Klein Matterhorn

The Klein Matterhorn (3883m) above the world-famous resort of Zermatt is home to the ski region known as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Switzerland's highest ski area. Numerous national ski teams use this skiing region in summer to hone their snow skills. It is reached by Europe's highest-altitude aerial cableway, which glides over deep glacier crevasses to the top station, an impressive 3820m above sea level. On reaching the station, you walk through a tunnel to a lift, which takes you up through rock to a vantage platform with an absolutely overwhelming 360° panoramic view of an Alpine world with dozens of peaks over 4,000m high. A whole different world opens up some 15 metres beneath the glacier surface: the Glacier Palace with fantastic ice sculptures and fascinating facts on glaciology. It also has a snack bar carved into the ice, where you can relax and warm up.

Pictures: Gornergrat, Schwarzsee