Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Europe’s Highest Cable Car Station in Zermatt

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located on the summit of the Klein Matterhorn (Little Matterhorn) in the Pennine Alps of southern Switzerland. Perched at a staggering altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet), it sits directly on the border between the Swiss canton of Valais and the Italian Aosta Valley. It is situated approximately 10 kilometers south of the car-free village of Zermatt. While the village sits at 1,620 meters, the Paradise station is nearly 2.2 km higher, accessible only by a series of cable cars.

The Klein Matterhorn station is the highest point in the Zermatt ski area. It is one of the most visited destinations in Switzerland. The facility is operated and maintained by Zermatt Bergbahnen AG, which also manages the entire Zermatt mountain transport system.

• Year-round glacier skiing: This mountain station sits at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet), above the car-free resort village of Zermatt. It offers year-round access to snow, which makes it a haven for skiers, mountaineers and sightseers.
• 360° Alpine Panorama: Visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alpine peaks across Switzerland, Italy and France.

While Jungfraujoch is often marketed as the “Top of Europe,” this summit station remains the highest cable car-accessible mountain station in Europe at 3,883 meters.

• The Highest Mountain Station in Europe: The highest cable car station in the Alps, offering unmatched high-altitude access without mountaineering experience.
• Unmatched 360° Panoramic Views: Breathtaking 360° panoramic platform with views across three countries.
• Glacier Palace: Explore a magical world of ice tunnels, shimmering ice formations and ice sculptures carved into the glacier.
• Scenic Cable Car Journey: The ride up itself is breathtaking, sometimes featuring glass floors for unique views of the glacier below.

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station is open year-round, but your experience will vary depending on the season.

Note: Prices vary by season and with discount passes. Always verify current fares on the official portal before booking.

Zermatt is a car-free village. So, no private vehicles are permitted beyond the town of Tasch. The destination is accessible exclusively by the Zermatt cable car network, which departs from the village and ascends to the summit station. The total travel time from Zermatt village to the summit is approximately 40 to 45 minutes.

The snow paradise is far more than a cable car ride with a view. From adrenaline-pumping snow adventures to stunning ice-tunnel explorations, here is what to expect.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is one of the very few places in the world where skiing and snowboarding are possible year-round. The Theodul Glacier allows you to ski across the border into Italy and offers prepared runs for riders of all levels. 

Note: Ski and snowboard rental is available for a cost of CHF 40 - 70 (Rs. 3,700 - 6,500) per day, including boots.

The open-air platform at 3,883 m presents the most spectacular alpine panorama in Europe. On a clear day, visitors can see Mont Blanc in France, the Bernese Alps in the north and the Gran Paradiso in Italy.

This palace is entirely hand-carved in the living Klein Matterhorn glacier. This underground palace is a surreal world of ice sculptures and frozen tunnels. It is one of the most unique indoor experiences in Switzerland. 

Note: It remains closed from Feb 02 – Feb 27, 2026

The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is an all-season cable car link that connects Zermatt, Switzerland, with Breuil-Cervinia, Italy. It is the highest border crossing in the Alps and allows non-skiers to travel between the two countries while staying completely surrounded by glaciers and 4,000-meter peaks. The journey uses the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, a state-of-the-art 3S cableway featuring Pininfarina-designed cabins with heated seats and "Crystal Ride" glass floors.

Note: It remains closed for the winter maintenance from Jan 07 to Feb 27, 2026

The summit building houses a self-service restaurant as well as a more formal à la carte dining option. Each offers panoramic windows framing the Matterhorn.

• Temperatures at the summit can drop well below freezing even in summer. So, dress in warm, windproof layers regardless of the season.
• Book your cable car tickets online in advance during the peak summer months (July–August) to avoid long queues at the valley station.
• It is recommended to stay hydrated due to its elevation of nearly 4,000 m.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential as UV radiation is significantly stronger at high altitudes.
• Photography is welcome throughout the site, including inside the Glacier Palace.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is one of the most extraordinary high-altitude experiences. The cable car ride to the summit is a full sensory experience. It is an ideal destination for adventurous travellers, families or anyone who wishes to explore the Swiss Alps. Plan ahead and book your cable car tickets with our best-selling Switzerland Tour Package for a hassle-free travel experience.