Dossen from Furi in about 30 minutes via a suspension bridge that spans the Gornerschlucht. It is always open and showcases evidence from the last Ice Age.
The Furi forest playground and the Ricola herb garden near Blatten ensure fun and entertainment for the whole family. There’s also the campfire site at Schweigmatten nearby.
Schwarzsee
Schwarzsee lies at the foot of the Matterhorn at 2,552 m above sea level. The mountain ridge of the same name (at 2,583 m above sea level) can be accessed from both Furgg and Furi. It houses the mountain railway station. The view of the Hörnligrat on the Matterhorn with the Hörnlihütte is particularly impressive from here. Zermatt is also easily visible.
From the Schwarzsee station, the Matterhorn Glacier Trail and ascents of the Matterhorn begin. You can reach the Hörnlihütte (at 3,260 m above sea level) in about two hours. In winter, the ski runs pass through here. Schwarzsee is the spot within the ski area where the sun first reaches in the morning.


Dry Steg
About a kilometer from the tongue of the Theodul Glacier, you'll find the summit station Dry Steg. This ridge stretches between altitudes of 2900 and 3000 meters above sea level between Zermatt and Furggsattel. The slopes here are particularly steep.
Furggsattel
The Furggsattel is located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. This mountain pass is slightly higher than the nearby Theodul Pass, reaching 3349 meters above sea level. You can access it from Dry Steg via the chairlift. The Furggsattel is bordered by the mountain peaks Furgghorn (3451 m above sea level) and Theodulhorn (3469 m above sea level).
Glacier Palace
The Glacier Palace is also part of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It lies about fifteen meters below the surface of the Theodul Glacier. You can reach the Glacier Palace via an elevator. It showcases not only very old ice formations but also intricately carved sculptures in the ice.
Getting to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise by Cable Cars
In the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Schwarzsee area, there are five gondola lifts, two cable cars, and one 3S cable car. During the winter season, five ski lifts operate here.
The fastest way to get from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn is with the 8-person gondola lift Matterhorn Express. The ride takes place over four sections and can take up to 45 minutes including transfers. The lifts overcome about 2200 meters in altitude from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn.
A special experience is a ride on the 3S cable car. It features heated seats and gets you to the highest cable car station in Europe in just nine minutes. The three-cable gondola lift is a large cabin lift.


Mountain railroads to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
| Tal station | Altitude (m a.s.l.) | Mountain station | Altitude (m a.s.l.) | Lift type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt | 1638 | Furi | 1871 | 8-seater gondola lift Matterhorn-Express 1 |
| Furi | 1871 | Schwarzsee | 2583 | 8-seater gondola Matterhorn Express 2 |
| Schwarzsee | 2583 | Furgg | 2432 | 8-seater gondola lift Matterhorn Express 3.1 |
| Furgg | 2432 | Trockener Steg | 2939 | 8-seater gondola lift Matterhorn Express 3.2 |
| Furi | 1871 | Riffelberg | 2582 | 8-seater gondola |
| Trockener Steg | 2929 | Klein Matterhorn | 3821 | 3S Bahn Matterhorn Glacier Ride |
| Furi | 1867 | Trockener Steg | 2929 | 125-seater aerial tramway |
| Trockener Steg | 2920 | Matterhorn Glacier Paradise | 3820 | 100-seater aerial tramway |
| Trockener Steg | 2913 | Furggsattel | 3369 | 6-seater chairlift |
| Furgg | 2427 | Sandy Ground | 2786 | 4-seater chairlift |


Restaurants at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
On the way at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise you will always find restaurants and ski bars. The stations of the mountain railroads are usually also attached to restaurants.
Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
At an altitude of 3883 m above sea level, you will find the highest mountain restaurant in Europe. The restaurant even has a fully equipped conference room. It is designed for up to 72 people.
On the menu are daily changing menus of the Valais cuisine. Burgers, pasta and stir-fry dishes are among them. A show kitchen lets you watch the preparation. Large panoramic windows provide a fantastic view of the mountains.
The building meets the latest environmental standards and supplies itself with 100% energy. A photovoltaic system on the south side takes care of this. A microbiological wastewater treatment plant completes the environmental concept.
open daily: 09:15 to 15:45
Schwarzsee Mountain Restaurant
The Schwarzsee mountain restaurant serves traditional Swiss cuisine at 2600 meters above sea level.
The gondola takes you up to the Schwarzsee station above Furi in about 20 minutes. On the way you already have breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
Open daily during the season 09:00-15:30 Summer season: beginning of July - middle of September Winter season: 2nd week of December - 3rd week of April


Activities at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a year-round paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Snowshoe hikers can enjoy an exceptionally beautiful glacier trail that brings them close to towering peaks.
Activities at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise include:
- Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding
- Backcountry skiing
- Snowshoe hiking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering and climbing
- Backcountry skiing and cross-country skiing
- Mountain biking
In summer, the trail from Schwarzsee to Zermatt is a great ride for mountain bikers. It’s advisable to undertake mountain tours and via ferrata with professional guides whenever possible. Guided snowshoe hikes over the glacier trail are also available.
ski resort Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
This ski resort is regularly awarded as the best ski area in the Alps. The famous Matterhorn is always in view. From Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can gaze at 38 peaks that are at least 4,000 meters high.
You can access 360 km of slopes in the Zermatt ski area, including the Italian part, Breuil Cervinia. The winter sports area stretches from about 1,600 to 3,899 m above sea level. In summer, there are 21 km of well-maintained slopes available.
Young people aged up to 16 can ski or snowboard for free on Saturdays.
The ski schools in Zermatt offer lessons for adults, teens, and children.
Offer for ski tours at Swiss Activities:
- Ski tour to Breithorn and Schwarztor
- Mountain tour or ski tour to Breithorn
- Ski tour to Breithorn and Theodulgletscher


Gravity Snowpark at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Snowpark is a fun park located on the Plateau Rosà at the Theodul Glacier. This freestyle hotspot is the highest in Europe, situated near the Furggsattel Glacier Lift at an altitude of 3,250 m. You’ll find six creative lines spanning around 1,200 m.
The Funslope is also suitable for kids, providing an exciting yet playful descent. Depending on your skill level, you can take speedy steep turns, ride through tunnels, or go over hills. Some obstacles along the way make the route even more engaging.
Winter highlights in the Snowpark include:
- Funslope for beginners & advanced
- Beginner Line with 12 jumps and 12 boxes
- Boardercross track
- Rail Garden with 8 rails
- Slopestyle with 3 rails and 3 jumps
From Zermatt, you can get here from Trockener Steg via the Matterhorn Glacier Ride (3S gondola), the Furggsattel chairlift, or the cable car.
Open: October to mid-May
Snowshoeing at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail is a path that takes about 5 hours to complete. It’s popular for its stunning views of the Matterhorn and is offered as a guided snowshoe hike.
Offering Matterhorn Glacier Trail at Swiss Activities:


Snow School at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
All year round, you can take advantage of a snow school at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Here, you get the chance to improve your skiing and snowboarding skills under the guidance of a highly trained snow sports instructor. The ski instructors use modern teaching aids for this purpose. Classes are available in groups or as private lessons.
Swiss Activities Offers for Ski School:
Swiss Activities Offers for Freestyle Ski School:
Hiking at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Hikes around the Schwarzsee are very popular. Here you can feel the Matterhorn very close. Hikes between the individual mountain railway stations are also ideal in the summer months. Then you can continue with the cable cars to Zermatt.
Some hiking trails at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:
Säumerweg: Trockener Steg - Furi
- Distance: 7.6 km
- Duration: 2:30 hours
- Altitude difference: 1165 hm
- Season: June to October
Matterhorn Glacier Trail: Trockener Steg - Schwarzsee
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Duration: 2:00 hours
- Altitude difference: 363 hm
- Season: June to September
Larch path: Schwarzsee - Furi
- Distance: 4.4 km
- Duration: 1:40 hours
- difference in altitude: 716 hm
- Season: June to September
Climate at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The air is very thin at 3800 m above sea level. Not everyone can tolerate these heights, especially during athletic efforts. Headaches are not uncommon from 2500 m above sea level. Because of the lower air pressure, it is important to acclimatize a bit first in order not to risk any damage to your health. Pulmonary edema can be life threatening. Before visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you should talk to your doctor about whether these altitudes could be a health risk for you.
Temperatures hardly reach more than +5 °C even in summer, thus maintaining the snow cover. In the months of January and February, it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach -35°C.


The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a very special destination for a winter vacation, even in summer. The huge mountains all around and always the view of the striking Matterhorn make the vacation an unforgettable experience.






