Switzerland · Valais
Zermatt
Iconic alpine beauty
Few sights stop a skier like the Matterhorn. Car-free Zermatt sits beneath it, a village of larch chalets and horse-drawn taxis, with some of the highest skiing in the Alps.
It is also, quite possibly, the best place to eat on a mountain anywhere in the world, with dozens of exceptional huts scattered across the slopes.
- Village altitude
- 1,620m
- Top lift
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, 3,883m
- Ski area
- Around 360km including Cervinia
- Nearest airport
- Zurich or Geneva by rail; helicopter to the village
The skiing
High, snow-sure and spectacular, with year-round glacier skiing and a crossing into Italy.
Beginners
Gentle nursery areas at Sunnegga and wide blue pistes at Trockener Steg.
Intermediates
The long run to Cervinia for an Italian lunch, and the Gornergrat pistes.
Advanced
The moguls of Stockhorn, the Triftji bumps and heli-skiing on Monte Rosa.
Snow parks
Gravity Park on the Theodul Glacier is one of the highest snow parks in Europe.
Where to stay
The Omnia
Modernist design on a rock above the village, reached by private lift.
Mont Cervin Palace
The grand house of Zermatt since 1852.
Riffelalp Resort 2222m
A mountain hotel with Europe's highest outdoor pool.
CERVO Mountain Resort
Relaxed luxury with a superb après scene.
Where to dine
Chez Vrony
The most famous mountain restaurant in Zermatt, with Matterhorn views.
Zum See
A hamlet lunch of great charm and generosity.
Findlerhof
A sunlit terrace and celebrated cooking.
After Seven at Backstage Hotel
Michelin-starred evening dining.
Bars, après and clubs
Hennu Stall
The legendary après bar on the run home.
Papperla Pub
Lively and loud in the village.
CERVO Ferdinand
A stylish après with fire pits and DJs.
Landmarks
The Matterhorn
Best seen at sunrise from the Riffelsee or the village bridges.
Gornergrat Railway
A cog railway to 3,089m and views of 29 peaks over 4,000m.
Glacier Palace
An ice grotto inside the glacier at 3,883m.
Matterhorn Museum
The story of the first ascent of 1865.
Beyond the slopes
- Helicopter flights around the Matterhorn
- Heli-skiing on Monte Rosa
- Igloo village dining
- Glacier Express rail journey
- Sunrise photography walks
A note from Curious Wolf
Zermatt suits travellers who want beauty, great skiing and exceptional long lunches. A morning helicopter flight around the Matterhorn is unforgettable.
DESIGN MY ZERMATT JOURNEY
