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!

Apres-ski & entertainment Zermatt
Restaurants 161	Theatre -
Bars & cafes 57	Casino -
Nightclubs & discos 7	Concert hall
Cinema 1

Ski school and ski lessons Zermatt
No. of ski schools 8	Private ski lessons Yes, price on request
No. of ski instructors -	Ski lessonsYes, price on request
Area for beginners	Snowboarding lessonsYes, price on request
Ski lessons in	Cross-country skiingYes, price on request

Facilities Zermatt
No. of hotels 108	Supermarkets 4
Total no. of hotel beds 7166	Banks
Total no. of beds 18365

Zermatt for families and children
Childcare	Magic carpet
Playground	Ski lift for children
Merry-go-round

Leisure & sports activities Zermatt
Public sauna -	Footpaths 70 km
Fitness centre	Torchlight descent -
Public solarium	Indoor ice rink -
Massage	Outdoor ice rink
Spa & wellness -	Curling
Indoor swimming pool -	Snow rafting -
Hot air ballooning -	Dog sledding -
Paragliding	Snowmobile tours -
Indoor tennis court	Toboggan run
Squash court -

Weblogs about Zermatt

Year-round skiing: These ski resorts are open for skiing all summer

30 April 2019 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

Skiing in summer? Yes, it's possible! We're all depressed about the end of the 2018-19 ski season, and most of us are already counting the days to next winter. But did you know that a handful of ski resorts in the Alps offer skiing in the summer? These glacier ski resorts in Austria, Switzerland and Italy offer skiing all summer long on high-altitude glacier slopes with guaranteed snow cover. If you can't wait another eight months for the exhilarating feeling of carving down a red slope or clutc... More ›

Heli-skiing in Zermatt: Off-piste mecca at the Matterhorn

6 October 2018 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

Are you looking for a new adrenaline high? Bored with whizzing down steep black slopes and dabbling in basic off-piste powder? The famous Swiss ski resort of Zermatt might be what you’re looking for. Here, off-piste skiing is on a whole other level: go heli-skiing in the shadow of the amazing Matterhorn for the chance to carve your way through pristine virgin powder amongst the impressive Swiss Alps. With five routes to choose from, all of them boasting spectacular views, this is definitely ... More ›

Zermatt to open world's highest gondola for 2018/19 ski season

1 July 2018 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

Zermatt is set to complete construction of the world’s highest gondola by autumn 2018, in time for the 2018/19 winter ski season. The 45-million-euro project, announced by Zermatt in 2015, will be carried out by Leitner Ropeways in cooperation with Pininfarina. Pininfarina is known for its work on luxury brands such as Ferrari and Maserati so you can expect the ultimate comfort from those gondola cabins! The new 3S gondola at this posh Swiss ski resort will take skiers and snowboarders up to ... More ›

Zermatt travel report: Why this should be on every skier's bucket list

30 January 2018 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

It's impossible not to fall in love with Zermatt after your very first visit. This legendary ski resort at the foot of the Matterhorn (4478m) is overflowing with superlatives. Zermatt offers the longest pistes, the highest mountain peaks, the best snow and the most modern ski lifts. Combined with the cosy ski huts and the international atmosphere, Zermatt is second to none. And thanks to the glaciers, snow is guaranteed here and skiing is also possible during the summer months. Our colleagu... More ›

7 must-see ski circuits in the Alps

4 January 2018 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

Want to explore an entire ski resort without having to repeat lifts? More and more ski resorts in the Alps are installing ski circuits that take you through all the highlights in one day. These ski circuits are clearly signposted so you can find your way without the help of a guide – it’s the perfect way to discover a new ski resort on your own terms! Be aware that due to their length and demanding nature, anyone attempting to complete a ski circuit should be a confident skier with an adequat... More ›