- Open year-round, daily
- Summer: 8:30am– 4:30pm
- Winter: extended hours for skiing
Note: Weather may affect operations, check seasonal variations here
Plan your visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Opening hours
ADDRESS
Schluhmattstrasse 28, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
RECOMMENDED DURATION
4 hours
VISITORS PER YEAR
500000
TICKETS
From $138.38
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
It is one of the few places in Europe where you can ski or snowboard 365 days a year on a natural glacier.
The viewing platform offers 360° views of peaks across Switzerland, Italy, and France.
From here, you can connect to Italy via the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, a seamless international cable car route.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a mountain station on the Klein Matterhorn, opened in 1979 as a year-round gateway to the high Alps. You can step inside the world's highest Glacier Palace, admire its intricate ice sculptures, stroll across a glass skywalk, and unwind at the cinema lounge.
The station also houses restaurants, exhibitions, and direct links to ski slopes in winter and hiking trails in summer, making it a year-round destination. Whether you’re planning a short cable car trip or a full day in the high Alps, it’s designed to be both accessible and unforgettable.
This pyramid-shaped peak dominates the skyline. Best viewed from the summit platform, especially at sunrise when it glows golden.
At almost 3,900 meters, the thin mountain air can cause shortness of breath, mild dizziness, or fatigue after arrival. These effects are normal and usually ease as you adjust. Children, older travelers, and those sensitive to altitude may notice it more. Many visitors naturally pace their time with short stops, whether watching a film in the cinema lounge or enjoying a meal at the summit restaurant, before heading back to the panoramic decks or glacier attractions.
When people say climbing the Matterhorn, they mean reaching its 4,478-meter peak, not the Glacier Paradise summit station. This demanding ascent requires experience, fitness, and acclimatization. The classic Hörnli Ridge route begins at Hörnli Hut (3,260 m) and is usually tackled with professional Zermatt guides who provide gear and support. With their expertise, climbers navigate exposed ridges and icy passages, turning the Matterhorn ascent into a true alpine achievement.
Absolutely! Matterhorn Glacier Paradise isn’t just a viewpoint, it’s Europe’s highest mountain station, with the world's highest Glacier Palace, and panoramic viewing platform in the Alps.
A person in average health won't have any problems at the Klein, but those who engage in intense physical activity may get symptoms such as shortness of breath and headaches.
Not at all! The cable car ride is one of the smoothest and safest in the world. The cabins are equipped with state-of-the-art suspension and wind-stabilization systems, designed to handle Alpine conditions with ease.
Every day of the year, between the hours of 9am and 4pm, you may ride the cable cars to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Get a detailed guide on cable-car routes and timings here.
Absolutely! Your ticket allows for on-off access at Furi, Schwarzsee, or Trockener Steg to explore hiking trails and scenic spots.
Yes, this mountain wonder is accessible 365 days a year.
A comfortable visit takes around 4 hours, letting you enjoy the ride, explore attractions, and dine without rushing.
Both are incredible, but they offer different vibes. Gornergrat gives you that iconic Matterhorn postcard view, while Matterhorn Glacier Paradise takes you higher, into a world of glaciers and snow. Ideally, do both!
You can book tickets online in advance here to secure your preferred time slot. Tickets are also available at Zermatt’s cable car valley stations, but lines can be long, especially in peak season.
Yes, holders of the Swiss Travel Pass enjoy a 50% discount on the journey. Children under 16 with a Junior Card often ride for free with a parent.
Day Trip From Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Combo (Save 7%): Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car + Gornergrat Railway Tickets
Combo (Save 7%): Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Tickets With Zermatt Shuttle
Swiss Travel Continuous Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat
