Trockener Steg | Zermatt

Trockener Steg is a high-altitude mountain pass and a popular location in the Zermatt region of the Swiss Alps. Situated at an elevation of 2,939 meters (9,639 feet), it serves as a key gateway for those exploring the mountains around the famous Matterhorn peak. The area offers stunning views, access to various hiking and skiing routes, and is well-known for its role in connecting the Zermatt valley with other high-altitude attractions, including the Matterhorn Glacier and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Key Features of Trockener Steg

1. Location and Accessibility

• Trockener Steg is located on the Matterhorn Glacier, nestled between the Matterhorn and the Theodul Pass. It acts as a transit point for travelers moving between Zermatt and the Italian side of the Alps, particularly the town of Cervinia.
• The site is easily accessible from Zermatt via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car system. The ride up provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Matterhorn.
• Trockener Steg is also a popular stop for skiers, hikers, and mountaineers, who use it as a base for exploring the nearby slopes or embarking on routes that lead to the Matterhorn Glacier or Theodul Pass.

2. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

• One of the main attractions at Trockener Steg is its proximity to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (also known as the Klein Matterhorn), which is the highest cable car station in Europe, reaching an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet).
• From Trockener Steg, visitors can take a cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn and other peaks, visit the Glacier Palace (an ice cave inside the glacier), or experience snow and ice activities year-round.

3. Skiing and Snowboarding

• Trockener Steg is part of the Zermatt-Cervinia-Valtournenche ski area, one of the largest international ski areas in Europe, which offers access to more than 360 kilometers (224 miles) of ski slopes.
• The area surrounding Trockener Steg is ideal for high-altitude skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can ski across borders, moving between Switzerland and Italy. Skiers also enjoy off-piste terrain and freeride zones in this region.
• The Matterhorn Glacier offers glacier skiing, and Trockener Steg is a base for those looking to experience skiing in a pristine, snow-covered environment, often with fewer crowds than lower-altitude ski resorts.

4. Hiking and Mountaineering

• Trockener Steg is an excellent starting point for various hiking and mountaineering activities. It offers access to several high-altitude trails, including those that lead to the Matterhorn Glacier or towards the Theodul Pass, which connects Switzerland and Italy.
• The Gornergrat hiking trail is another popular route from Trockener Steg, providing stunning views of the Gorner Glacier, Matterhorn, and other surrounding peaks.
• Mountaineers often use Trockener Steg as a base for tackling the challenging Matterhorn summit or other peaks in the region. It also provides access to glacier trekking tours for those interested in exploring the ice fields.

5. Viewpoints and Scenic Beauty

• From Trockener Steg, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Breithorn, and other majestic peaks in the Pennine Alps. The area is known for its dramatic landscapes, which include glaciers, rocky ridges, and snow-covered slopes.
• The nearby Gorner Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Alps, is visible from Trockener Steg, offering spectacular panoramic vistas of ice formations and rugged mountain terrain.

6. Matterhorn Glacier Ride

• The Matterhorn Glacier Ride is an innovative cable car that connects Trockener Steg with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It provides a smooth and scenic ride, allowing visitors to travel from the Swiss side to the highest cable car station in Europe, with stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks along the way.

7. Environmental Significance

• Trockener Steg and the surrounding region are part of an environmentally sensitive area in the Alps, where the effects of climate change are particularly noticeable. The retreat of glaciers in the region has been a concern for scientists and environmentalists.
• The area serves as an important example of the ongoing changes in alpine ecosystems, with conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique natural environment of the region.

Conclusion

Trockener Steg is a fascinating and important site in the Zermatt region, offering a combination of adventure, stunning natural beauty, and access to world-class ski slopes and mountaineering routes. Whether you are skiing on the Matterhorn Glacier, hiking through alpine trails, or simply enjoying the spectacular views of the Alps, Trockener Steg serves as a key point for those looking to explore the rugged mountain landscapes around the Matterhorn and beyond. It is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting Zermatt.