Flying high with
the Matterhorn
Zermatt
© Vera Schmid
Now you’ve heard of the Matterhorn, right? It may not be Switzerland’s tallest mountain (that honour goes to nearby Dufourspitze) but it still stands out so you’ve probably seen this iconic mountain on the page or on the screen. Or maybe you’ve already been lucky enough to have viewed it in person from Zermatt, possibly even without any clouds. But nothing quite matches seeing it from the air. It’s only once you’re level with the peak, or flying over it, that you get the full picture of how imposing it truly is. This is the real rock-star of the Alps.
There are two amazing ways to get up close and personal with this triangular mountain: the hard way or the easy way. Both are a guaranteed adrenaline rush and both will give you views and memories you’ll cherish forever. The hard way involved lots of fresh air, strong nerves and a taste for adventure; the easy way is a bucket-list experience that sets your heart racing.
Hanging around over the Alps
Hanging around over the Alps
Hardest one first: paragliding, and I’ll admit I was a bit nervous. Well, maybe a lot nervous but the instructor’s professionalism gave me confidence. So, there I was, standing on the edge of a cliff in Zermatt with shaky knees and a pounding heart. But my Sky Captain had my back, literally, and he continuously checked in on me to ensure I was all right during the flight.
My trembling knees turned into flying legs and the Matterhorn stood there, looking majestic and I almost could hear it whispering ‘Yes, I know I’m stunning’. Whoosh after whoosh we gained altitude, the view becoming more spectacular with each second. Up in the air nobody could hear my nervous laughter and exhilarated screams (or so I like to think). And there’s nothing quite like the feeling of floating above the world. It’s a mix of freedom, adrenaline and pure joy.
Getting a real buzz
Getting a real buzz
If you’re not quite ready to spread your wings, don’t worry because Zermatt has another adventure up its sleeve – helicopter rides. This was the first time in a helicopter and what better first time than flying over the Swiss Alps. We were up and away quite quickly, and the impressive scenery started immediately: the vast Grande Dixence dam, huge ice fields and massive rock formations. Brilliant white, ice blue and dark grey, the tapestry of colours beneath our feet.
Flying through the crisp mountain air, I felt like a celebrity on their way to brunch, waving to the unsuspecting blacknose sheep (cute German name: Walliser Schwarznasenschaf) below. I didn’t stop on a glacier for a glass of champagne – but you could! – but I did get some amazing pics of the Matterhorn from unique angles. And that was the grand finale: a flight around the four sides of the famous pyramid peak. That alone makes this a must-do when planning your next Switzerland trip.
Two ways to see the Matterhorn from the air, and each as exciting as the other. Paragliding isn’t nearly as intimidating as it looks, and if I can do it, anyone can. So, next time you’re in Zermatt and feeling a little adventurous, take the leap – quite literally – because, sometimes, the best views in life are the ones you have to jump for. But if you prefer your adventures with a side of luxury and a dash of adrenaline, take your Zermatt experience to new heights in a helicopter and fly in style. Either way, you can enjoy the views without having to worry about breaking a sweat climbing to the top. No hiking boots are required.
