Top Fly Glacier: Paragliding from 3,883 m at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Take off from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe, and fly for around 30 minutes above glaciers and 4,000-metre peaks, with the Matterhorn right beside you. The Top Fly Glacier is our highest flight and one of the most spectacular tandem flights in the Alps. No experience needed: your certified pilot takes care of everything.
Flight at a glance
| Take-off | Matterhorn Glacier Paradise |
| Altitude | 3,883 m above sea level |
| Airtime | Approx. 30 minutes (shorter in winter) |
| Total duration | Approx. 2 hours |
| Availability | Year-round, subject to weather conditions |
| Price | CHF 420 per person |
| Photos & video | Optional GoPro package, CHF 40 |
Taking off from 3,883 metres
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise sits on the Klein Matterhorn, at 3,883 m above sea level. It is the highest point in Europe you can reach by cable car, and one of the highest paragliding take-offs in the Alps. From there, the view stretches across Switzerland, Italy and France, and on a clear day you can see dozens of 4,000-metre peaks.
Starting this high gives you something no other flight in Zermatt can: a long descent of more than 2,200 metres, first above the glaciers and then down towards the village, with the Matterhorn beside you for most of the way. It is the flight to choose if you want the most dramatic high-mountain scenery.
At this altitude the air is thinner and colder, even in summer. Dress warmly and take your time on the way up: your pilot will make sure you feel comfortable before take-off. Because conditions at 3,883 m are more demanding, this flight depends more on the weather than our other flights. If the glacier take-off is not possible on the day, it can be swapped for a cross country flight at the same price.
What to expect on the day
- Meeting point. We meet at Bahnhofplatz 7, right next to Zermatt’s Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn station and one minute’s walk from the Gornergrat railway.
- Cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Together with your pilot, you ride up by cable car to 3,883 m.
- Briefing and take-off. Your pilot explains everything you need to know.
- The flight. Around 30 minutes above the glaciers, with the Matterhorn beside you and Zermatt far below.
- Landing in Zermatt. A soft landing in Zermatt village. If you booked the photo and video package, your images go straight to your smartphone.
Top Fly Glacier or another flight?
The cross country flight has the same price and focuses on distance and airtime rather than altitude, with around 35 minutes in the air. If you mainly want to fly in front of the Matterhorn, our best seller is the Matterhorn VIP, with around 25 minutes for CHF 300. And if one flight is not enough, the Private Paragliding Day gives you up to three hours of total airtime over several flights.
What our guests say
What an incredible experience flying over the alps and the Matterhorn! Julio made everything super easy. His communication was excellent and his talent as a pilot is second to none.
It was a super beautiful experience, I felt safe on the flight and also on the hike up to the takeoff point. I can say Julio is a great pilot and also a mountaineer!
It was a great great experience! Had awesome videos and photos of the Matterhorn, Zermatt. A must try when you visit Zermatt! Would definitely do it again!
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience to fly from the glacier?
No. The Top Fly Glacier is a tandem flight: you fly attached to a certified pilot who controls the paraglider. You only need to take a few steps at take-off and landing.
Is it the highest paragliding take-off in Europe?
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, at 3,883 m, is the highest cable car station in Europe, which makes it one of the highest paragliding take-offs in the Alps and the highest you can reach by cable car.
Will the altitude affect me?
At 3,883 m the air is thinner, and some people feel short of breath or light-headed. Move slowly, drink water and tell your pilot how you feel. ⚠ CONFIRMAR: ¿alguna recomendación o restricción médica para volar a esta altitud?
What if the glacier take-off is not possible on the day?
This flight depends more on the weather than our others. If conditions at the glacier are not suitable, the flight can be swapped for a cross country flight at the same price, or rescheduled.
Is there an age or weight limit?
⚠ CONFIRMAR: edad mínima y peso máximo/mínimo.
What should I wear?
Warm clothing is essential: a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, long trousers and sturdy shoes or boots, even in summer. Sunglasses and sun cream are a must on the glacier.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If we cancel your flight because of weather or safety conditions, you receive a full refund, minus a 5% confirmation fee. We will always try to offer you another time slot first.
Can I get photos and videos of my flight?
Yes. Add the GoPro photo and video package (CHF 40) when you book, and your images will be transferred directly to your smartphone after landing.
Book your Top Fly Glacier
Choose your date and time below. Flights run year-round, subject to weather conditions at the glacier.
