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Zermatt
A pinnacle of the alpine mountain experience
Beyond its reputation as an exclusive and touristy ski resort, skiing in Zermatt embodies every skier’s dream: 360 km of well-groomed and challenging slopes, guaranteed snow at high altitudes and an exceptional panorama of the Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps. As for the village, it has retained its authentic charm and brilliantly blends tradition and modern design.
360
of slopes
75
adult day pass
75
of the ski area is snowsure
1620
village
3899
peak
74
of blue slopes
220
of red slopes
64
of black and yellow slopes
Designed for experienced skiers
Zermatt is one of the largest and highest ski areas in Europe. At 3,883 metres, the slopes are partly on a glacier and offer an exceptional panorama of the Matterhorn, the valley and the surrounding 4,000-metre high peaks.
Suitable for good skiers, the Swiss ski area is also linked to the Italian resort of Breuil-Cervinia. It is possible to ski from one side of the mountain to the other via the Saint-Théodule pass. Allow 2 to 3 days to explore the entire ski area comfortably.
Video by The Frantic Traveler
Most of the slopes are located between 2’500 and 3’800 m above sea level. This means that the resort enjoys very good snow conditions throughout the season. In milder winters, skiing is guaranteed: 75% of the ski area can be artificially snow-covered and snow is guaranteed on the glacier.
With 60% of challenging red runs, the area is a paradise for intermediate and advanced skiers. Prepared daily and well groomed, the slopes are a pure joy: wide, long and varied as you wish. Skiing down the slopes whilst staring at the Matterhorn is an exciting experience. The mountain is so hypnotic you cannot take your eyes off it. There are very few “flat” slopes, with a low gradient, linking the different sides together. The area is therefore also well suitable for snowboarders.
The facilities are modern and of very good quality. The ski area is accessible via 3 different stations from the village of Zermat (see map of the ski slopes in Zermatt):
Like all major ski resorts, Zermatt now offers secure freeride zones. There are 36 km of yellow runs from the Stockorn and Rothorn peaks. The snowpark on the glacier remains partially open in summer. Its facilities are suitable for beginners and advanced riders alike:
Zermatt offers a wide range of activities for non-skiers: hiking trails, snowshoeing, tobogganing, curling or outdoor skating. For the more curious, the Matterhorn Museum is worth a visit. Visitors can find out how the inhabitants of Zermatt lived in past centuries and have a heart for the history of the conquest of the summit.
Zermatt is not the most suitable ski resort for beginners. The area is at a high altitude and features significant differences in altitude. The ski area is only accessible by train or cable care, making the purchase to a full ski pass necessary, which is expensive to enjoy only a small number of easy slopes. However, Zermatt does offer two areas specially designed for beginners with suitable training slopes and lifts. For CHF 50.00, the Beginner’s pass gives access to the Wolli area in Sunnegga and the blue pistes in Blauherd. Several ski and snowboard schools offer courses for beginners and advanced skiers, with packages ranging from a single hour to a full week.
It is possible to rent all your ski or snowboard equipment directly on site in the village.
Authenticity and modernity
Nestled deep in the mountains, far from the big cities, the village of Zermatt is a real microcosm. Visitors quickly get used to taking up the space left by motor traffic in this compact, car-free village. Zermatt is all about strolling through the streets and enjoying its charm and activities while contemplating the distinctive pyramid-shaped silhouette of the Matterhorn. Relaxed and distracted from their daily life, travellers can enjoy the charm of the village and its activities in complete serenity.
Zermatt has managed to preserve all its traditional character, with authentic wooden chalets. The barns and straw barns in the old village date back to the 16th century and bear evidence of the local architectural culture. The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is lined with souvenir and luxury shops. However, it is easy to get out of the flow by exploring the surrounding alleys. Curious visitors will discover a real local life in the village. The stylish, modern interiors are decorated in alpine chic style, combining wood, stone and soft light.
In Zermatt, there is no shortage of good dining options. The resort has nearly one hundred restaurants, 16 of which are listed in the Michelin Guide. The two-star After Seven is considered as one of the 25 best restaurants in Switzerland. World-class lounges and après-ski are also Zermatt’s specialities.
Zermatt does not offer thermal baths or wellness centres as such. The most best spas and saunas are located in hotels and their access is almost exclusively reserved for guests. However, there are some hotels that open their spa facilities to outside visitors. This is the case of the Hotel Ginabelle. The hotel’s interior is a little old-fashioned, but well maintained, and it features a beautiful 34° outdoor swimming pool.
Despite the resort’s prestigious reputation, the atmosphere is much less pretentious than in St. Moritz or Verbier. A diverse and cosmopolitan crowd rubs shoulders with passionate skiers, gourmets, romantic souls and day-trippers. None of them can escape the traditional Matterhorn photo.
Location and how to get there
Zermatt is located in Switzerland in the canton of Valais, on the border with Italy. The inhabitants speak Swiss-German, but you won’t have any problems with English as Zermatt is very international.
Due to Zermatt’s remote location and high altitude, expect a longer journey than to other Swiss ski resorts. However, Zermatt is easily accessible by train, the only means of transport to reach the village. There is a car park and shuttle connections to the village of Täsch, located further down the valley.
Zermatt is a car-free village. You have to leave yours in the car park of Täsch village, 5 km from the resort (CHF 15.50 per day). The last part of the journey is by train. The cost of the shuttle train the village is included in the parking fee. Trains leave every 20 minutes to Zermatt from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year. The journey takes 12 minutes. If you are driving from the German-speaking part of Switzerland, use the Lötschberg railway tunnel. You will reach the Valais region without detour through French-speaking Switzerland. For this you will have to load your car onto the train in Kandersteg and unload it in Goppenstein. If you can, leave your car at home and take the train to Zermatt. The station is very well connected to the SBB network (direct train from Visp) and the route is splendid. Considering the expensive parking in Täsch, the train can even be competitive economically speaking.
We advise you to come to Zermatt by train. The journey from Visp is fantastic. From any Swiss train station, go to Visp in Valais. Then change and board the famous red train to Zermatt.
3 to 4 hours separate Zermatt from the international airports of Zurich and Geneva. Zurich Airport is the country’s most convenient and modern airport. The airport has better facilities and the train rides requires less changing than from Geneva. Reaching Zermatt by train from Zurich airport is the easiest, fastest and most comfortable option. On the other hand, you should expect to pay around CHF 30 more per journey than if you were travelling from Geneva.
Since Zermatt is a car-free village, the only way to get around is on foot or with electric carts (taxi). The village being relatively compact, if you take a hotel close enough to the ski lifts or the train station, you will not need carts during your stay. See our hotel selection at the foot of the lifts.
The best hotels in Zermatt
Zermatt’s hotel offer is outstanding. However, the resort is very popular in the high season. The best hotels and chalets are sometimes booked up to many months in advance. So plan as early as possible to avoid having to settle for a hotel in Täsch.
Count at least 2 full days on the premises to make the most of your stay. To explore the entire ski area and enjoy the village and its activities in peace and quiet, however, opt for a stay of 3 full days or more.
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