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    About Zermatt

    A ski vacation at Zermatt Matterhorn is a fantastic opportunity to dive into this Swiss mountain village’s unique culture. Zermatt has a rich history as a mountaineering and skiing destination, and visitors can explore the town's traditional architecture, local museums and galleries. The village also has a vibrant après-ski scene for those looking to keep the fun going once they’re off the slopes for the day, with over 50 bars and clubs, many of which offer live music and dancing.

    The first thing you’ll notice when arriving in Zermatt is a remarkable, and probably welcomed, lack of noise. Since 1891, the local doctor is the only person allowed to have a car in Zermatt. So, you, and everyone else, will be traveling to and from Zermatt by train, which is a highly enjoyable and convenient experience. The only in-town transportation is by horse-drawn sleighs, electro-taxis or ski buses.

    Fortunately, Zermatt is a destination resort, meaning the village is difficult enough for weekend skiers to reach and keeps the crowds to a minimum. Plus, the vast terrain – more than 223 miles of marked ski trails (including Breuil-Cervinia) and a resort lift capacity of nearly 92,000 people per hour – easily absorb any crowds. Even during the busiest holiday season, lift lines are not impossibly long and uncrowded slopes are there for the taking.

    Stay...

    at one of the many luxury hotels in Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn.

    Travel...

    by flying into Geneva, Zurich, or Sion

    Explore...

    glaciated terrain beneath the famed Matterhorn.

    Treat...

    yourself and others to a one-of-a-kind après experience at several spots in Zermatt. Hennu Stall is a popular cozy pub, transformed from a barn, with ski-in, ski-out access and is a favorite among locals for its live music. Brown Cow Pub serves up some of the best local beers and offers a fun atmosphere for those looking to dance and the Broken Bar offers a stylish lounge atmosphere, complete with a fireplace and exceptional views of the Matterhorn. Get ready to say Prost!

    Ski...

    from Switzerland to Italy and back in a single day.

    Enjoy...

    prisitine pistes and challenging, expert terrain.

    Taste...

    multi-national cuisine options from France, Italy, and Switzerland.

    Experience...

    A guided tour of Zermatt village to explore the charm and best spots of the area. Learn about the history and culture of the area, including the traditional architecture and customs of the local people. Walking through the narrow streets of the village, you’ll pass by some of the best chocolate shops and restaurants with options to stop and taste some of the local delicacies along the way.

    Zermatt is known for having some of the most challenging terrain but does have a range of options to appeal to more than just skiers looking for an extreme experience. An overview of the terrain breakdown is 22% intermediate runs, 57% advanced runs and 10% expert runs.

    Intermediate to the most advanced skiers will find a variety of runs to choose from along with the gorgeous views while exploring the mountain. Ski.com always recommends skiing with a guide in European destinations. Focus on where you’d like to stop for lunch or an afternoon espresso (although a guide can provide recommendations too), leave navigation to an expert and connect with a local to get a real feel of the area. The experience of skiing Zermatt is once in a lifetime and visitors can cater how difficult their routes down the slopes are to their preferences.

    Deciding when to visit Zermatt for skiing depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. If powder is your top priority, then January and February are the best months to go. If you’re trying to enjoy Zermatt with more sunshine, then March through April is the ideal time to visit, however, this may affect how much terrain is open and the snow depths on the mountain. Ski.com can help you find a vacation package to Zermatt that avoids peak European travel periods and works best for your budget.
    There are a number of reasons why Zermatt Matterhorn is considered the best ski resort in the area, one of the most recent being the unlimited number of days at the resort for Ikon passholders. Zermatt also claims the title of home to the highest ski lift in Europe at 12,739 feet above sea level, which accesses Europe’s longest piste with a vertical drop of 7,463 feet and as the sunniest corner in Switzerland. If this weren’t enough to convince you, the number of luxury dining options on the mountain, including the highly acclaimed Chez Vrony, will serve your cravings for authentic Swiss culture for a meal or aperitif during the ski day.
    Beginner skiers can ski Zermatt, however, the variety of terrain for them is limited. In Zermatt’s Sunnegga area, there’s Wolli Park which caters to young beginners with its multiple surface lifts, different attractions for improving ski abilities and fun characters perfect for photo opportunities. There are multiple areas that offer wide, on-piste runs but what Zermatt is known for is its challenging terrain. Zermatt also offers multiple ski schools which have lessons for skiers of all ages, making the transition from beginner runs to intermediate slopes go smoothly.

    Zermatt Switzerland is best known as a skiing destination. The views of the Swiss Alps and 120+ miles of ski runs are what draws in visitors from all around the world, particularly for the extreme terrain. Thanks to the high altitude and the Matterhorn Glacier, skiing can be done in Zermatt 365 days a year, another factor making it a standout ski destination.

    The village is also well-known for its picturesque scenery and outdoor activities. During the summertime, Zermatt becomes a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and other alpine adventures. Visitors are drawn to the area for its stunning views of the iconic Matterhorn Mountain, which is often regarded as one of the most recognizable peaks in the world.

    In addition, the village is home to many traditional Swiss mountain chalets that offer visitors a cozy and authentic Alpine experience.

    Top Zermatt Hotels + Accommodations

    Best Sellers

    Conditions

    N/A°F

    Base

    N/A°F

    Summit

    -

    Open Lifts

    27of 54

    Open Trails

    0of 22

    Skiable Acres

    0acof 0ac

    Powder

    Snowfall Summary

    Latest Snowfall

    0"

    24hr

    0"

    48hr

    Forecasted Snow

    0"

    24hr

    0"

    48hr

    0"

    72hr

    0"

    7-day

    Percentage Groom: 0

    Base Depth: 55"

    Season Total: 0"

    Weather Forecast

    Tue 19

    8°F / 29°F

    Wind Speed: N/Ami

    Wed 20

    17°F / 31°F

    Wind Speed: N/Ami

    Thu 21

    17°F / 31°F

    Wind Speed: N/Ami

    Fri 22

    11°F / 33°F

    Light Snow

    Wind Speed: 3mi

    Sat 23

    12°F / 16°F

    Light Snow

    Wind Speed: 4mi

    Mountain Stats

    7218'

    Vertical Drop

    0'

    Base Elevation

    0'

    Summit Elevation

    TERRAIN

    0ac

    Total Acres

    54

    Total Lifts

    9.32

    Longest Run

    Klein Matterhorn-Zermatt

    Trails

    77

    Beginner

    210

    Intermediate

    42

    Expert

    Activities

    TerrainPark

    No

    Tubing

    No

    Night Skiing

    No

    Zermatt Ski Vacation Package

    As one of the best experiences to be had in the Alps, there’s no reason you shouldn't start planning your Zermatt ski vacation today. Ski.com is a one-stop shop to book your entire Zermatt ski vacation, including lodging, flights, ground transportation, car rentals, lift tickets, lessons, equipment rentals and activities. Call or chat now with one of our knowledgeable Mountain Travel Experts.

    CUSTOMER REVIEWS (15)

    OVERALL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE*

    5.0Excellent
    *based on the average of all overall experience ratings given in traveler reviews.

    What the experts are saying

    Ray Polglaze
    Ray Polglaze
    Mountain Travel Expert
    800-908-5000 X 3366
    4.6Excellent

    Zermatt - Picture Postcard Village in the Alps

    Trip of a Lifetime!!

    I cannot say enough about what an amazing trip we had in Zermatt. The runs last forever with sight lines that do not compare to anywhere I have skied in the past. Although lift lines can get crowded at the gondola in the morning, we took the earliest train to the top for first runs. If possible we would have stayed forever!

    Zermatt-nothing like it in the world

    The location is spectacular. The Matterhorn is the background from almost every location on the mountain.The size of the ski complex is huge-you can put 3 Whistler Resorts in the same amount of space. 90% of the skiing is above the timberline with glaciers surrounding you everywhere.

    Big Mountains are big fun

    The mountains fill your eyes are far as you can see and many of them are big over 14,000 feet high! Skiing there are many options and there is always a blue groomed trail to follow off of every peak.

    Town of Zermatt review

    Loved everything about this town. Expensive vacation but worth it.

    Beautiful village and runs

    A simply incredible time. With the Matterhorn towering over the village, Zermatt offers quick access to about three major different areas to ski: Rothorn/Sunnegga, Gornergrat, and, of course, the epic Matterhorn glacier paradise, which also offers run into Italy. Unlike most North American ski resorts, their aren't major lodges on the mountain for food, drinks, etc. Instead, small cottages dot the landscape, each offering a unique experience. The runs are groomed and, for the most part, wide. This is a great experience for skiers who enjoy turns and cuts, rather than steep, breakneck speeds. Be sure to visit Chez Vrony for lunch or apres ski when you're enjoying Sunnegga. For the village itself, you'll want to enjoy the local lamb at Restaurant Julen (reservations recommended). For a fun apre ski bar, you can't miss with the Brown Cow. If you have time, be sure to visit the Matterhorn museum; it's surprisingly intricate and impressive.

    Had a great time

    Very easy to navigate the town. Large ski area to navigate so took a little bit to get orientated. Enjoyed the terrain. Would not recommend for a beginner skier but would highly recommend for intermediate and above. Went para-skiing for the first time and it was crazy.

    everyone should do once

    Zermatt is the quintessential Swiss ski village, the real deal that US ski resorts try to emulate. Cute village, breathtaking views, expansive skiing. Definitely ski on the Italian side too.

    Perfect trip!!

    We spent 7 days in Zermatt, skiing 5 of those days. We had a few days of challenging weather but the clear days were amazing. There really is terrain for every level of skier. If you are an avid skier and love the mountains you won't be disappointed. Best way to enjoy the experience is to 'be in shape'. It's a very physical trip all around and this is coming from a person who skies 90 days a year at and elevation of 9,000 feet. We absolutely loved it!!

    A Trip of a Lifetime

    When you think of Switzerland, you think of the perfect town of Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Because it is only accessible by train, getting there is not the easiest of ski areas to visit. My husband and I were there for a week and felt we didn't even have time to ski everything. There is so much terrain to cover. Zermatt is about the whole experience - the skiing, the scenery, the restaurants along the trails, the wandering in town and eating in so many fabulous restaurants and meeting so many wonderful people from around the world.

    Great Location

    Fantastic Hotel. Ski.com made everything easy to lodge. location is excellent. Highly recommended. Older type rooms but over all very nice hotel

    EXPERT REVIEWS (4)

    4.1Good
    • 4.3Activities
    • 2.7Terrain Park
    • 4.8Expert Skiing
    • 3.3Beginner Skiing
    • 4.8Dining
    • 4.0Family Vacation
    • 4.3Nightlife
    • 4.0Intermediate Skiing
    • 5.0Luxury Vacation
    • 4.5Access
    • 2.7Ski-in Ski-out
    • 2.8Budget Vacation
    • 4.8Shopping
    • 5.0Spa
    • 5.0Accommodations
    Expert reviews are written by our seasoned mountain vacation specialists based on their first-hand experiences.

    Key

    • 1=Poor
    • 2=Fair
    • 3=Average
    • 4=Good
    • 5=Excellent

    Reviews

    Jamie Bangerter
    Jamie Bangerter
    Mountain Vacation Specialist
    800-908-5000
    X 3306

    Zermatt, the quintessential Switzerland ski town

    3.7
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    When you think of skiing the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is what comes to mind. The terrain can be challenging here, so beginner skiers beware.  But, if you are just coming for the après-ski, you won't be disappointed!

    The village of Zermatt is as charming as the Matterhorn is breathtaking. Take the Glacier Express to the Gornegrat or tour the village on foot! Don't worry about getting lost in Zermatt...the village is a manageable size.

    Zermatt has a variety of hotels ranging from moderate to luxury and everything in between, so it will work on most budgets.

    Niki Harris
    Niki Harris
    Mountain Vacation Specialist
    800-908-5000
    X 3307

    The resort with something for everyone!

    4.1
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    If you try to picture skiing in Switzerland, I bet you’re thinking of Zermatt – huge runs on a gigantic ski area, stunning peaks surrounding the world-famous Matterhorn, and a thriving, lively town with tons of quirky, gorgeous chalets as the base area. The town is undeniably Swiss, but is also becoming quite cosmopolitan, with lots of high-end hotels and chalets to choose from, and some spectacular on-mountain dining just a quick gondola ride away. And speaking of those mountains, it’s hard to beat Zermatt in terms of expansive terrain and amazing views, as this is the home of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. The Zermatt ski area has tons of areas to explore for intermediates, experts, and off-piste lovers alike. With quick lifts and so much terrain to cover, any skier would be delighted with a week-long stay in Zermatt.

    On my recent trip to Zermatt, I also chose to spend a day off the slopes, exploring the nonskier activities, the best of which was the scenic ride up to the top of a glacial valley via the Gornergrat. You have the option to stop at a number of stations before you reach the top, many of which offer amazing dining options (highly recommend the Riffelhaus for unbeatable Matterhorn views and tasty cuisine!). The views from every angle atop the mountains here is simply gorgeous. But all this beauty doesn’t come cheap – the lift pass can be pricey, and it’s easy to drop a wad of Swiss francs shopping at all the stores that line the streets. But in the end, Zermatt truly is a paradise – amazing vistas everywhere you look, numerous pistes to both provide variety and challenge your skills on the mountain, and plenty of activities and shopping to entertain the entire family.

    Kay Petrie
    Kay Petrie
    Mountain Vacation Specialist
    800-908-5000
    X 3623

    Impressive Swiss ski resort and a chance to ski to Italy for lunch

    4.2
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    Breathtaking scenery is everywhere you look in Zermatt. My first trip to Zermatt was wonderful, but the weather was cloudy and we only saw a partial view of the Matterhorn for about 10 minutes. This latest trip the end of March was sunny, warm and offered picture-perfect spring skiing. I couldn't stop taking pictures, the views were so stunning!

    The town offers great shopping, nightlife and lots of different lodging options. The food is top notch, and taking advantage of the half board dinner options at our hotel was the way to save some money. Train travel from the airport takes a while, but travelling by train in Switzerland is easy, comfortable and relaxing. Once you get the hang of it and the scenery is amazing.

    Plan to stay several days, there is so much terrain to ski,and if you get the right weather conditions take the time to ski to Cervinia, Italy for lunch. We booked a ski guide with Matterhorn Diamonds and our guide made the day so easy for us, showed us the best way to get there and back and the best restaurant for outdoor dining with views of the backside of the Matterhorn  too. It was a highlight of my trip.

    Ray Polglaze
    Ray Polglaze
    Mountain Vacation Specialist
    800-908-5000
    X 3366

    Zermatt - Picture Postcard Village in the Alps

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    ZERMATT – PICTURE POSTCARD VILLAGE IN THE ALPS

    Zermatt was a relatively unknown agricultural community until the 1860’s. Located at the upper end of the Matter Valley in the canton of Wallis in Southern Switzerland, it is surrounded by a wide array of mountains of more than 4,000 meters elevation, including the iconic Matterhorn. It was the first successful ascent on the Matterhorn in 1865, as well as the deaths of 4 of the 7 summiteers on their way down, that led to Zermatt becoming internationally known.

    A year-round destination for skiers, climbers, hikers and sightseers, Zermatt is a beautiful, picture postcard village of wooden chalets, quaint shops and stylish hotels. The village itself is fairly small and flat enough that you can easily walk from one end to the other in a matter of minutes. Like many Swiss resorts, it is a carless village – so the greatest “danger” to pedestrians are the extremely quiet electric vehicles which zip around the village.

    The ski area is huge with over 7,400 vertical feet of terrain, 52 lifts and 225 miles of runs. The area encompasses both Zermatt and Cervinia, on the Italian side of the border, so bring your passport when you ski or ride. From Zermatt village, the terrain is accessed from 3 different lift base areas: Sunnegga, Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. All are in different areas of the village so, no matter where you stay, there is ski access fairly close by. You can get to all of the other lifts in the ski area from each of the three base areas in the village.

    As soon as you cast your eyes on the Matterhorn, your visit to Zermatt is already a success. The mountain is unforgettably spectacular and dominates the skyline from almost every vantage point.

    Getting there:

    You should fly into either Zurich or Geneva. Zurich is slightly closer to Zermatt (135 miles) than Geneva (145 miles) but both have excellent train service directly from the airport railway stations. Both trips take approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, are very scenic and require a train change in Visp. Visp is a very small station and the platform change is clearly marked and easy to negotiate.

    If your clients opt for a private transfer service, they will be driven to the shuttle depot, which is adjacent to the Zermatt train station. Most hotels have electric shuttle vans which will pick up guests and take them to their hotel.

    Useful things to know:

    Navigating around the village can be a little confusing at first. Some of the streets are difficult to locate and all have very long, Germanic names. The best point of orientation is the Catholic Church. It is very centrally located and, if your guests can’t find it they should listen for a few minutes - the bells ring every quarter hour during the day. The main street is Bahnhofstrasse (Station Street) and the church is located at the corner of Bahnhofstrasse and Kirchstrasse (Church Street).

    There is free resort shuttle service which runs in a loop from the train station, along the river, as far as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lift. Stops are clearly marked and shuttles run every 8 minutes.

    The cemetery, located next to the church, is the resting place for many famous mountaineering figures and, together with the nearby Alpine Museum, is a really interesting diversion.

    For après-ski, Elsie’s Bar (opposite the church) is an institution in Zermatt. Serving cocktails and tasty snacks since 1961, it is small but full of history. It opens daily at 4pm and fills quickly.

    Hotels:

    Alpenhof (4 stars superior): I love this hotel. From the moment you see the beautiful woodwork in the lobby, you know you are in a very nice hotel. It is located on Matterstrasse (on the river) and is basically right across the street from the Sunnegga lift. It is one of the larger properties in Zermatt – it has 62 rooms – so it will often have availability. Rooms are contemporary in décor and of very high quality. The Alpenhof is one of the few properties in Zermatt to have air conditioning. BB and HB (5 course dinner) are possible. Rooms are large. The junior suite (sleeps 4) is 650 sq ft, the superior room is 440 sq ft and the design room is 330 sq ft. The hotel has some nice features including a beautiful garden/deck area where they show movies during the season.

    Albana Real (4 stars): Located on Schluhmattstraase (just across the river from Matterstrasse), the Albana Real is only 20 meters from the shuttle stop. It has 38 rooms, most of which are in the entry-level comfort category or in the superior (sleeps 4) category. They also have some larger junior suites. BB and HB (in the hotel restaurant) are possible. There is also a Japanese restaurant on property. Overall the hotel is nice and has good amenities such as pool, sauna, ski room etc. Walter, who gave us the tour, is very friendly and they are very flexible regarding length of stay for our guests.

    Hotel Europe (4 stars): This hotel is slightly more difficult to find. Located on Riedstrasse (Church Street becomes Riedstrasse after you cross the river), it is in the Steinmatte neighborhood. The shuttle stop is a 3 minute walk from the property. The hotel has 38 rooms, of which 12 have a Matterhorn view. Rooms are situated in two different buildings – Traditional and Design. Overall, the hotel features contemporary décor and is very nice. A couple of things to note: the family room is the same price as the design room but is a little bigger; four of the design rooms have open bathrooms so you should check specific availability with the hotel if your guests might not want this type of set-up.