Ski Resort Guide
Zermatt
Zermatt Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
Zermatt ski resort is Europe's highest ski destination, with two top T-bars that are among the 10 highest lifts in the world. They're so high that Zermatt only opens them through the summer, as it continues to offer skiing 365 days a year, on its eternal glacier snows.
This great height means that Zermatt is one of only nine resorts in the world to offer top to bottom skiing in excess of 2,200 vertical metres (7,120ft). Amongst a long list of other remarkable facts is the resort's participation in the International Pass with Cervinia and Valtournenche, lift-linked over in Italy's Aosta Valley. While there are a few other cross-border ski areas, Zermatt and Cervinia are linked by a six-seater chairlift which actually crosses the border, a unique way to enter another country.
Besides its remarkable ski area, Zermatt's success can be put down to the ambience of its car-free village. Zermatt has grown dramatically since its early years as one of the pioneers of winter sports in the 1920s, but without the construction of any ugly buildings, the blight of some other famous Swiss resorts. But most famously, the spectacular domination of the mighty Matterhorn mountain on the skyline is totally synonymous with the resort.
This great height means that Zermatt is one of only nine resorts in the world to offer top to bottom skiing in excess of 2,200 vertical metres (7,120ft). Amongst a long list of other remarkable facts is the resort's participation in the International Pass with Cervinia and Valtournenche, lift-linked over in Italy's Aosta Valley. While there are a few other cross-border ski areas, Zermatt and Cervinia are linked by a six-seater chairlift which actually crosses the border, a unique way to enter another country.
Besides its remarkable ski area, Zermatt's success can be put down to the ambience of its car-free village. Zermatt has grown dramatically since its early years as one of the pioneers of winter sports in the 1920s, but without the construction of any ugly buildings, the blight of some other famous Swiss resorts. But most famously, the spectacular domination of the mighty Matterhorn mountain on the skyline is totally synonymous with the resort.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,620m (5,315ft).
Top elevation: Zermatt: 3,899m (12,792ft); International: 3,899m (12,792ft).
Base elevation: Zermatt: 1,620m (5,315ft); International: 1,524m (5,000ft).
Number of lifts: Zermatt: 34; International: 57.
Number of runs: Zermatt: 70; International: 131.
Average annual snowfall: 3m (10ft).
Where in the world?
Zermatt is located in the German-speaking part of the Valais canton in the southern Swiss Alps, on the Italian border.
Hit the slopes
The main winter season runs from late November until late April, but Zermatt remains open for skiing throughout the year.
Zermatt's skiing is spread across three separate areas which recent investments have brought together with ski lift connections. These now extend over the border into Italy to create one of the world's biggest ski regions with 400km (250 miles) of runs.
Given the size of the ski area and the huge skiable vertical, there is of course skiing for all ability levels and all interests. The Gornegrat sector is a good choice for beginners, while Sunnegga has steeper terrain for intermediates.
Whilst most resorts can satisfy the needs of beginners and intermediate ability skiers, Zermatt is one of the few able to claim to offer endless attractions for expert skiers too. There's extensive off-piste terrain for freeriders, with experienced guides to take you there and a heli-ski operation to further expand the possibilities.
Zermatt's skiing is spread across three separate areas which recent investments have brought together with ski lift connections. These now extend over the border into Italy to create one of the world's biggest ski regions with 400km (250 miles) of runs.
Given the size of the ski area and the huge skiable vertical, there is of course skiing for all ability levels and all interests. The Gornegrat sector is a good choice for beginners, while Sunnegga has steeper terrain for intermediates.
Whilst most resorts can satisfy the needs of beginners and intermediate ability skiers, Zermatt is one of the few able to claim to offer endless attractions for expert skiers too. There's extensive off-piste terrain for freeriders, with experienced guides to take you there and a heli-ski operation to further expand the possibilities.
Beyond the slopes
As with all things Zermatt, there's plenty to do besides ski and board.
Outdoor alternatives include ice skating, curling, ice climbing, snowshoeing, tubing or winter hikes on 45km (28 miles) of marked and cleared paths.
Indoor options include visits to the cinema, theatre, museums, art galleries and churches or, for the most active, sports centres and swimming pools.
Outdoor alternatives include ice skating, curling, ice climbing, snowshoeing, tubing or winter hikes on 45km (28 miles) of marked and cleared paths.
Indoor options include visits to the cinema, theatre, museums, art galleries and churches or, for the most active, sports centres and swimming pools.
Family fun
There are four childcare facilities in Zermatt for younger non-skiing children. Best known is, arguably, Kinderparadies Zermatt, about 200m (665ft) from the railway station. It's open 0900-1700 daily, English is spoken and reservations are essential.
Older children can join the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School from age four.
Zermatt can be expensive for families if you are not careful about where you stay and where you eat, but it does have some of the most generous family lift ticket pricing in the world, with children (accompanied by a paying adult) skiing free until age 9, receiving half-price tickets until age 16 and continuing to receive a discount up to age 20. The exact price paid depends on the year of birth. These low child prices compares favourably to many resorts that ask children to pay from age four or five and then only 20 or 30% less than the adult price, with the full adult price charged from as young as age 10.
Older children can join the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School from age four.
Zermatt can be expensive for families if you are not careful about where you stay and where you eat, but it does have some of the most generous family lift ticket pricing in the world, with children (accompanied by a paying adult) skiing free until age 9, receiving half-price tickets until age 16 and continuing to receive a discount up to age 20. The exact price paid depends on the year of birth. These low child prices compares favourably to many resorts that ask children to pay from age four or five and then only 20 or 30% less than the adult price, with the full adult price charged from as young as age 10.
Retail therapy
With more than 300 shops, Zermatt is a shopping paradise. You will find a wide choice of tourist souvenir stores and of course ski shops as well as upmarket fashion boutiques and jewellers. English is well spoken in virtually every shop.
Après ski
Zermatt is one of the world's best choices for après skiers - the party hardly stops between the lifts closing and opening again the next morning. In fact you can stagger straight from one of the late night spots (there are eight nightclubs, most open until at least 0330) to make a special trip up the mountain to see the sun rise on the Matterhorn. Why sleep?
There are more than 40 bars to choose from, including no fewer than five in the lively and central Hotel Post, Bahnhofstrasse 41.
There are more than 40 bars to choose from, including no fewer than five in the lively and central Hotel Post, Bahnhofstrasse 41.
Eating out
Only Davos and Gstaad in Switzerland can offer a few more places to eat than Zermatt's choice of more than 90 establishments. These include French, Italian, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese establishments, as well as the rather large volume of traditional Swiss establishments.
At the gourmet end of the market, The Parkhotel Beau-Site's restaurant, Brunnmattgasse 9, has special meals on different evenings. Monday is Valais-style cheese evening, Wednesday sees a gala dinner celebrating 100 years in operation, and Friday a magnificent buffet with more than 30 different fish and meat dishes.
China Garden, Bahnhofstrasse 18, employs Chinese staff to create exotic dishes, Ristorante Da Mario, Bahnhofstrasse 5, is a good choice for gourmet Italian, whilst Fuji of Zermatt is an authentic Japanese choice.
At the gourmet end of the market, The Parkhotel Beau-Site's restaurant, Brunnmattgasse 9, has special meals on different evenings. Monday is Valais-style cheese evening, Wednesday sees a gala dinner celebrating 100 years in operation, and Friday a magnificent buffet with more than 30 different fish and meat dishes.
China Garden, Bahnhofstrasse 18, employs Chinese staff to create exotic dishes, Ristorante Da Mario, Bahnhofstrasse 5, is a good choice for gourmet Italian, whilst Fuji of Zermatt is an authentic Japanese choice.
Getting around
Zermatt is a car-free, pedestrian resort and most points are accessible by foot or sometimes funicular railway or cable car/gondola. Small electric vehicles are used to help those with walking difficulties or to transport luggage when required. There is also an electric ski bus (powered by renewable energy) that follows a 4.5km (3-mile) route around the village. Private cars need to be left down in the valley where there are spaces for several thousand vehicles in covered and uncovered car parks. Drivers then continue to the resort by train or taxi.
Splashing out
Take a night off from the tedious luxury of your hotel and stay in an igloo high on the mountain instead. The Gornergrat funicular takes you up to the highest igloos in the world, complete with hot tub (www.iglu-dorf.com).
Accommodation
Luxury
Grand Hotel ZermatterhofOne of Zermatt's earliest hotels, opened in 1879, offering timeless elegance and luxury as well as spectacular Matterhorn views.
Bahnhofstrasse 55
Tel: (027) 966 6600.
Website: www.zermatterhof.ch
Moderate
Hotel ButterflyWell-located Best Western 3-star hotel with a friendly team, quality bar and small wellness area.
Bodmenstrasse 21
Tel: (027) 966 4166.
Website: www.hotel-butterfly.com
Budget
Matterhorn HostelBasic but well-located and affordable accommodation.
Schluhmattstrasse 32
Tel: (027) 968 1919.
Website: www.matterhornhostel.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Geneva (GVA); Zurich (ZRH).
Distance to resort: 244km (153 miles); 248km (155 miles).
Driving time: 3 hours; 3 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Zermatt.
Distance to resort: 244km (153 miles); 248km (155 miles).
Driving time: 3 hours; 3 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Zermatt.
Website
This resort is good for...
Snow reliability, Summer skiing, Environmental awareness, Intermediates, Après ski, Snowboarders, Non-skiers, Experts
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