Klein Matterhorn
T he state-of-the-art 3S gondola glides above dramatic glacial terrain, transporting you to Klein Matterhorn's 3,883m summit – home to Europe's highest viewing platform, with a breathtaking backdrop of panoramic vistas spanning three countries (Switzerland, France and Italy). Soak up the high Alpine views and fresh mountain air as you ski down from the top. From Testa Grigia you can choose to ski into Italy (Cervinia) or to continue in the Zermatt ski area.The impressive descent from Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt village delivers an awe-inspiring 2,200 vertical meters of continuous skiing – a true marathon that will challenge even the most conditioned legs and reward you with ever-changing landscapes and snow conditions. From the wide-open, sun-drenched glacier runs with their forgiving gradients to the more technical and demanding descents through the tree line, Klein Matterhorn caters to every skiing appetite.
Advanced skiers seeking the ultimate thrill should not miss the Schwarzsee itinerary routes when the snow conditions permit. These gnarly and ungroomed runs offer the perfect blend of controlled adventure – delivering powder-filled challenges after a fresh snowfall and then endless moguls and variable snow once they have been skied out. Many seasoned Zermatt enthusiasts consider these routes the area's hidden gems – the perfect blend of challenging terrain and alpine excitement.
Pistes
Altitude
Klein Matterhorn highlights
Access - Getting to Klein Matterhorn
Head up to the highest point in our ski area by taking the Matterhorn Express from town to Trockener Steg, there are 4 lift stations you go through on the way up so relax and enjoy the ride! Then take the Glacier ride up to Klein Matterhorn.
Moving over to Gornergrat
To move left on the map, take any of the runs to Furi and use the Riffelberg Express to access the Gornergrat area.
To get over to our neighbouring Italian resort, check out the Cervinia page.
Don’t miss the 3S ride
Don’t miss the 3S ride to Klein Matterhorn and put aside a few minutes to check out the viewing platform before skiing down. Amazing panoramas of what seems like the whole of the Alps. You can even see Mont Blanc on a clear day, 45 miles away!
Klein Matterhorn offers a great range of skiing for all abilities
Klein Matterhorn piste highlights
This whole area is a red run skier’s paradise. The wide motorway style pistes above Trockener Steg are a great warm up before the steeper and narrower reds below.
Run 85 from the top is the highest piste in Europe and offers fantastic views as you descend. Wrap up warm though; at 3800m, the weather can feel very different to the rest of the ski area!
Run 51 from Schwarzsee to Furi is a great run most of the time but might be best avoided at the end of the day as it can get busy (and bumpy in spring).
The Hörnli black (54) is a good challenge as some sections are the steepest in town!
Furgg-Furi (8) is an awesome long run with changing terrain. If you want it at it’s best then hit it in the morning. After it’s been groomed its a fantastic flowing run. Come the afternoon it can be a little slick or bumpy, depending on the time of year.
The two itineraries at Garten (67 and 68) are fairly flattering and a good place to try variable snow conditions for the first time.
Schwarzsee’s yellows (58, 59 and 60) are more challenging tree lined runs that are perfect on a bad weather day.
Straight to Trockener Steg
In the busy weeks you can sometimes jump on the cable car directly from Furi to Trockener Steg to get up to the glacier quickly. (especially handy if you took an early train to Gornergrat for a quiet run to start the day).
Restaurants in this area offer gastronomic hotspots and awesome views
Klein Matterhorn & Schwarzsee restaurant highlights.
Dine under the north face of the Matterhorn
The fabulous Stafelalp restaurant, perfectly positioned on run 52, offers one of Zermatt’s most dramatic dining settings in the resort. The original alpine hut was destroyed in a fire and was replaced by this excellent restaurant with an unrivalled vantage point of the Matterhorn’s imposing north face – a sheer vertical wall or rock and ice that has captivated mountaineers for generations. Tuck into one of their voluptuous sharing platters and their extensive wine list while soaking up the views.
Furi's Culinary Crossroads
The mountain hub of Furi serves as a gastronomic gathering point with several excellent dining options. Towards the end of run 51 just above Furi, the charming Gitz Gädi (in Hotel Silvana) welcomes skiers with its distinctive stone-and-timber architecture. This family-run establishment has perfected hearty mountain cuisine and their intimate dining room adorned with alpine memorabilia and antique ski equipment creates an authentically Swiss atmosphere.
Nearby, Restaurant Marmo presents another excellent option with it’s take on modern Swiss cuisine and good vibes.
Final Descent Indulgences
The leisurely run to town from Furi (50) presents the perfect opportunity to experience two of Zermatt’s most celebrated culinary institutions. The legendary Zum See, nestled in a tiny hamlet of centuries-old blackened timber houses, has earned international acclaim for its sophisticated alpine cuisine. Their delicate dishes and seasonal specialties reflect their commitment to exceptional ingredients, while their desserts – particularly the famous cremeschnitte – have achieved cult status among Zermatt regulars.
Just a little further down the piste, Restaurant Blatten occupies a 500-year-old converted barn where rustic elegance meets warm hospitality. Their extensive terrace overlooks the final stretch into Zermatt, making it the perfect spot to linger over their renowned wild game specialties and exceptional Swiss wines. Both establishments encourage savouring a relaxed late lunch, knowing the village is just minutes away – allowing you to fully indulge in their memorable dining experiences.
All Klein Matterhorn restaurants
