The Matterhorn, Switzerland's most famous landmark, sits resplendently, overlooking the resort of Zermatt - Switzerland’s, if not the world’s, most loved resort. The car-free environment, the sense of tradition, plus a dramatic and magical backdrop of over 20 sublime peaks all add to the special allure of this captivating resort.
Zermatt boasts a mix of old wooden chalets and contemporary hotels, electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages, plus backpackers and high society types, all here to witness the enchanting sight of the great Matterhorn. The village itself has retained an authentic ski resort atmosphere and character.
The resort of Zermatt has acquired numerous lodging possibilities over the years, with 13,000 beds in over a hundred hotels and many more traditional chalets and apartments. Over a hundred exceptional restaurants serve cuisine for most budgets and tastes, while the nightlife is effervescent and plentiful. A museum, a cinema, concerts and folklore evenings add to the resort’s vast wealth of entertainment opportunities. Children and adults alike are well looked after at this world famous resort.
Zermatt offers skiing over three areas, with a combined 394kms of prepared slopes, plus a vast cross-country area providing skiers and snowboarders with some hugely challenging runs. It is at Zermatt that you will find Triftji, the world famous black run.
The slopes at the resort favour the intermediate level skier, with 55 per cent of runs suitable for this level. Advanced skiers get 36 per cent of runs, whereas beginners get nine per cent. The resort is serviced by 60 lifts, and has a top elevation of 3,900m and a vertical drop of 2,280m. The lifts usher a total of 75,180 skiers per hour at Zermatt, which also has a snow park for snowboarders as well as some awesome off-piste terrain. Two hundred instructors teach skiing as well as snowboarding.
For an alternative visit or daytrip, you can cross over the Italian border to the resorts of Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy, which are both skiable areas lift-linked to Zermatt and accessible by purchasing a pass from the resort itself.
The main ski season runs all year round at Zermatt, with summer skiing starting in May and ending around November. The resort lies close to the international airports at Zürich and Geneva, with both offering hire vehicles and train services to the resort.
