In the Alps - the Klein Matterhorn Gondola

The Klein Matterhorn Gondola leaves the Trockener Steg station for the last leg to the summit. The gondola takes tourists from the much celebrated Swiss resort of Zermatt to the summit station of the Klein Matterhorn at 3820m (12533ft) which makes it the highest cable car in the Alps and in Europe. The photo was taken en route to the Gandegg Hut (3029m/9938ft) which is reachable by footpath from Zermatt. It's a stunning location on the edge of the permanent snow and ice fields that line the frontier ridge between Switzerland and Italy.

The route over the glacier to Italy via the Theodul Pass (3307m/10850ft) continues from there which is a way that is used by two of the long distance treks in the Swiss Valais; the Tour of the Matterhorn and the Tour of Monte Rosa. The pass is not difficult but there can be crevasses so it is advisable to be roped together! The route to the Gandegg Hut though, is well marked and involves no glacier crossing. Alternatively skiers can use the gondola to access the Italian Cervinia lift system from the top of Klein Matterhorn where is found the largest summer ski area in Europe.