The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is aptly named – at 3,883 m it’s a snowy wonderland in the sky, reachable by a series of cable cars from Zermatt. As the highest cable car station in Europe, it delivers jaw-dropping views of 14 glaciers and over 30 peaks above 4,000 m, including close-ups of the Matterhorn’s south face.

To get there, you’ll ascend via gondola to Trockener Steg, then board the state-of-the-art 3S cable car (with some cabins featuring glass floors) up to Klein Matterhorn. At the top, take an elevator to the summit viewing platform (3,883 m) – the panorama spans Italy’s Aosta Valley on one side and Switzerland’s Alps on the other.

Activities: Visit the Glacier Palace, an ice cave carved 15 m below the glacier’s surface, filled with illuminated ice sculptures and an ice slide. Outside, even in mid-summer, you can play in the snow or view climbers starting their Breithorn ascents. It’s also a ski paradise: you’ll likely see skiers and snowboarders year-round (the glacier ski area operates 365 days, conditions permitting). For a thrill, there’s a short tubing run in summer and sometimes guided snowshoe walks.

Prices: A round-trip cable car ticket to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is around CHF 120 per adult (summer 2026 rate CHF 132; slightly less in winter ~CHF 113). Discounts: 50% off with Half-Fare or Swiss Travel Pass (so ~CHF 60), children under 9 go free with a Wolli Card, 9–15 years half-price. The optional Glacier Palace entry is about CHF 8 (or included free with some tickets/Peak Pass).

Activity Level: Light – mainly cable car rides and walking through tunnels and onto viewing decks. There are elevators in station and to the lookout, though a few stairs to final platform. Be mindful of the thin air: move slowly and avoid heavy exertion up here.

Getting There: Take the Matterhorn Express gondola from Zermatt to Furi (or directly from the new station near town), then continue Furi–Trockener Steg, then the big cable car to Glacier Paradise. Total ride ~45 minutes. Zermatt is car-free, so reach the gondola by foot (15 min from station) or electric taxi.

Seasonality: Open all year except a maintenance period (usually late April–early May for a few weeks). Summer is fantastic for clear mornings and mixing snow with T-shirt weather; winter offers deep snow and a surreal high-mountain feel.

Practical tips: Bring warm layers – it can be -10°C even in July and often windy up top. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must on the glacier. At nearly 3,900 m, hydrate and don’t overdo it – mild altitude sickness symptoms (headache, dizziness) can occur. Stay an hour or two max if you feel effects. The on-site restaurant offers simple meals and hot drinks (expensive, but you might welcome a hot chocolate in the cold). Restrooms are available at the station (use them before heading back down). For photographers: morning light is best on the Italian side peaks, while afternoon lights the Matterhorn well. Cloud buildup often occurs by midday in summer, so earlier is better for views. Finally, check the weather – don’t go up if the peak is in cloud, as you won’t see much and it’s not cheap. Pick a clear day, and you’ll truly feel on top of Europe.