Zermatt is expecially popular with advanced skiers, who are in their element on the steep, challenging slopes in this ski area at the foot of the Matterhorn (4478m). As if the black runs and moguls weren't enough, there is a wealth of off-piste terrain just waiting to be explored by competent skiers and snowboarders. It's even possible to go heli-skiing at Zermatt! The ski slopes around the Klein Matterhorn in the Zermatt ski area are more suitable for beginner skiers. Thanks to the high-altitude glacier slopes, Zermatt enjoys reliable snow cover and stays open for skiing almost all year long.

The majestic Matterhorn in Switzerland stands out in all its beauty and can be admired from the slopes in Zermatt's ski area. Here, everyone will find ski runs adapted to their abilities, from gentle nursery slopes to black runs and freestyle ski areas for the real experts. Zermatt is also linked to the ski resorts of Valtournenche and Breuil-Cervinia in Italy. Intermediate skiers are spoilt for choice in Zermatt and will enjoy the run down to Cervinia in Italy. There is a great choice of restaurants up on the slopes in the Zermatt ski resort, with more than 30 establishments with wonderful mountain views. Zermatt's ski area really is extremely versatile with something for all types of winter sports fans. Definitely a ski resort for the bucket list!!

Overview of slopes and lifts in Zermatt

Slopes	Ski lifts	Additional information
Blue slopes80 km	Drag lifts11	Start of the season1 May
Red slopes229 km	Chair lifts21	End of the season30 April
Black slopes51 km	Gondola lifts19	Glacier
Off-piste0 km	Train1	Min. altitude1600 m
Total360 km	Capacity108716 Pers./Hour	Max. altitude3899 m

• 

  Zermatt

• 

  Valtournenche

Highlight: 17km valley run down the Klein Matterhorn

One of the most beautiful pistes at Zermatt is without a doubt the 17km valley run from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The descent is not too difficult and should be within the ability range of most skiers. You get to the top of the run by taking the highest 3S lift in the world to a height of 3883m. After enjoying the view and taking a moment to get acclimatised, it is time to descend no less than 2200m. You ski through an amazing environment, against the backdrop of the mighty Matterhorn. Not only is the descent from the Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt one of the longest, it's also one of the most beautiful pistes in the Alps.

Highest 3S cableway in the world

In the 2018-19 winter ski season, Zermatt unveiled the highest 3S cable car in the world. The new cable car brings skiers and snowboarders from the Trockener Steg station to the top station of the Klein Matterhorn (3883m), in the heart of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The journey measures 3.6km in total and takes just 9 minutes, greatly facilitating access to the Klein Matterhorn. With a carrying capacity of 2000 people an hour, the 3S cable car ensures queues are not an issue for skiers looking to reach the Klein Matterhorn.

Off-piste & freestyle in Zermatt
Snow parks 3	Tables
Half pipe	Boxes
Quarter pipe	Rails
Boardercross	Off-piste allowed
Kickers	Off-piste zone

Blogs about Zermatt

The top 15 ski areas in Switzerland

11 June 2020 by Danielle in 'Destinations''

This alpine skiing paradise has a disproportionate amount of Europe’s biggest glaciers and highest mountain peaks - one could almost call Switzerland the pinnacle of alpine skiing. Best-known for its jetsetters, who flock to the likes of St. Moritz and Zermatt to spend their millions, Switzerland also features its fair share of quaint villages and family-friendly ski resorts. The skiing is exceptional, with everything from wide cruising runs to fantastic off-piste terrain. Together with gourmet-... More ›

New 10-person gondola to replace Kumme chairlift in Zermatt

15 April 2020 by Danielle in 'Latest news''

The Kumme 3-person chairlift in Zermatt was destroyed by an avalanche in January 2018 which started on the Unterrothorn (3104m) and swept through the Tuftern valley. Only a few concrete walls and the foundation remained. Now, two years later, the green light has been given for construction of a replacement lift. The new 10-person Kumme gondola is expected to be ready for use by the 2020/21 ski season.... More ›
(Photo: © Zermatt Bergbahnen)

Ski areas with guaranteed snow for a November ski holiday

27 October 2019 by Danielle in 'Destinations''

Did you know there are already plenty of ski resorts open for skiing in November? The higher-altitude ski areas in the Alps have already been blessed with several snowfalls this autumn and as we get into November, the snow line should be dropping down as far as the valleys soon. In this article we'll give an overview of Alpine ski areas where you should be able to expect reliable snow cover for skiing in November.... More ›

Top 10 Swiss ski areas with guaranteed snow

12 October 2019 by Danielle in 'Destinations''

There's nothing more heartbreaking than arriving at your long-awaited ski holiday only to find brown hills and a couple of cows grazing! When you've scheduled holiday time, invested money and spent hours researching your ski area and accommodation, the last thing you want is a ski area with unreliable snow cover. The good news is that you don't have to be completely at the mercy of the elements this year. Switzerland is known for its especially high-altitude ski areas and the following ski areas hav... More ›
(Photo: © Jungfraubahnen 2019)

Top 10 alpine ski resorts with beautiful scenery

20 June 2019 by Danielle in 'Ski areas''

The Alps are home to some of the most spectacular panoramas in the world, but a surprising number of ski resorts manage to totally trash this scenery by constructing the ugliest buildings you can imagine (we're looking at you, Flaine). If booking a ski holiday in a beautiful ski resort is important to you, then check out this list of ten charming alpine villages - with world-class skiing to boot!... More ›