Skiing all year round – a dream for all passionate winter sportsmen! Zermatt makes it possible, with the highest and largest summer ski resort in Europe. On Klein Matterhorn mountain, you can hit the slopes at all seasons. Along with that, you find an perpetual ice at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Summer Skiing in Zermatt
You can ski 365 days a year on Theodul glacier on the 3,883m high mountain Klein Matterhorn. During the summer, 21km of red and blue slopes are open, offering perfect skiing pleasure especially in the early morning, when the sun is not too blazing on the glacier yet. It is no coincidence that more than 100 ski squads from over 22 nations come here to train over the summer. Hence, you might even meet some familiar faces you know from professional sports at the top station.
Snowboarders and freestylers get their money's worth at the summer terrain park near Plateau Rosa. Not only is it one of the highest freestyle spots in the Alps, its diverse set-up also positions it among the best parks in Europe.
Open Lifts & Slopes
To get to the summer ski resort on Klein Matterhorn, simply grab the gondola in Zermatt. Via Furi, you get to Trockener Steg top station. From there, the 3S cableway takes you to the summit station Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in only nine minutes. Here is where you find the glacier paradise experience as well as the ski slopes that are serviced by several t-bars. By the way: From July 2023 you can also get up to the glacier from Cervinia all year round with another 3S cableway.
The summer ski resort closes at midday, in order to ensure good quality of the slopes during the warmer season. Ski schools, ski rentals, and sports stores are also open all year round. Summer lift tickets start at CHF 79 for adults; kids under 8 years ski for free.
Snow Report
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Experience
The ski runs are not the only reason why you should consider a trip to the highest cableway station in Europe at 3,883m. The ride on the new 3S gondola alone is an experience. Four crystal ride cars complete with Swarovski crystals and glass floors make for a unique glacier view during the 9-minute ride. All the while, the audio system provides interesting information about the Alpine world, the cableway, and more.
At the top, the viewing platform by the summit cross offers a panoramic view of various mountain peaks, including the highest mountain in Italy, Gran Paradiso (4,061m), or the 4,810m high Mont Blanc in France.
Besides the stunning view, the second of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise's highlights is the glacier palace. A lift takes you 15m underneath the glacier surface, and carries you off into a fairytale land of sparkling ice crystals, imposing crevasses, ice tunnels, a slide, and unique sculptures. Ice banks equipped with furs invite you to relax and take in the fantastic ice world surrounding you.
At the inside of the mountain, you also find a viewing window from where you can see the 4,164m high mountain Breithorn; a cinema lounge; and a restaurant with shop. You can even stay the night at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Lodge.
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Walk Over the Longest Pendant Bridge in the World
If after all this snow and ice you do fancy some summer activities, Zermatt will also deliver on that. The suspension bridge on Europaweg trail is one of the highlights. At a length of 494m, it is the longest freely pendant walking bridge in the world, crossing the abyss above Randa. The bridge is located 2,000m above sea level, and opens up a view into the 85m deep abyss. Therefore, visitors should have a head for heights as well as a safe step. Crossing the bridge takes around 10 minutes.
The only way to get to the pendant bridge is on Europaweg trail. The panoramic tour leads you from Grächen to Zermatt over the course of two days, and boasts stunning views of Matterhorn, Weisshorn, and the Bernese Alps. The suspension bridge is located around halfway into the hike. The quickest way to get to the bridge is from Randa; the walk there takes around two to two and a half hours.
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