Hiking Matterhorn Glacier Trail

Starting in Zermatt you can either take a lift up to Trockener Steg (2939m) or Schwarzsee (2583m). Matterhorn Glacier Trail connects the two lift endpoints.

OR you can take the day-long trek of hiking the Matterhorn trail, starting in Zermatt (1620m) and ending in Schwarzsee, to start the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. Once you get to Trockener Steg, you begin your decent to Zermatt through Saumerweg.

I personally took the 8 hour day-long hike through the Matterhorn Trail, Matterhorn Glacier Trail, and Saumerweg, in that order. Once deciding to start the Glacier Trail instead of descending to Zermatt, the weather took a turn for the worse (Sunny to Rain/Sleet and Fog within 30 minutes). The storm lasted for an hour and the weather cleared up as fast as it came, allowing me to descend safely.

After the initial climb from Schwarzsee (or beginning from Trockener Steg), you arrive at an open rugged terrain below the East Face of the Matterhorn where winter's glaciers have thawed. There are plenty of picturesque Glacier Ponds and Runoffs that meander through the valleys. There are numerous trails and areas for exploration in the plane connecting the two lift endpoints.

On the descent I encountered packs of Ibex and Mountain Sheep.

There are plenty of multilingual speakers and signs to accommodate for tourists and foreigners.