Things to do in Valais

We visited during the peak season in August. Arriving at Zermatt Station at 6:40 AM allowed us to catch the first train at 7:00 AM, and all six of us easily secured seats on the right side. The observation deck wasn't overly crowded, so we could take as many photos as we wanted. The souvenir shop at the observation deck opened at 9:00 AM; while M and L sizes of the cute Gornergrat-exclusive T-shirts were scarce, we managed to get some. On the way back, we hiked from Rotenboden to Riffelberg. The weather was great, and we saw the inverted Matterhorn. While sneakers are not impossible, there are rocky and sloped paths, so trekking shoes are preferable. It was cold at the top, but as we descended, it became scorching hot due to a heatwave, so a packable down jacket that you can easily take on and off is essential. I even took off my Heattech inner layer at Riffelberg.

Beautiful place! Our guide was very patient & guiding us well!

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is simply breathtaking. Taking the cable car up to 3,883 meters, you're rewarded with panoramic views of over 14 Alpine peaks stretching across Switzerland, Italy, and France. The Glacier Palace — an ice cave carved deep into the glacier — is a magical highlight, with stunning ice sculptures and a surreal blue glow that feels otherworldly. The ticket is absolutely worth every franc. The infrastructure is impressive, the ride is smooth, and the views at the top will leave you speechless. Whether you're a skier, a hiker, or simply a lover of nature, this is one Alpine adventure you won't want to miss. A must-do in Zermatt!

It was great experience except that we need to get back down and find our way back to the meeting place with multiple cable cars.

It was difficult to tell which bus was ours; a slightly larger logo would have made it easier. The guide tried very hard to explain everything, but I wondered how I would get down the mountain if I felt unwell. I wish there had been more information about what "English assistant only" meant, so I could have been better prepared. By the way, the assistant didn't go up the mountain with us; they just gave us tickets and instructions, telling us to go and come back on our own, and that they'd provide a phone number. Despite this uncertainty, the weather was good, and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.