Zermatt, Switzerland (May 20-21, 2008)

Situated at the base of the Matterhorn, and encircled by 4000m high mountains, Zermatt is probably Switzerland's best known resort. Skiing is possible all year round on Zermatt's nearby glaciers; during the summer months, hiking and mountaineering are also popular activities.

Zermatt is closed to all car traffic and can only be reached by train, making it a peaceful village to explore on foot. From the town, a series of lifts rise to the summit of the Matterhorn (3883m), and a rack railway runs to the summit of the Gornergrat (3089m).

Here I am with my mum at the summit of the Gornergrat. On a clear day, there are fabulous views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks; on the day we went up, the mountains were covered in clouds.
Mountain goats in the mist at the Gornergrat
A brief glimpse of mountaintop and blue sky through the clouds
The railway tracks for the Gornergratbahn disappear into the clouds. As we went along this field, we could see marmots scampering around.
Looking down on the outskirts of Zermatt and the surrounding mountains, most of which are not visible through the clouds
The village of Zermatt