Zermatt offers dreamy scenes of stunning après landscapes. Skiers from all walks of life can benefit from the enthralling slopes and enticing attractions that Zermatt offers.
We’ve gathered everything you need to know before visiting this incredible ski destination, so stick around to find out the best features of such an engrossing location, and what approach you should have for planning the ski trip of your wildest dreams.
Location, Weather, and Climate at Zermatt
Zermatt is located in Switzerland and boasts an alpine climate, thus the temperatures are often freezing from December through till March, making this the perfect time for a ski trip in this area.
Check out more details on average monthly temperatures here
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The area experiences a stunning amount of natural snow coverage, and snowmaking capabilities ensure exceptional snow quality all year round as well. Check out details on average monthly snowfall at Zermatt here.
| Month | Temperature (High) | Temperature (Low) | Snowfall (inches) |
| November | 6° | -2° | 22 |
| December | 2° | -6° | 15.7 |
| January | 1° | -7° | 25.2 |
| February | 2° | -7° | 24 |
| March | 6° | -3° | 29.9 |
| April | 11° | 0° | 25 |
It gets incredibly cold, so visitors will need to ensure that appropriate winter gear and clothing is worn, topped with protective measures such as hats and sunglasses while traveling.
Proper gear such as skiing helmets and goggles will provide protection while skiing, and sunscreen should be worn as well. Additional measures such as umbrellas are advised while participating in non-ski activities or traveling during snowfall.
Getting to and around Zermatt
Zermatt ski resort is located a few hours away from multiple airports. Patrons have the option to arrive at the resort by train, by vehicle, or by helicopter with prior booking, and various shuttles are available as well with prior planning.
For the fastest access to the resort, visitors can fly into Sion or Bern Airport, which is nearest to the resort. Check out more details on getting to Zermatt here.
| Airport | Travel by Train | Travel by Car | Travel by Helicopter |
| Zurich | 3.5 hours | 3.5 hours | 1 hour |
| Geneva | 4 hours | 3 hours | 45 min. |
| Basel | 4 hours | 3.5 hours | 1 hr. 10 min. |
| Milano | 4 hours | 3 hours | NA |
| Lugano/Agno | 5 hours | 3.5 hours | 35 min. |
| Sion | 2 hours | 1.5 hours | 15 min. |
| Bern | 2 hours | 2.5 hours | 35 min. |
| Locarno | 4.5 hours | 3 hours | 30 min. |
From the airport, visitors can also make use of taxi services, which will provide simple and convenient transport. Taxis are available from Basel Airport, Zürich Airport, Geneva Airport, Milano/Linate Airport, Milano/Malpensa Airport, Bern/Belp Airport, and Sion Airport.
Luxury transport is also available in the form of limousines for those seeking a more extravagant journey.
It should be noted that due to an old-style village charm, no private cars are allowed in the town, thus visitors cannot drive to the actual ski resort. Check out more details on taxi services to Zermatt here.
Accommodation at Zermatt
With the world undergoing an array of twists, turns, and changes in 2020, Zermatt has made a few adjustments in order to accommodate and manage the number of individuals on-site at any given moment.
It’s essential to ensure that all patrons are fully up to date with all current measures, regulations, and rules for the safest and most enjoyable overall experience. Check details on new health and safety protocols here.
The town in Zermatt Switzerland has kept up a large portion of traditional European charisma with a conserved ‘old town’ flair.
The area is mostly free of modern vehicles like cars and motors all year round, with sporadic horse-drawn carriages wandering along the cobblestone paths.
The Zermatt Resort is laden with flamboyance and is wonderfully lavish for patrons seeking a more glamorous and iconic ski holiday, while still providing an equally fantastical skiing holiday experience for seeking a more cost-effective vacation topped with a cozy, comfortable, and modest alpine charm.
Zermatt boasts a wide selection of comfortable and charismatic accommodation locations for patrons with varying budgets, necessities, and lodging preferences, all of which flaunt various features, facilities, amenities, and benefits for a dreamy skiing trip.
There are 33 featured accommodation locations near the ski resort, including charming chalets, hospitable hotels, amazing apartments, and marvelous mountain resorts, all boasting magnificent mountain views and snowy scenery of surrounding summits.
View details on all available lodging locations here.
Chalet Hinter dem Rot Stei is an excellent choice for groups and families, featuring 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, and even ski boot heaters.
This is a comfortable and private lodging site situated steps away from the red ski slope for a ski in- ski-out experience. Check out more details here.
Chalet Samson offers 3 locations for varying accommodation preferences, all located near the ski resort. They have a chalet suited for a group of 3 with 1 bedroom, a sleeper sofa, kitchen, as well as a living and dining room as well as a kitchen. Check out details here.
They also offer a 2 story chalet suited for 6 persons, offering 3 double bedrooms, kitchen, living room, fireplace, and a balcony. Check out details here.
For groups of 9 persons, a marvelous 4 bedroom chalet is available, in the form of 2 separate apartments for privacy. Check out details here.
Haus Gornergorge is a stylish 4 bedroom apartment located at the foot of the slopes for a ski-in/ski-out experience. It features a spacious interior, fully equipped kitchen, and bathroom, topped with a south-facing balcony.
This is a great choice for groups of 6, and families with accompanying pets. Check out details here.
Silvana Mountain Hotel offers 21 furnished hotel rooms with varying bedroom and bathroom numbers for accommodating groups of various calibers and sizes.
They have exceptional facilities, including the Gitz-Gädi Restaurant which boasts a lavish fireplace, a lounge, a wellness center flaunting an award-winning adventure pool, as well as an exclusive spa, sauna, and steam bath.
Check out details here.
Cervo Mountain Resort provides guests with a special mountain experience through exceptional service and luxury amenities.
They feature a bar and lounge, a conference room, a gym, restaurant, sauna, spa, and wellness center, and they are bike and pet friendly.
They are near the slopes for a ski-in/ski-out experience, nestled between tall trees amongst awe-inspiring natural elements. Check out details here.
Ski areas in Zermatt
The combined area at Zermatt ski resort boasts an exceptional skiable vertical of 7,217 feet, offering a diverse ski area with plenty of terrain and runs suited for various ski experience levels.
Zermatt ski resort in Switzerland is considered one of the best resorts in Europe, with a wide variety of stunning aspects and features that amount to a classic European ski holiday.
This is topped with stunning panoramic scenery from the legendary Matterhorn at an altitude of 14,691 feet to Monte Rosa standing at 15,203 feet in elevation.
Zermatt boasts a wide variety of runs and attractions in the ski area that will keep visitors of all ages and preferences entertained for the entire duration of the holiday.
Possible activities include traversing down steep descents, engaging in enticing activities in the area, or tackling techniques and form in designated beginner’s areas.
Check out a detailed visual map of the entire ski area and all attractions, runs, and much more here.
- Travel and Gondolas
Zermatt offers a range of cable cars, lifts, and gondolas which provide transport to various points of the ski terrain. Sunnegga to Rothorn is serviced by Zermatt – Sunnegga, Sunnegga – Blauherd, Patrullarve, Hublot-Express: Gant-Blauherd, Eisfluh, and Blauherd – Rothorn, while Gornergrat is serviced by Zermatt – Riffelalp, Triftji, Rotenboden – Gornergrat, Rote Nase, Riffelberg – Rotenboden, Riffelalp – Riffelberg, Gifthittli, and Gant – Hohtälli.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Schwarzsee is serviced by a wide variety of gondolas and lifts, including Furi (Matterhorn-Express), Furi (cable car), Trockener Steg, Testa, Plateau Rosa 1, 2, & 3, Matterhorn glacier ride, Gandegg, Trockener Steg (cable car), Schwarzsee, Riffelberg, Furggsattel, Trockener Steg, Furgg – Schwarzsee, and Furgg – Sand Boden.
Lift times vary, and timetables for each lift, gondola, and cable car can be viewed here.
- Blue Runs for Novice Skiers
Various blue runs with moderate slopes and challenge levels are scattered across the area, including those near Sunregga, around Gornergrat, below Furgg, around Plateau Rosa Testa Grigia, near Plan Maison, and leading from Colle Superiore Delle Cime Bianche to Salette.
- Red Runs for Advanced Skiers
The entire area is adorned with vast and expansive red runs for advanced skiers, leading from Rothorn to Gornergrat, from Riffelberg to Plateau Rosa Testa Grigia, and all the way down to Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche.
- Black Runs for Expert Skiers
There are quite a few black runs for expert skiers, which are situated sporadically across the ski terrain, often interlinking with red runs for enjoyable access. This includes runs near Rothorn, from Gornergrat to the Zermatt village, those near Schwarzsee, as well as lengthy black runs surrounding Plan Maison.
- Additional Features
The area boasts a wide range of picnic and refreshment stops, interesting scenic areas, photo stops, nature areas, as well as special ski areas such as slow skiing spaces and freestyle ski runs.
There are plenty of amenities with methodical placement to ensure that visitors have a comfortable, enjoyable stay with convenient access to facilities.
Zermatt also features a snow park for adrenaline junkies, snowboarders, and freestyle skiers of all ages and levels, including beginners, children, rookies, and even pros.
It’s fun for everyone and is open all year round. The area is adorned with plenty of boxes, rails, tables, kickers, and jibs to suit skiers and varying skill levels, as they have a setup for beginners, intermediates, and pro skiers.
Check out more details on the Snow Park here.
- Restaurants and Bars
The surrounding areas at Zermatt ski resort flaunt a wide range of restaurants, bars, and eateries, all of which serve food and delicious delights of varying styles for persons with a range of food preferences.
They offer access to 51 mountain establishments serving Italian, regional, traditional fare, international, homelike, and Asian food, topped with culinary specialties including Swiss, Valais, Seasonal, and regional specialties.
Some locations serve extra treats like coffee, cakes, fondue, raclette, homemade baked goods, gateaux, and exquisite wines. Some establishments also serve lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Check out details on all restaurants and bars here.
In addition to the long list of alluring dining destinations, Zermatt also boasts 3 Gault-Millau 1 toque award-winning restaurants, all of which serve marvelous Italian and regional style dishes.
This is topped with exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and summits for a magical and memorable dining experience during winter.
Chez Vrony serves amazing meals with natural, organic, fresh ingredients, with produce gathered from alpine grass-fed livestock.
They offer homemade sausage and cheese, topped with warm and welcoming service and hospitality, as the establishment encompasses over 100 years of Zermatt history. Check out details here.
Findlerhof offers a cozy and charming charm set in an incredibly scenic area. This restaurant serves gourmet grills, as well as traditional specialties. Check out details here.
Zum See serves tantalizing treats made from fresh and fine ingredients, as well as homemade pasta, sauces, and desserts.
They frequently serve the fresh game and seasonal dishes throughout the year, topped with fine wine paired with Italian and French classics, and frequently host private celebrations. Check out details here.
However, due to the conditions of reopening the resort, some of these establishments are not currently open for service and will remain closed indefinitely. So, this will need to be confirmed prior to booking.
Ski Schools
Zermatt offers a range of ski lessons suitable for individuals with varying experience levels.
They offer mentored guidance from experienced instructors who are passionate about skiing and snow, are knowledgeable of the mountains and environment, and are personable and multilingual for a catered learning experience.
Both private and group skiing lessons are provided 365 days a year and are offered by a selection of establishments, which guarantees patrons’ freedom of choice.
Family Skiing is an excellent option for groups and families with children, as they focus on providing a fun and interactive learning experience covering various aspects of a family ski holiday, while a wide range of ski schools provide private and group lessons for adults and children at varying skill levels.
This includes Zermatters, Stoked Snowsports School, Prato Borni Ski & Snowboardschule, European Snowsport Ski and Snowboard School, Summit Ski & Snowboard School, Alpine Swiss Snow Sports School AG, My Ski School, Matterhorn Diamonds, Evolution Ski School, as well as Altitude Ski and Snowboard School.
All of these establishments are reputable, offer excellent service and a fantastic learning journey overall.
While bookings, operation hours, terms of service as well as pricing vary between each service provider, customers have complete freedom of choice in determining which ski school would be best for budget and needs thanks to so many great options.
Check out details on all of these ski schools as well as their locations here.
Ski Rentals
There are a ton of high-quality skis, sets of equipment, and versatile ski gear available for rental in Zermatt, as they boast a wide selection of ski rental establishments.
This includes items such as the top of the range skis and ski sticks, ski boots, helmets, highly functional jackets, pants and gloves, accessories, as well as extras such as hiking sticks and snowshoes.
Such services are offered by Azzurra Sport, Bayard Sport + Fashion, Bayard Zermatt, Bayard Zermatt Talstation Sunnegga, Dorsaz Sport, Flexrent Snow Sports Rental, Glacier Sports Ski and Hike Intersport, Julen Sport, 3 locations of Matterhorn Sport, Slalom Sport, Slalom Sport Filiale, Stoked Sports Shop & Rental, Triftbach Sport Zermatt, as well as Yosemite Zermatt.
Most of these service providers have similar terms of service and generally operate from around 8:00 am till around 19:00.
While bookings, operation hours, terms of service as well as pricing vary between each service provider, customers have complete freedom of choice in determining which ski rental location would be most suitable for budget and needs thanks to so many great options.
Check out details on all ski rental locations here.
Ski Passes
It should be noted that all prices are set in Swiss Franc, thus conversions to USD are not exact and will fluctuate in accordance with exchange rates.
The amount of price reduction will be based on the exact age of the visitor, and an official form of identification showing the date of birth of the individual is thus required. All prices are subject to change.
1 & Multi-Day Passes
| Ski Pass Winter | Beginners Ski Pass |
| ● Unlimited access to the amenities in Zermatt ski areas, including Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche | ● Unlimited access to beginner areas at Zermatt, including unnegga funicular, Sunnegga-Blauherd combi cableway, Leisee Shuttle, Eisfluh chairlift, and Findeln chairlift |
| ● Shuttle train between Täsch/Randa and Zermatt | ● Wolli’s Beginners Park on Sunnegga |
| ● Access to the Zermatt Snow Park | ● Local bus |
| ● Local bus |
| Full Price | $86 | Full Price | $58 |
| Age | Price Discount | Age | Price Discount |
| Children under 9 | FREE | Children under 9 | FREE |
| Children (aged 9 – 15.99 years old) | 50% | Children (aged 9 – 15.99 years old) | 50% |
| Youth (aged 16 – 19.99 years old) | 15% | Youth (aged 16 – 19.99 years old) | 15% |
| Check out details and bookings here. |
Check out details and bookings here. |
Flex Ski Passes
Option for flexibility in terms of when you spend days skiing at the resort. This gives patrons the freedom to decide which days would be best based on mood, other plans and activities, as well as weather conditions in order to get the most out of your trip.
● 2 in 4 days
● 3 in 5 days
● 4 in 6 days
● 5 in 7 days
● 6 in 8 days
● 5 in season
● 10 in season
● Unlimited access to all ski areas and amenities in Zermatt, including Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche
● Access to shuttle train between Täsch/Randa and Zermatt
● Access to the Zermatt Snow Park
● Access to Wolli’s Beginners Park on Sunnegga
● Local bus
Season & Annual Passes
| Seasonal Pass Winter | Zermatt Annual Pass |
| ● Unlimited access to Zermatt Bergbahnen AG lifts and the Gornergrat railway during the winter season | ● Unlimited access to all Zermatt Bergbahnen AG, Gornergrat railway, and Cervino Spa lifts/trains throughout the year |
| ● Access to Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche | ● Book of “Super Bon” vouchers worth CHF 1’500 ($1645) |
| ● Access to shuttle train between Täsch/Randa and Zermatt | ● Access to Glacier Palace |
| ● Book of “Super Bon” vouchers worth CHF 1’250 ($1371) | ● Local Bus |
| ● Access to Glacier Palace | ● Bike transport |
| ● Local Bus |
| Full Price | $1771 | Full Price | $2188 |
| Age | Price Discount | Age | Price Discount |
| Children under 9 | FREE + Wolli Card |
Children under 9 | FREE + Wolli Card |
| Children (aged 9 – 15.99 years old) | 50% | Children (aged 9 – 15.99 years old) | 50% |
| Youth (aged 16 – 19.99 years old) | 15% | Youth (aged 16 – 19.99 years old) | 15% |
| Check out more details and bookings here. |
Check out more details and bookings here. |
Après-ski and non-ski activities
Although there is certainly plenty of entertainment that can be found on the slopes, patrons can enjoy plenty more activities in addition.
Zermatt offers a range of events, activities, and social hotspots for those seeking some enticing engagement after a long day of skiing.
- Après Ski Pubs and Clubs
For those in search of drinks and nightlife scenes, there are a few fantastic pubs and clubs situated along the sloped and at varying points in the village.
These establishments serve up a ton of fun, lively music, and atmosphere, as well as beer, champagne, wine, cocktails, and much more.
This includes Blatten, Champagner Bar Teehäuschen Flora, Harry`s Bar, Hennu Stall, Iglu-Dorf, Papperla Pub, Snowboat, and Z’Alt Hischi. Check out details on all of these locations here.
- Snow Tubing at Klein Matterhorn
For families and groups with children, snow tubing can be one of the most engaging and thrilling activities to partake in, promising tons of fun for persons of all ages.
Klein Matterhorn offers the opportunity to mount giant inner tubes and speed down snowy slopes while overlooking fantastic scenes of the surrounding snowy peaks.
This activity is suitable for anyone over the age of 6, and snow tubes are available free of charge at the peak. Check out more details here.
- Glacier Palace
This incredible activity allows participants to explore and experience the inside of a real ice glacier below the surface by navigating ice tunnels.
The area is decorated in fantastical adornments, such as lavish ice sculptures and nifty ice benches layered with cozy and lush fur.
The tunnels provide access to other amenities, such as a glacier crevasse and an ice toboggan run, and group rooms are available on request.
The attraction is generally operational from 09:25 – 15:45 Monday to Sunday. Check out more details here.
- Events at Zermatt
Plenty of fun and entertainment is offered with a wide selection of events, held at varying times of the year.
This includes concerts, festivals, Christmas markets, walks and tours, sports events, events for families and children, food and drink events, and much more.
Check out details on current events in Zermatt, cancelation updates, and much more here.
- Sightseeing Flights with Air Zermatt
Visitors can have a truly unforgettable experience with a Matterhorn flight situated in the center of the Zermatt Mountains by helicopter ride. It should be noted that it takes a minimum of 4 passengers to depart, and bookings need to be done directly with Air Zermatt.
The activity is dependent on weather, and pilots have the right to cancel flights for such reasons and fill seats with additional passengers for taking off. Bookings are not refundable, but the voucher is redeemable for up to 2 years. Check out more details here.
| Duration of Flight | Price per person |
| 20 minutes | $241 |
| 30 minutes | $350 |
| 40 minutes | $460 |
| It should be noted that all prices are set in Swiss Franc, thus conversions to USD are not exact and will fluctuate in accordance with exchange rates. | |
Conclusion
Pros of Skiing in Zermatt
- Fantastic selection of runs for intermediate and pros skiers
- Exquisite scenery and views or iconic summits
- Incredible ski pass diversity and discounts for younger individuals
- Excellent attractions and activities in addition to skiing opportunities
- Marvelous choice in ski schools and ski rental locations
- Amazing accommodation sites for a range of preferences and budgets
- Exciting après nightlife, shopping, and events in Zermatt
Cons of Skiing in Zermatt
- Not much beginner trails and no green runs, but there are designated beginner areas
- Not ideal for first-time skiers apart from high-quality ski lessons
- Localized winds at higher altitudes cause certain lifts to close regularly
This resort boasts astonishing features and accommodates individuals with varying budgets and preferences. It should be noted that this ski resort is predominantly more suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers apart from designated beginner areas as well as high-quality ski lessons.
However, there are plenty more activities to stay entertained while on the slopes. There is an endless amount of skiing opportunities, alternative attractions, and après experiences that await those visiting Zermatt.