Zermatt

The picturesque village of Zermatt is nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn. Here you’ll be free to explore 3,600 hectares of spectacular terrain, divided into the four ski areas of Rothorn (including Sunnegga), Gornergrat (including Riffelberg and Stockhorn), Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee. All are serviced by a network of highly efficient railways and ski lifts. Zermatt is surrounded by a chain of mountains that are over 4,000m high (in fact Zermatt is home to nine of the 10 highest mountains in Europe), providing skiers, boarders and mountaineers with ideal conditions.

Difficulty

Beginner	9%
Intermediate	55%
Advanced	36%

At a Glance

Terrain Area

360km

Summit

3,899m

Mt. Vertical

2,279m

Season

Dec-Apr

Lifts

Food & Bars

132

Accommodation Zermatt
Skiing & Boarding
Activities
Getting There

Accommodation Zermatt

You’ll find a wide range of accommodation in Zermatt to suit your budget although compared to some European resorts, it is on the expensive side. Choose from apartments, some of which are self-contained, authentic, privately owned chalets and more luxurious hotels in the heart of the village and dotted along the narrow cobbled laneways extending out from the centre.

Skiing & Boarding

Zermatt comprises four separate ski areas – Rothorn (including Sunnegga), Gornergrat (including Riffelberg and Stockhorn), Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee – each of them with its own base area and so expansive that you’re best to dedicate yourself to just one area on any day. Zermatt’s ski area connects to more skiing in Cervinia, Italy, which can be sensational when the conditions are spot on. Zermatt is most suited to intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, with endless challenges on a total area spanning 3,600 hectares of spectacular on piste serviced by highly efficient railways and ski lifts. And that’s not to mention the incredible off piste areas and the virgin snow you’ll find should you choose to take a guide or go heli-skiing. If you’re a beginner skier or boarder you’ll find some gentle slopes and ski schools on each of Zermatt’s four ski areas. The main beginners’ area is below Sunnegga where there are magic carpets and play equipment. Once you’ve mastered the beginners’ area, the leap to intermediate at Zermatt can be challenging.

Activities

There’s plenty for the whole family in Zermatt. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to try snowshoeing and be sure to take an adrenalin pumping 10 minute sledge ride from the top of Rotenboden to the bottom of Riffelberg. For more thrills try ice climbing, paragliding, heli-skiing or cross country skiing. In the centre of the village, you can experience curling or go ice skating, and for an unforgettable experience, book a scenic helicopter flight that will take you around the Matterhorn, allowing you to experience – and photograph – its majesty from all angles. There’s no doubt you’ll be overwhelmed! Once a month, when the moon is full, it’s possible to dine in restaurants on Rothorn, Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise then take a guided moonlit ski back to the village.

Getting There & Around

Zermatt is car free and so the only way to arrive in the village is via a spectacular train ride that takes you up through the mountains. To get to the area, you’ll need to fly into Zurich, Geneva or Milan then transfer via train to Brig or Visp which will take three to four hours. From there, you’ll need to take a connecting train to Zermatt. It’s also possible to drive to the town of Täsch and take a short train shuttle to Zermatt.