Zermatt Ski Resort, Switzerland

Overview

Reliable snow, scenic views, incredible restaurants and a vast ski area - Zermatt is one of those magical ski resorts everyone wants to experience at least once, and then return to again and again.

No cars are allowed in this quaint Swiss town, so from the moment you enter Zermatt by train you will be struck by its traditional beauty. Swiss architecture has been maintained throughout the town giving it a charming, rustic atmosphere and with the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn as the backdrop, Zermatt could not be more idyllic. Already want to go? We haven’t even told you about the skiing yet...

3 Things We Love About Zermatt

• Beautiful scenery and resort.
• Great variety of ski terrain perfect for all levels.
• Huge selection of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Skiing and Boarding in Zermatt

Zermatt is a snow-sure bet thanks to its large glacier and high altitude. Within Zermatt, there’s a large ski area to explore which is split into four main parts; Sunnegga, Gonergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee.

Ski Zermatt and you also have the fun novelty of being able to pop over to the Italian ski resort of Cervinia (by pommel or cable car, take your pick). This lesser-known Italian resort is worth exploring for both the skiing and the restaurants - make sure you ski down the famous Red 7 and take in the incredible views.

Zermatt is ideal for intermediates wanting to focus on their technique as there are plenty of wide, open runs to cruise down. There are also beginner pistes and enough challenging blacks to keep all standard of skiers and boarders more than happy. As well as some good off-piste for those in the know, especially when it has been snowing (which is pretty often in Zermatt!). If you are a park skier or boarder, there is a ski park to try out. Spend an afternoon in the Iglu-Dorf Bar in Riffelberg where you can sit back and watch the pros try out some tricks or take part yourself. All in all, Zermatt has an expansive and varied ski area and is blessed with one of the longest seasons in Europe as well as reliable conditions. Perfect.

Lift Passes in Zermatt

The Zermatt area pass gives you access to the local but large ski areas of Rothorn, Gornergrat and Matterhorn/Schwarzsee. For beginners, each area has a dedicated beginner 'slow slope' area a short distance from your first lift in the morning. If rolling blues are your thing then head up on the Gornergrat Bahn to access a great network of blue runs found in the Gornergrat area. Alternatively for some more challenging runs head up the Matterhorn Glacier express, where if you choose a Zermatt International Pass you can also ski over the border into Cervinia for more  skiing and maybe even an Italian lunch!

Activities in Zermatt

Enjoy a range of non-skiing activities in Zermatt, including:

• Hiking and snowshoeing. - Being one of the most beautiful resorts to explore, take your time following one of the winter trails which range from around 2km up to 7km.
• Sledging and tobogganing - Slide down the mountains a bit closer to the ground through one of the many sledging runs available. These range from 0.2km up to 3.6km.
• Ice Skating - Located in the middle of the village and free to use. Equipment hire is also available nearby.
• Paragliding - Enjoy a paragliding flight for an adrenaline fuelled rush. These come with a pilot to guide you so you won't be alone.
• Wellness and spas - These are offered in many hotels in Zermatt. Guests not staying in the hotels can sometimes visit and use for a fee.

Après Ski in Zermatt

Après ski in Zermatt is in tune with the atmosphere in the resort. Laidback, fun-loving and outdoorsy folk who want to have a good time but still get up and ski the next morning. Here are a few options:

• Hennu Stall - A chicken coop theme après institution in Zermatt. A resident DJ plays outside most days but look out for the live bands indoors which really get everyone in the Zermatt spirit!
• Iglu-Dorf - Located up the cliff and offering food as well as drinks. Here you'll also find igloos which are rebuilt every winter and include artistic designs.
• Harry's Bar - The place to go for singing and dancing and a drink after skiing.
• Papperla Pub - Great for an after ski drink and with live bands in the evenings. Also offering hot drinks such as mulled wine or jagertee.
• The Vernissage - Located in the heart of Zermatt and is a trendy bar offering cocktails and other drinks (prices here are quite high).
• Broken nightclub - A cool venue located in an cellar and for anyone wishing to party into the early hours.

Places to eat in Zermatt

Dining options in Zermatt are fantastic, varied and plentiful. You could forget the skiing and just come here to enjoy the cuisine, which some regular visitors will admit they do.

Starting in the town centre it’s hard to go wrong. From Swiss fondue to traditional rosti (which you have to try!), you can also get burgers, incredible steaks, and even Chinese and Japanese in the town centre. Due to the close proximity to Cervinia there’s a strong Italian influence too, so fantastic pizza and pasta is easy to come by. You can’t go wrong with the food whatever cuisine you go for, but watch out for the price tags that some larger restaurants on the main streets might have. Here are a few suggestions on places to eat:

• Zum See (Mountain Restaurant) - A family run restaurant serving guests for around 30 years. Offering Swiss, fish and Valais specialities.
• Les Marmottes - Serving a nice selection of pasta and cheese dishes as well as meat. There is also a kids menu available.
• Arvenstube - Dorfplatz - Offering Mediterranean cuisine as well as offering fondue chinoise and grill specialities.
• Brasserie Lusi & Lounge - A French restaurant in a posh setting serving options such as snails, tatar, fish and steaks.
• Café Fuchs - For traditional Swiss dishes in a modern setting. Offering a range of dishes as well as home-made cakes and regional specialities.
• China Garden - Offering tasty Asian dishes including sweet and sour dishes, crispy duck, spring rolls, and more.
• Fluhalp (Mountain Restaurant) - Up the Findeln valley at 2606 meters. Serving great food and live music to accompany it.
• Chalet Etoile - A famous restaurant with great views from the terrace and the food is unbeatable. Accessible if you're visiting the Italian side for the day.

Family Options in Zermatt

Here are a few of the options for families

• Alpine Nanny - Providing qualified nannies to look after the little ones and for all ages. Also offering ski school pickups and evening babysitting.
• Children's Paradise Zermatt - A fun place for children aged 3 months to 5 years to go. On-site they have 300m2 of play area with a selection of different areas. For the smallest children (babies) there is a separate area.