Zermatt, Switzerland
* One of the most magical places to ski on earth...
* Extensive snow-sure terrain and the highest pistes in the Alps...
* Magnificent glacial scenery dominated by the iconic Matterhorn...
* Charming traffic-free village steeped in Alpine history...
* The world's best mountain restaurants...
Nowhere in the Alps combines such high quality snow-sure skiing with a vibrant village atmosphere quite like Zermatt.
Not only are its pistes the highest in the Alps, they are also among the most scenic, with an unparalleled range of first-class mountain restaurants from which to contemplate the splendour of the Matterhorn. A more complete or magical ski experience is hard to imagine...
Read our blog on why we love Zermatt
Zermatt at a glance...
Resort height: |
1620m |
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Slopes: |
1620-3820m |
(1525-3820m incl. Cervinia) |
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Pistes: |
200km |
(350km incl. Cervinia) |
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Snow rating: |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
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Suitability |
Skiing |
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Beginners |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
Blue runs |
● |
16% |
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Intermediate |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
Red runs |
● |
61% |
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Advanced |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
Black runs |
● |
23% |
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Resort |
Transfer time |
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Charm |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
Sion |
1hr |
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Convenience |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
Zurich |
3hr30 |
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Après-ski |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
Basel |
3hr45 |
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Family |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
Geneva |
3hr45 |
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Non-skiers |
☆☆☆☆☆ |
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Snow reliability
The skiing
Zermatt’s slopes are spread over three main mountains, connected by lift and by piste in both directions. Each area has its own distinct character and an excellent variety of pistes for all levels.
The highest and largest area is Klein Matterhorn - Schwarzsee, accessed by gondola at the far end of town. Here you will also find the glacier (home to the highest pistes in the Alps) and links to Cervinia in Italy. The glacier is very wide and very gentle allowing even near beginners a chance to ski in spectacular high mountain scenery right at the foot of the Matterhorn. Most of the tougher runs are lower down.
The other two areas are accessed by funicular and cog railway from the centre of town. Of the two, Sunnegga is best for children and beginners, with a designated area set aside from the main pistes. However, both mountains reach over 3000m and offer some exhilarating skiing for intermediates and advanced, including lots of itineraries and off-piste. At Trifti (beyond Gornergrat) you will also find some of the toughest bump runs in the Alps.
Wherever you choose to ski the scenery is simply mind-blowing, with 4000m peaks (including the Matterhorn) and glaciers wherever you look. This is also a resort for serious lunching - Zermatt has without doubt the finest choice of mountain restaurants anywhere in the Alps.
The resort
Despite having grown into a lively year-round resort (where summer business is as important as winter) Zermatt has retained much of its village atmosphere and remains one of the most charming resorts in Switzerland.
Non-skiers are particularly well catered for with countless shops, cafés, restaurants and an excellent museum. There are also pedestrian-friendly lifts and mile upon mile of winter footpaths. Après-ski is lively and varied (but not rowdy) and caters for all tastes and ages.
Our hotels in Zermatt
The Omnia *****
* Contemporary lodge-style luxury
* Fabulous setting
* State of the art pool and spa
Guide price: £2995pp* Read more
Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort ****
* Charming boutique hotel
* Elevated piste-side location
* Fabulous food
Guide price: £2495pp* Read more
Hotel Alex **** s
* Famously quirky, ever popular
* Superb food
* Fabulous pool and spa
Guide price: £1695pp** Read more
Schlosshotel Zermatt ****
* Beautifully renovated luxury hotel
* Excellent central location
* Great spa facilities
Guide price: £1645pp* Read more
Hotel Perren *** s
* Long-standing and highly reputed
* Super-friendly, efficient service
* Great location close to lift
Guide price: £1545pp* Read more
Location
Zermatt is located in the canton of Valais in the south-western Swiss Alps, close to the Italian border.
Get a quote/check availability...
Guide prices are based on a departure in low season and include flights, train transfers and 7 nights accommodation on either a *B&B or **half board basis.