Zermatt in short
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Height: 1620 metres
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Pedestrian ski resort with solar-powered buses
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Huge ski area with something for everybody
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Superior hotels and restaurants
Zermatt has long been an important destination in the history of winter sports as it had already become THE mountain climbing village in Switzerland in the last century. This should not come as a surprise, bearing in mind that Zermatt is surrounded by no fewer than 38 mountain peaks that reach over 4000 metres of altitude, including the world-famous Matterhorn (4478m). The high-altitude slopes in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise stay open for skiing almost all year long.
Zermatt is known to be an expensive ski resort in Switzerland, but it remains extremely popular attracting a wonderful international mix of the rich and famous and hardcore mountain explorers. The pedestrian ski resort centre breathes a pleasantly rural character with its appealing wooden buildings and the narrow alleys in the old centre. Over the last few years, the ski resort of Zermatt has invested seriously in developing environmentally friendly transport in its center. This means the only traffic you will come across are electric buses, taxis and horse-drawn sleighs. The ski area of Zermatt leaves an equally positive impression. You'll find here some of the best skiing in the Alps on the 360km of ski slopes that reach up to over 3800m of altitude! The après-ski here is rather expensive but you won't be disappointed - excellent service, food and some very attractive venues including a plethora of mountain restaurants will make you feel you're getting your money's worth on your ski holidays in luxurious Zermatt.
Expert's paradise
Zermatt is the sunniest ski resort in Switzerland, with 300 days of sunshine a year. Skiers and snowboarders in Zermatt can enjoy more than 350km of slopes at altitudes reaching up to 3883m. Thanks to the high altitude, some of the slopes at Zermatt also remain open for skiing in the summer. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ranks among the highest summer ski areas in Europe and is accessible via the world's highest 3S cableway. On the western side of the village you'll find a selection of lovely blue and red runs with stunning views of the iconic Matterhorn. Below the Stockhorn there are some challenging black runs, and over on the north side at the Klein Matterhorn beginners can build their confidence on easier nursery slopes. If, despite all the choices, you've managed to ski all the slopes in Zermatt, you can head across the border and explore the slopes in neighbouring Valtournencheand Breuil-Cervinia. Freeriders can also opt to go heli-skiing in the area surrounding Zermatt and the Matterhorn.
High-class après-ski in Zermatt
Après-ski at Zermatt tends to be somewhat of a swankier affair than some places in Austria, but there is no shortage of great options if you're looking for a good time at the end of your ski day. Institutions like the Hennu Stall are the place to be if you're looking for the kind of après-ski bar where you can party with your ski boots still on. For a unique experience, check out the Iglu Dorf, an igloo village set at 2727m above sea level. And for a taste of how the rich and famous do their ski holidays, stop in at the Champagner Bar and enjoy a delicious flute of champagne. Zermatt hosts one of the biggest music festivals of the year, Zermatt Unplugged, every spring at the end of ski season.
Winter activities at Zermatt
50km of hiking trails allow hikers to explore the breathtaking scenery around the lofty Matterhorn. You can also hire a mountain guide in order to get a real feel for the winter landscapes. Kids will love the toboggan runs, of which the Rotenboden is said to be the most beautiful toboggan run in the Alps. Take a go and see for yourself! Other activities at Zermatt include ice skating, curling, spas and visiting the frozen waterfalls. It's impossible to get bored at Zermatt, especially with such a spectacular environment to discover!
Photo gallery of Zermatt
Weather in Zermatt
Today
Bright sunny weather
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0 mmTomorrow
Showers with occasional sunshine
Frost line
2643 metresRain
3 mm{{totalResults}} 50 Activities found
CHF 105
per day
Adult Ski Lessons (from 15 y.) for All Levels
Duration: 5 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 100
per day
Adult Ski Lessons (from 18 y.) for All Levels in Small Groups
Duration: 3 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 103
per day
Kids & Adult Snowboarding Lessons (from 6 y.) for All Levels
Duration: 5 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 58
per day
CHF 78
per day
Kids Ski Lessons (5-12 y.) for Intermediates
Duration: 3 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 155
per day
Kids Ski Lessons (6-12 y.) for Advanced Skiers - Full Day
Duration: 6 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 80
per day
Kids Ski Lessons (6-12 y.) for Advanced Skiers - Half Day
Duration: 3 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 100
per day
Kids Ski Lessons (6-12 y.) for All Levels in Small Groups
Duration: 3 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 155
per day
Kids Ski Lessons (6-12 y.) for Beginners - Full Day
Duration: 6 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 80
per day
Kids Ski Lessons (6-12 y.) for Beginners - Half Day
Duration: 3 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 106
per day
Kids Ski Lessons (6-14 y.) for Advanced Skiers
Duration: 4 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 106
per day
CHF 75
per day
CHF 78
per day
Kids Ski Lessons (from 4 y.) for Beginners
Duration: 3 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 100
per day
Kids Ski Lessons "Penguins" (3-5 y.) for Beginners
Duration: 3 hours
Number of days: 5
Group Activity
CHF 580
per day
CHF 549
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CHF 469
per day
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