Our Zermatt Guide

In this Zermatt guide, we’ll show you the popular ski resort Zermatt, which has excellent skiing conditions from November to April every year. So, if you’d like to visit this charming resort in Switzerland or learn more, please proceed with reading our guide.

©tom-archer.com

Our website includes affiliate links. So, remember that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Please read our legal disclaimer document for more information about our Affiliate disclaimer and other disclaimers like the Fair-Use disclaimer.

Overview of Our Zermatt Guide

Zermatt is a popular ski resort in the German-speaking part of the Valais Canton in southern Switzerland due to its diverse skiing conditions and traditional alpine charm. At 1,620m, the car-free, picture-perfect resort offers reliable snow conditions and jaw-dropping views of the magnificent Matterhorn above it.

Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a ski paradise that typically stays open until the last week of April. Moreover, the glacier offers year-round skiing, making it a convenient destination for all seasons. With its recent investments in the lift system, Zermatt ensures excellent value for money with its ski passes, offering access to up to 360km of well-connected pistes. More importantly, despite its prestige, Zermatt caters to all budgets, making it a stress-free destination. Its central location and accessibility by train make it an effortless choice for your next ski adventure.

That’s why Zermatt is a firm favorite on the Swiss ski map. What’s more, if you want to ski sunny, scenic runs and stay in traditional wooden chalet-style accommodation with unbeatable mountain views, this is the resort for you!

How to get to Zermatt?

Our Zermatt guide will start by giving you a few pointers on how to get to this famous village. First, you can reach the car-free resort by train, taxi, or plane and helicopter.

By Air. Firstly, Zermatt has no airport, and the most convenient airports are in Geneva or Zurich, although the nearest airport is in Sion. However, Sion has a limited flight schedule, so people often opt to fly to Geneva or Zurich. Other nearby airports include Milan Malpensa (MXP) (86.5 km) and Milan Bergamo (BGY) (156.2 km). Once you are there, you can take a train to Zermatt.

Switzerland is very well-connected by an efficient train service. Train travel is the easiest way to get to Zermatt (find your ticket here). From Geneva, it takes around four hours. So, take the SBB train from the city center to Visp, then change to the connecting train to Zermatt. It takes around the same time to travel from Zürich to Zermatt. Alternatively, hop on a train from Milan to Zermatt via Domodossola if you’re coming from Italy.

©oxfordski.com

Zermatt Guide: Where to stay

Regarding accommodations, Zermatt has something for everyone, so our Zermatt guide would like to give you a few pointers on where to stay when visiting this ski resort.

Whether you prefer the convenience of staying within a 10-minute walk from the lifts at Sunnegga Paradise or the tranquility of Täsch, just six kilometers away, Zermatt ensures a comfortable stay for all. The diverse options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, cater to every traveler’s needs, providing a sense of reassurance and comfort.

The Omnia features stunning Matterhorn views, gourmet dining, a cozy library, an elegant bar, and a spa with a plunge pool. Europe Hotel & Spa is a luxurious lodge near Zermatt-Furi with a top-tier wellness center.

Matterhorn FOCUS Design Hotel impresses with 30 beautifully designed rooms and a stylish spa, perfect for summer hikes and winter skiing. The Matterhorn Lodge offers 17 stunning rooms and a lively bar.

Firefly Luxury Suites, located at the foot of the Matterhorn, offers 15 modern alpine suites with kitchens and spectacular views. Choose the best accommodations for an unforgettable stay.

Note: We usually use Booking.com to book our preferred accommodation.

©oxfordski.com

The best month to visit Zermatt

Every tourist has a main question about when to go. That’s why we decided to share some helpful tips in our Zermatt Guide to make your decision easier. Skiers should visit Zermatt between December and April, the peak snow season. While Christmas is crowded, January and February offer quieter and, more importantly, snowier conditions. Pack plenty of layers, as temperatures can drop to -4°C. If you prefer warmer weather, April is great for spring skiing and enjoying drinks on the terrace.

For summer activities, visit from June to August for hiking and mountain biking. The average temperature is around 20°C. After the kids return to school, September is more relaxed but still pleasant and quiet.

©contentapi-swissactivities.imgix.net

Best things to do, besides skiing, of course

Zermatt is well-known for the Matterhorn, which attracts many skiers, hikers, and bikers annually. After you check into your hostel, explore the charming village with its beautiful streets, wooden chalets, and colorful flowers—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Zermatt has activities for everyone throughout the year. In winter, you can ski, whether a beginner or an advanced skier. In summer, hike to Hörnlihütte for great views or bike around local lakes. You can also enjoy good food at places like Brasserie Uno for a Michelin-starred meal or The North Wall Bar for tasty pizzas.

Visit Zermatlantis (Matterhorn Museum) to learn about the history of Zermatt and how it became a popular ski resort. As the sun sets, admire the Matterhorn from Kirchbrücke Bridge.

The next day, take a bus to see the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Ride the Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway, the highest cable car in Europe, to enjoy stunning views. The first stop is at Matterhorn Express, where lush valleys and bare hills are seen.

Visit the scenic area at Trocken Mountaineers’ train station, where skiers and hikers meet. Then, continue to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, a snowy paradise open year-round, about 45 minutes away. For a unique experience, try the “Crystal Ride” cabins covered in Swarovski crystals, which offer beautiful views during a nine-minute ride.

Tips:

Visit this charming Church of St. Mauritius with a distinctive wooden interior and beautiful stained glass.
Try Swiss specialties such as fondue, raclette, and rösti in traditional restaurants.

Skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt

Zermatt features a diverse ski area that accommodates all skill levels, including one of the longest runs in Europe. The 16 km run from the Klein Matterhorn has the highest vertical drop in the Alps, descending from 3,883 meters to 1,620 meters, with breathtaking views.

The Matterhorn Ski Paradise is the highest ski area in the Alps, offering 360 km of terrain. Glass-bottom gondolas connect Zermatt to the Italian resort of Cervinia, which has excellent beginner runs. Perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers, Zermatt is an adventurous playground with thrilling off-piste options and challenging runs.

©europeansnowsport.com

Après-Ski Scene in Zermatt

The next thing we want to discuss in our Zermatt Guide is its Apres-Ski scene. Zermatt offers a vibrant après-ski scene that caters to all types of party-goers. The resort features”s many excellent, authentic Swiss restaurants on and off the slopes, providing delicious menus and warming drinks. There’s something for everyone, from cozy cabin-style bars to late-night spots with live music, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. The Champagne Bar, for instance, offers a unique experience of enjoying bubbles right by the piste, while Iglu-Dorf provides drinks from a unique uniCervosoo bar at the mountaintop. CCervo’s, on the other hand, is known for its sophisticated drinks on the sun terrace.

Some popular venues include Champagne Bar, where you can enjoy bubbles right by the piste; Iglu-Dorf, which offers drinks from a unique uniCervosoo bar at the mountain top; and Cervo’s, known for its sophisticated drinks on the sun terrace.

During winter, Zermatt buzzes with activity, especially along Bahnhofstrasse, the main road through the village. This road is lined with restaurants and bars that attract lively crowds as day turns to night.

Zermatt Insider Tips

Try Matterhorn-shaped p” pizza at Restaurant Al Bosco
Enjoy a hot chocolate at Petit Royal Cafe
Visit Bahnhofstrasse for a spot of boutique shopping
Book a table at Chez Vrony for the children’s view!
For the best view of the Matterhorn, head to the top of the Rothorn cable car

Is Zermatt Family-friendly?

Zermatt is family-friendly, offering a comprehensive ski school program for families with children. The Wolli-park beginner area, accessible via the Leisee Shuttle funicular, is ideal for newcomers. Families can enjoy an indoor climbing wall, an open-air ice skating rink, and a toboggan run. The resort’s commitment to family-friendly values is further underscored by its “Familien Willkommen quality label from the Swiss Tour Federation, which ensures a range of family-oriented services and facilities.

Zermatt offers free lift passes for children under nine and discounts for those under 16, making it more affordable for families. The resort’s commitment to family-friendly values is further underscored by its “Familien Willkommen quality label from the Swiss Tour Federation. This label ensures a range of family-oriented services and facilities, including special children’s menus in restaurants, family-friendly accommodations, and various activities suitable for all ages.

Which is better, Cervinia or Zermatt?

Switzerland is more expensive than its neighboring countries, and strict labor laws have led many chalet operators to leave. This makes booking a chalet holiday in Zermatt challenging. However, one company is committed to maintaining high standards.

Choosing between Cervinia and Zermatt depends on your needs. If you have young children, select Cervinia because skiing there is more effortless. If you have older kids and a larger budget, Zermatt is a better option for couples looking for luxury.

Cervinia is great for a short ski weekend because it is close to Milan and Turin. Zermatt is better for longer trips. It is famous for skiing and climbing, with many admiring the challenging Matterhorn peak.

The Conclusion of Our Zermatt Guide

Zermatt uniquely blends stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming alpine culture. Whether skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying the views, it’s a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Enjoy your trip!