Klein Matterhorn

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Matterhorn observation point

The Klein Matterhorn (known as the "Matterhorn Glacier Paradise") is the highest point in the Zermatt-Cervinia ski area in Switzerland, and the end point of the highest cable car in Europe. The construction of this cable car started in August 1976 and was completed by December 1979. Creation of the mountain station was a difficult undertaking. Some 2000 cubic metres of concrete were used in the mountain station, all of which had to be transported there by helicopter. Weather conditions at the work site (3,820 metres above sea level) in high mountain terrain were extreme: temperatures falling to minus 40°C, snowfalls, and high winds.

Since completion, the Klein Matterhorn is the end of a cable-car journey that over 14 million passengers (as of 2005) have enjoyed (an average of 560,000 per year). The carriages were refurbished in 2005. The lift serves the largest summer-ski area in the alps. During summer months one can find many professional, as well as beginning skiers, here. Access to the ski slopes is via a tunnel blasted straight through the mountain. There is also a panoramic view platform at 3,883 m, which can be reached by elevator—located midway through the tunnel—followed by a 10 m climb up stairs. The Ice Cave ("Glacier Grotto") is just outside the tram station with a view into the glacier below.

The station is a high-alpine environment, and in the thin air one must use caution when making any physical effort. If possible, take time to climatise on the way to the Klein Matterhorn. There are plenty of warnings about this on the way up.

On December 9, 2005, the ZBAG (Zermatt Bergbahnen AG, the owner of this station) announced plans to significantly expand the facilities at the Klein Matterhorn. They had ordered studies from five large Swiss architectural firms stating some of the following demands: new heating-, water-, waste- and electricity-installations, new toilets, shop and cafetaria, restaurant, mountain cabin (40 beds, SAC (Schweizer Alpen-Club) style), new panoramic platform (new elevator), underground access to the gletscher palast (ice cave) and spare room for 2 cableways: one from Trockener Steg (3-cable gondola) and one from Testa Grigia (double cable car). Additionally: a private investor (Heinz Julen) launched the idea of a hotel. Official press announcement (in German) [1]

It was announced in July 2006 the winning design for this construnction was to consist of a pyramid of glass, with an observation platform at 4,000 meters with sky lifts on the outer wall to whisk passengers to the "new summit". [2] Zermatt Mountain Cableways seem intent on marketing the construction as "the newest 4,000+ meter peak in the alps"