Ascend to Glacier Paradise: Your Ultimate Guide to Europe's Highest Cable Car Station

Reaching New Heights: An Introduction to Glacier Paradise

Imagine standing atop Europe, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of towering peaks and glistening glaciers. This dream becomes a reality at Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe, perched high above the charming town of Zermatt, Switzerland. This guide will take you on a virtual journey to this alpine wonderland, providing all the essential information for planning your own unforgettable adventure.

A Feast for the Eyes: Panoramic Views and Majestic Peaks

From the viewing platform at Glacier Paradise, prepare to be mesmerized. 38 peaks over 4,000 meters and 14 glaciers stretch out before you, spanning across Switzerland, Italy, and France. Iconic mountains like the Matterhorn (from a unique south-facing perspective), Mont Blanc, and the potentially climbable Breithorn dominate the skyline, offering a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

While you won't get the classic Matterhorn view, each vantage point in Zermatt offers a fresh perspective on this iconic peak. From cable cars to hiking trails, every turn reveals a new facet of this majestic mountain.

Year-Round Thrills: Skiing and Glacier Adventures

Glacier Paradise isn't just about breathtaking views. It boasts Europe's highest and largest summer ski resort, offering 21 km of slopes and a freestyle arena for year-round snow sports enthusiasts. Be prepared for chilly temperatures, even in summer, and dress warmly with a jacket, hat, and sunglasses.

Venture 15 meters below the glacier's surface into the man-made ice tunnels for a truly unique experience. Slide down the ice slide, explore the mesmerizing ice formations, and marvel at the wonder of being inside a glacier.

Beyond the Ice: Cinema, Dining, and More

Warm up in Europe's highest cinema, featuring short films about mountaineering, glaciers, and local flora. Enjoy a meal with a view at the highest mountain restaurant in Europe, where you can watch the chefs prepare your food. While the restaurant offers panoramic views and a unique dining experience, consider packing a picnic to enjoy during a hike from a lower cable car station.

Planning Your Ascent: Tickets and Essential Information

Roundtrip cable car tickets to Glacier Paradise typically cost between 95 and 120 CHF for adults, depending on the season. While Eurail and Interrail passes don't offer discounts, the Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card provide 50% off. Children up to age 9 travel free, a significant benefit compared to the usual age 6 limit in Switzerland. However, children under 3 cannot ascend past Trockener Steg due to altitude sickness risks.

• Children aged 9-15 travel at half price or free with the Swiss Family Card.
• Dogs are welcome on the cable car to Glacier Paradise free of charge.

The Crystal Ride and Trockener Steg: Enhancing Your Journey

For an additional 10 CHF per adult, upgrade to the Crystal Ride, a glass-bottomed gondola offering spectacular views of the glacier below. The 90-minute ride in a heated, crystal-adorned gondola is a truly unforgettable experience.

Trockener Steg, the station below Glacier Paradise, offers several attractions, including ticket purchases for the Crystal Ride, a restaurant with a rooftop terrace, a shop, and the Info Cube, a mini-museum dedicated to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cableway.

Hiking the Matterhorn Glacier Trail

Embark on the 6.5 km Matterhorn Glacier Trail, descending from Trockener Steg across a unique lunar landscape. This trail traverses terrain once covered by glaciers, offering stunning views of the Matterhorn reflected in a lake and informative panels detailing the glaciers' history.

Exploring Schwarzee and Beyond

Continue your descent to Schwarzee, home to a picturesque mountain lake, a charming chapel, hiking and biking trails, a restaurant, and the iconic Zermatt sign. From here, explore further hiking trails or descend back to Zermatt.

A Final Descent: Concluding Your Glacier Paradise Adventure

From the breathtaking heights of Glacier Paradise to the charming trails and villages below, a journey to this alpine wonderland is an experience unlike any other. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and wonder of the Swiss Alps.