International School Parent Magazine - Autumn 2023

ADVERTORIAL
of the Gornergrat Bahn, you can visit the special anniversary
exhibition in the “Matterhorn Museum” in Zermatt. There you
will find photos, videos, and exhibits from times gone by.
You relax in your train compartment, already high above
Zermatt. Between the colourful Larches you catch a glimpse of
the Matterhorn! It seems even more majestic as you travel higher
and higher. The rocky peak, already covered in snow provides the
perfect contrast to the golden landscape below. From time to time,
you spot a hiker, sharing your enjoyment of this magnificent setting.
Speaking of hiking, the cool autumn months are perfect for
hiking through the Pine and Larch forests. There are also mountain
lakes around Gornergrat, some of which reflect the Matterhorn
on their mirror-like surfaces. Where there are many guests in
summer, you are now almost alone on the road. But don’t forget
warm clothing, enough provisions, good shoes, and rain protection
- autumn weather can quickly change.
Next stop: Riffelberg. Now you are already at over 2500 meters
above sea level. We have long left the tree line behind us and rocks
and glaciers now dominate the landscape. The view sweeps uphill
through the large windows, where the first dusting of snow can
already be seen.
In less than two months, this area will become an enchanting
winter wonderland, inviting you to go skiing, tobogganing, or
snowshoeing. Together with Cervinia in Italy, Zermatt forms one of
the largest contiguous ski areas in the world. In total, 360 kilometres
of pistes await skiers of all abilities. The highest toboggan run in
the Alps is also located at Gornergrat and is accessible with the
Gornergrat Bahn. There are also pristine snowshoe trails with
deep views of the glacier landscape. There is truly something for
everyone.
The train stops. You have arrived at the summit and realize that
your seats on the right-hand side (in the direction of travel) were
a fantastic choice, providing the best view of the Matterhorn for
almost the entire journey!
As an aside, if you would prefer a more meandering journey, the
NostalChic Class offers unique views thanks to photo stops along
the way. You travel in the newly renovated, historic railcar from
the 1960s making this already exciting journey into an experience.
You can also enjoy culinary delicacies along the way and a gourmet
menu at Gornergrat.
You have made it to Gornergrat! As soon as you get off the train
you notice the clean, crisp air. From this vantage you can see a
panoramic view of the Matterhorn and 28 other 4000m peaks. You
make your way to the “Gornergrat Loop”, a short circular hike at
the summit to make the most of the spectacular views.
After spending a wonderful time outside, the best way to warm
up is either with a hot chocolate in the restaurant of the legendary
Kulm Hotel or in the new, interactive exhibition “ZOOOM the
Matterhorn” where you use high-tech periscopes to zoom in close
to the Matterhorn! Right next door, the view can be experienced
from all perspectives in the immersive 3D cinema and a virtual
reality paragliding flight.
Time flies far too quickly up here and sadly it is time to descend.
You comment to one another how much you would love to stay to
see autumn turn to winter. But today there is only enough time for
a quick snowball fight with the children. On the way down past the
Autumn leaves you admire them one last time as you start planning
your next trip: Gornergrat in winter!
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2023 | 31