We are considering a trip to Zermatt in late May and are wondering if Zermatt, like many ski resorts, has a "mud" season during which a lot of attractions shut down. We are particularly interested in taking the train to Gornergat and possibly a cable car or two to get as close as possible to the Matterhorn. Any advice?

If we go, we're thinking about staying at the Hotel Butterfly. Any experience there? Many thanks.

According to the SBB scheduler website, the Gornergrat train is operating in late May. Trains leave at 9:12, 10:00, 11:12, 12:00 and so on until 18:00.

The trip up takes 47 minutes.

The views from the observation area at the end of the line are stunning on a clear day. The huge glaciers flowing off of Monte Rosa are impressive. Off the to the west, you can see the Matterhorn. All around you are high peaks, the highest in Switzerland.

The cable cars to the Klein Matterhorn are also shown as running during that time period. The trip is in 3 stages if I recall correctly and the trip up takes about 40 minutes.

The top station is right in a notch in the mountains, and the temperatures can be considerably cooler up there than in Zermatt. Fortunately, the high ridge shelters the cable car line from the winds, which can be fierce.

If the day is clear at all, you will get some fantastic views.

Thanks for the helpful response. Sounds like May will work.

I do hope you get a clear day for the excursions. The views are first rate.

Be prepared for colder temperatures because you gain not only altitude but also exposure.

Zermatt is naturally sheltered by the mountains and ridges. Up on the Gornergrat you are above tree line and there is no natural windbreak except Monte Rosa and the ridges on either side of it.

If you have a camera, take plenty of picture taking capacity whether digital or film. Even with a digital I think you can expect a lot of "keepers."

If you have a chance, go to Saas Fee and get a look at the Dom. It is the highest peak entirely within Switzerland. It towers some 10,000 feet or more above the valley floor. It is an absolutely incredible wall of white.

Just staring up at that peak made me feel very insignificant.

I've actually stayed at the Butterfly and enjoyed the service very much.

The Gornergrat train runs year-round; I would check the live cam in the Gornergrat station BEFORE ascending since the peak can be obscured even when it is clear in the village below; the alternative is the aerial tramway system which takes you to Kleine Matterhorn.

From the Gornergrat point you can see some of the highest peaks in the Alps including the Dufourspitz and Monte Rosa