Unterrothorn, Alpine summit in Valais, Switzerland

The Unterrothorn is a 3,104-metre summit in the Pennine Alps of Valais, about 5 km east of Zermatt and west of the Oberrothorn, on the ridge north of the Findel Glacier. Its top holds a small restaurant, the cable-car station and a small weather station. The panorama takes in the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, the Monte Rosa massif, the Weisshorn and the Mischabel.

The summit gained prominence during the 1800s as Swiss mountain tourism began to grow. Cable car systems were added much later, making the peak accessible to more climbers.

The summit marks the top of the Zermatt-Rothorn ski area, reached from Sunnegga and Blauherd by funicular, gondola and cable car, or from Kumme by chairlift. In summer and winter it draws tourists, and many descents to Zermatt begin here. The panorama takes in the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, the Monte Rosa massif, the Weisshorn and the Mischabel.

The summit can be reached by several routes, with modern cable cars starting from the valley and reducing climbing time. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and bring appropriate gear for mountain conditions.

The summit holds a small restaurant, the top cable-car station and a small weather station. From there, high-alpine routes set off for the Rimpfischhorn, the Strahlhorn and the Cima di Jazzi, and a hike leads to the Oberrothorn at 3,414 metres.