3S Bahn Matterhorn Glacier Ride, Zermatt, Switzerland

The Matterhorn Glacier Ride is a 3S tricable gondola above Zermatt that climbs from Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on the Klein Matterhorn. Its top station at 3,883 m is the highest mountain station in Europe, and when it opened in 2018 it was the highest 3S cableway in the world. The three-cable design keeps the large cabins stable in strong wind and allows long spans between the towers.

Location and Route

The Matterhorn Glacier Ride is the last and highest stage of the lift chain that runs from Zermatt via Furi and Trockener Steg up to the glacier.

• Valley station: Trockener Steg (2,939 m)
• Upper station: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise / Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m)
• Vertical rise: approx. 940 m
• Travel time: about 9 minutes
• Capacity: 25 cabins for 28 passengers each, up to 2,000 people per hour

The line runs over high glacier terrain with only a few towers, giving open views of the glaciers, the Breithorn and the Matterhorn.

History

• Opened: 2018
• Technology: 3S (tricable) gondola built by Leitner, with cabins designed by Pininfarina
• Extension: the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II to Testa Grigia opened on 1 July 2023

The new line took pressure off the old aerial cableway to the Klein Matterhorn, which had been the only way up since 1979. Together with the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II it forms the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, the highest cable-car crossing of the Alps, between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia in Italy.

Tickets and Prices

The Matterhorn Glacier Ride is run by Zermatt Bergbahnen and is not included in local public transport tickets. Prices for 2026/27:

• Return trip Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: CHF 104 from November to April, CHF 120 in May, June, September and October, CHF 132 in July and August
• Afternoon ticket: CHF 84–106 return, sold on the day from 13:30
• Discounts: 50% with the Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card or GA; children aged 9–15 pay half price and children under 9 travel free
• Crystal Ride: a supplement for one of the four cabins whose floor turns transparent during the ride

Bikes are not carried between Trockener Steg and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Unique Features

The Matterhorn Glacier Ride is unique because it:

• Was the highest 3S cableway in the world when it opened
• Ends at 3,883 m, the highest mountain station in Europe
• Offers views of the Matterhorn and, from the top, of 38 peaks over 4,000 m
• Has four Crystal Ride cabins with glass floors

At the top you can visit the viewing platform, the Glacier Palace ice caves and Europe’s highest mountain restaurant, and in summer ski on the glacier until midday.

Thanks to the 3S design, the gondola keeps running in winds that stop many other cable cars, but it still closes in severe storms.