Mattertal facts for kids
The Mattertal is a beautiful valley located in the Alps of Switzerland. It starts near the famous Matterhorn mountain. The Matterhorn is known worldwide for its stunning looks and challenging climbs.
This valley was shaped over a very long time by a huge glacier. A glacier is like a slow-moving river of ice. As the ice moved down from the mountains, it carved out the valley, giving it a deep U-shape. You can tell a valley was made by a glacier if it's U-shaped, while valleys made by fast rivers are usually V-shaped. Because the valley sides are very steep, sometimes landslides happen, like the one shown near Randa village. Many homes in the villages here are traditional wooden houses called chalets.
Several villages are found in the Mattertal, including Zermatt, Täsch, Randa, Grächen, and St. Niklaus. Many visitors come to these villages. They enjoy the amazing views, go walking, skiing, or try mountain climbing. While some people still do dairy farming, most people in the valley now work in the tourist industry.
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How the Mattertal Valley Was Formed
The Mattertal valley is a great example of how glaciers can change the land. Thousands of years ago, huge sheets of ice moved slowly through this area. These glaciers were very powerful. They scraped away rock and soil as they moved. This process created the valley's unique U-shape. Imagine a giant scoop digging through the mountains!
Glaciers and Valley Shapes
When a glacier moves, it grinds down the sides and bottom of a valley. This makes the valley wide and flat at the bottom, with steep, straight sides. This is why it looks like a "U." In contrast, a river usually cuts a narrow, V-shaped path. The deep U-shape of the Mattertal shows its icy past.
Landslides in the Valley
Because the valley walls are so steep, rocks and soil can sometimes slide down. These events are called landslides. They happen when the ground becomes unstable, often after heavy rain or snowmelt. One large landslide happened near Randa village in the 1990s. It moved a lot of rock and debris.
Life in the Mattertal Valley
The villages in the Mattertal are popular places for people to live and visit. Life here is closely connected to the mountains and the natural beauty.
Villages and Tourism
The village of Zermatt is especially famous. It sits right at the foot of the Matterhorn. Many tourists come to Zermatt to see the mountain and enjoy outdoor activities. Other villages like Täsch and Randa also welcome visitors. People love to hike on the trails, ski down snowy slopes, or climb the challenging peaks.
Traditional Work and Modern Jobs
For a long time, people in the Mattertal mainly worked in dairy farming. They raised cows and made products like cheese. Today, while some farming still happens, most jobs are in tourism. This includes working in hotels, restaurants, ski resorts, and shops that cater to visitors. The beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures bring many people to the valley.
Images for kids
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A large debris fan, deposited by a rockslide in the 1990s, can be seen above the village of Randa in the Matter valley.
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The Weisshorn above the Matter valley (background).
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The Glacier Express along the Matter Vispa
