Zermatt

Picture waking up to a jaw-dropping view of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most iconic peak, squeezing into ski boots, walking to the lifts and carving your way down groomed corduroy slopes. At Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Zermatt’s ski resort, you’ll be immersed in one of the world’s most iconic ski destinations. It’s a place like no other, renowned for its legendary slopes, stunning alpine scenery, walkable town and an après scene that lasts all night. 

The magic doesn’t stop there. With almost 223 miles of skiable terrain, Zermatt offers something for every skill level, including year-round glacier skiing and the unique thrill of skiing across the border into Italy. Thanks to its snow quality and one of the longest ski seasons in Europe, Zermatt truly delivers the ultimate Swiss Alps experience. However, navigating lift tickets, an array of accommodations, flights, train schedules, day trips and activities off the slopes is overwhelming. At Ski.com, we live and breathe mountain adventures, and our team of Mountain Travel Experts knows how to make a dream Zermatt ski trip a reality.

Famously car-free and pedestrian-friendly, Zermatt is one of the most walkable ski destinations in the world, with most hotels, restaurants and shops a short stroll away. If you need a lift, electric taxis and e-buses provide clean, quiet transport throughout the village.

Getting to Zermatt is easy and scenic, with two main international airports nearby: Geneva Airport (GVA) and Zurich Airport (ZRH). 

• Geneva is about 100 miles, or a 2.5-3 hour drive, from the Matterhorn Ski Paradise. Often more convenient for international travelers thanks to frequent, affordable flight options. 
• Zurich is about 145 miles away and takes around 3 to 4 hours by car. 

Zermatt is car-free, so if driving, travelers must park in the nearby village of Täsch and take a 15-minute shuttle train into Zermatt.

To reach Zermatt by train, there are direct rail connections from both airports via the Swiss Rail (SBB) network. From Zurich, it's about a 3.5-hour train ride. From Geneva, it's a 3.5 to 4-hour train ride.

Zermatt’s Matterhorn Ski Paradise stands out as the premier ski resort for several reasons. First, it’s the highest ski area in the Alps, soaring to 12,749 feet above sea level. The resort grants access to the continent’s longest piste, and it’s home to unbelievable views of the Matterhorn (make sure to ride Rothorn-Sunnegga’s pistes 11 and 7, Tufternkumme’s piste 15 and Hirli’s pistes 52 and 54 for the best views).

Plus, there’s something for everyone. The resort has three main mountains: Gornergrat, Sunnegga-Rothorn and Klein Matterhorn, which is also known as Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Across these mountains, terrain is divided into 46 miles of blue runs (beginner runs), 141 miles of red runs (intermediate), 12.5 miles of black runs (expert) and 22 miles of freeride runs.

Lift Tickets and Ski Pass Access

• Ikon Pass: Includes 7 days at Matterhorn Ski Paradise — perfect if you’re visiting multiple resorts
• Zermatt offers a range of lift tickets and passes depending on when and where you want to ski. These tickets can be bought online or at a ticket window

Tip: With massive terrain, picking the right lift tickets and passes can be confusing. Our Mountain Experts can explain all your options for exploring Zermatt.