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Zermatt Ski Resort
Zermatt belongs to Switzerland's Valais canton, which rubs shoulders with the Italian Alps. You'll find it surrounded by nearly a third of Europe's 4000m peaks and, most notably, right at the foot of the Matterhorn. Even if you haven't heard of this mountain, chances are you'd recognise it - national landmark of Switzerland, the inspiration for the Toblerone and a peak photographed more than any other.
Besides the picturesque scenery, these mighty mountains come with a cool climate, ever-white glaciers and a stonking amount of snow. World-class slopes stream down from dizzyingly high altitudes - some skiable year-round, some reaching over to Italy, each more exciting as the next. Picturesque Rothorn, sunny Gornergrat, lakeside Schwarzsee and family favourite Sunnegga make up the 200km of local slopes. 54 highly efficient lifts connect the slopes, and many are fitted with a handy audio information system. Zermatt also has Europe's highest mountain station, set at a whopping 3883m.
An area lift pass grants access to 160km more terrain in Cervinia, allowing you to enjoy the Swiss and Italian Alps. You can extend this to include the Val d'Aosta with the International Aosta pass.
Off the slopes, the offerings manage to be just as impressive. The town's pretty as a picture with weathered timber chalets, boutiques and chocolate shops line cobbled streets and church tower poking overhead. The grand, hundred-year-old hotels were built by locals who invested their time and money to put Zermatt on the map (and more than meet their goal). Past guests include Edward Whymper – who completed the first climb of the Matterhorn (you can see his entry in the Monte Rosa's guest book). Restaurants serve some of the best food in all the Alps, and bars bring après ski in all of its forms: ski boots on tables, fondue in igloos, historic cigar lounges, artsy cocktail bars.
The air here's amazingly pure thanks to it being car-free (if driving you'll park your car in Täsch). Access into the resort is via train, and once you're there, you have a choice of getting from A to B on foot, by whizzy electric car or in a horse-drawn carriage. The mountain air and scenery alone do you a world of good, but like all the best luxury ski resorts, Zermatt has the back up of private spas and health clubs ready to pamper you to feel-good, piste-ready perfection.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Switzerland, Alps.
Established: 1928
Open: November - April
Downhill: 200km
View our detailed Zermatt snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Zermatt snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Geneva (GVA) | 260km, 3 hrs |
| Zurich (ZRH) | 240km, 3 hrs 50 |
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| Top Altitude: | 3,899m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 599m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1,620m |
| Longest run: | 25km |
| Slope Orientation: | N, S, E, W |
| Vertical Drop: | 2,300m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 2,300m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | Yes |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 200km |
| Beginner slopes: | 19% |
| Intermediate: | 54% |
| Advanced slopes: | 5% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 380 CHF (6-day Zermatt pass) 434 CHF (6-day International Zermatt-Cervinia pass) |
| Nearby resorts: Saas Fee, Cervinia | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Zermatt
There are 200km of runs in the local area alone and a massive 360km overall if you count the Matterhorn's Italian side. With Cervina, Zermatt forms the 'Matterhorn Ski Paradise' where SNO lovers of all abilities are blessed with high altitude terrain - and lots of it! Everyone's a winner in a ski area this big and brilliant. Still, if we had to pick where it shines, we'd say it's incredibly fantastic for intermediate and advanced level skiers and snowboarders.
If you're a keen beginner, you'll love Zermatt, which has convenient nursery slopes, lovely wide pistes to practice on and much more once you've conquered the snowplough. The ski schools have an excellent reputation, whether you're learning in a group or solo with a private instructor. See if the ticket office can still book the Wolli-Skipass, which gives you use of the beginner slopes and easy runs for free for children up the age of nine.
Wolli's Park is a terrific learning area for tots. Many of the best beginner trails can be found on the glacier, where newbies can enjoy optimum conditions and spectacular views. The Theodul Glacier is where you'll be able to enjoy skiing in the summer!
Intermediates should find over half of the pistes here skiable, with 21km of snow sure trails on the and some smashing reds at the Matterhorn base. With the whole area pass, you can schuss over to Cervinia via the Theodulpass for a taste of the Italian Alps – time it right and you can tuck into pizza on the mountainside for lunch, usually saving you a bit of money also.
For experts, the National's one of many cracking black runs and mogul lovers must attempt the famously challenging Triftji. A significant asset to the area is the 36km of untouched powder slopes (marked as yellow runs and avalanche protected). These can mostly be found in the Stockhorn and Rothorn areas, and let you freeride to your heart's content on some of the finest steeps and drops in the Alps.
As well as cruising (or bolting) down these, there's oodles to discover off the beaten track too. You can heli-ski/board on 10 incredible routes, go ski-touring in the back-country, race in the Matterhorn Ultracks, try langlaufen with a choice of 15km of cross-country trails, and enjoy skiing by moonlight on floodlit slopes.
Freestylers should take the Furggsattel chairlift to the Theodul Glacier. The Gravity snowpark has excellently maintained jumps and rails of all sizes for everyone from beginners to pro's all year round.
Zermatt Apres Ski
Zermatt has voted the world's best après ski resort by the World Snow Awards in the past, making it a wise choice if you want a whale of a time post-skiing. Sure – it doesn't come cheap, but you won't find better if you want quality. Across sixty bars and numerous nightclubs, you can relax, unwind and party through the night. Harry's Bar is the place to dance to cheesy pop and Papperla offers a pubby atmosphere, but you can't come to Zermatt without being tempted into the Hennu Stall (at the end of the Furi-Zermatt slope) which has live DJ music. Designed to look like a boat, the Snowboat Cafe has a fun cosmopolitan scene, with delicious cocktails and a sushi bar.
You'll find a range of restaurants serving the inevitable Swiss and Italian delicacies as well as Tex-Mex and sushi. Swiss celebrity chef Ivo Adam offers some real gourmet indulgence. After Severn at the Backstage Hotel has good food and spectacular views can be enjoyed from the sunny terrace at Adler Hitta, and you can keep up to date with the sporting world at Time Out Sports Bar & Grill. To extend your culinary experience, take a kitchen tour to see the other side of the restaurant.
If you like hiking or walking, you've come to the right place. Zermatt is a top hiking, walking and snowshoeing destination with 70km of routes to hike or walk and four snowshoe trails. Ice climbing is another popular activity where there are heights to conquer and sights to discover (the frozen waterfalls are remarkable). For a bird's eye view over the Swiss, Italian and French Alps, paragliding is a must. For other outdoor activities, there's an excellent toboggan run and natural and artificial ice rinks for skating and curling.
Fun can't only be found outdoors in Zermatt, where some great indoor activities are also on offer. The Triftbachhalle has a huge climbing wall, and there's also a cinema, swimming pool, games room, tennis court and museum as well as Spas and salons where you can relax and rejuvenate.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Zermatt
Best time to visit & ski Zermatt
Zermatt's high altitudes, glacier and fantastic snowmaking technology make it one of the most snow-sure resorts on the planet. The conditions are so good, skiing's usually available all year round. Snow cannons cover around 70% of Zermatt's pistes, and over 70% of the overall Matterhorn paradise area can be covered by artificial snow. Hence, slopes are usually open even if the weather isn't in its usual good form. Zermatt is typically sunny, so it's a great place to top up the goggle tan while on the hill.
The atmosphere is infectiously vibrant during the Christmas/New Year period where après lovers head over to enjoy the holiday season. We love Zermatt during the Unplugged festival which usually in late April, the last couple of weeks of the season. The 'world's best après ski resort' hosts world-famous musicians - previous names include Boy George & Culture Club, Passenger, Emeli Sande, Jessie J, James Blunt, Lionel Ritchie, Billy Idol and Jason Mraz.
Peak Dates
Zermatt’s mascot and the Christmas Angel traditionally ride through town in a horse-drawn carriage full of gifts to give children a magical Christmas in Zermatt. You’ll also find parties in many of the bars and festive feasts in the restaurants. Zermatt Christmas ski holidays ‣
Everyone gathers by the church for a big count down to the New Year in Zermatt. Many of the establishments have New Year’s parties and you’re sure to see a firework or two. Zermatt New Year ski holidays ‣
The atmosphere’s buzzing over February half term in Zermatt - families visit every year for great ski schools, awesome snow and lots to do in the town. Zermatt Half Term ski holidays ‣
We love Easter in Zermatt - you’ll find some of the best springtime snow conditions on the planet, the Matterhorn views are incredible and the locals usually put on exciting Easter activities for children. Zermatt Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Zermatt
Zermatt has received the 'Families Welcome' seal of quality, which recognises resorts that cater to the best for families according to the Swiss Tourism Federation's criteria. The accommodation available doesn't fall short here – where you'll find a range of hotels, chalets and apartments that are perfect for families of all shapes and sizes. One of our family favourites is Hotel Ambassador, which is centrally located and a fantastic view of the Matterhorn that can be enjoyed from the dining room and most bedrooms.
Look out for the resort’s mascot Wolli the sheep which is displayed with the businesses and activities that best serve families. There are some brilliant schools offering lessons for children, teens and adults in skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, freestyling and freeriding. In Sunnegga, the Wolli park offers a safe, sunny area for children to learn to ski and practice what they’ve learnt and there are some lovely runs for the family to enjoy together up on the glacier. For quality family time without the skis, Zermatt has some brilliant toboggan runs as well as an indoor climbing centre, swimming pool and cinema.
Family holidays with flights and airport transfers included are the easiest way to reach the mountains and better still, they’re 100% ATOL protected. Select your nearest airport below for the most convenient holidays. Our self-drive packages including channel crossings are perfect if you’re driving to the mountains or if you want to arrange your travel independently, book your hotel, chalet or apartment on its own with one of our accommodation-only offers.
GroupsGroup Holidays Zermatt
Ski hotels are an excellent option for groups who can enjoy private rooms and join together in large communal areas. If you’re looking for a cheap group deal, check out our apartments and book a self-catering ski holiday. Groups choosing between hotel accommodation and self catering can always split between the Ambassador Apartments and Ambassador Hotel, both part of the same property. Look out for our freebies and discounts especially for groups where you can all ski for less.
On the snow, there’s something for every level of skier and snowboarder from complete beginners to pros. Arrange ski passes depending on ability - there’s a special beginners pass, local area pass and two international passes which extend the area to Cervinia and Val d'Aosta. With around 35 bars and 9 nightclubs, there’s après ski here to suit everyone whether you prefer quiet drinks by the fireside or dancing into the early hours.
Get everyone to the mountains fast and without hassle in one of our accommodation, flights and transfer packages. If you’re planning to drive in convoy, we have self-drive holidays including accommodation and channel crossings. If it’s proving too difficult to arrange travel because everyone has different preferences, opt for independent travel where you book the accommodation on its own and let everyone make their own travel arrangements.
Zermatt ski holidays FAQ:
The village lies at 1650 metres (or 5400 feet) and the ski area reaches an astonishingly high 3900 metres (12,800 feet) on the Theodul glacier. This is one of the most snow-sure places to ski on Earth with ski lifts running all year round!
Zermatt has 200km of ski terrain on its own and that almost doubles if you count the lift-linked ski resort of Cervinia which sits on the Italian side of the Alps. The village is big enough to offer all kinds of places to stay, eat and drink and small enough to navigate with ease.
This is one of the most snow-sure resorts on Earth, because of its high altitude and cool climate. Snow is deepest around late February/early March, and the best ungroomed slopes for freeriding are in the Stockhorn and Rothorn areas. Snowmaking technology is world class should an artificial top-up be needed.
Most years the season runs from the end of November until the end of April for the main area, which is longer than most resorts in the Alps. The Theodul glacier slopes (also called the Matterhorn Ski Paradise) is usually open for skiing year-round.
Geneva Airport (GVA) is around a 3 hour transfer from Zermatt, and Zurich Airport (ZRH) is just a bit further - roughly 3 hours 20 minutes. Though a long journey, the scenery of the Swiss Alps is incredible. Helicopter transfers are much quicker if time is tight.
Fly to Geneva or Zurich in under 2 hours from various UK airports, then take a 3-3.5 hour transfer. Or, self-drive, which takes around 10 hours from Calais (the village is car free, so you’ll need to park in Tasch, then take a shuttle). You can also get here by train, which takes about 11 hours.
In one of our historic hotels or charming chalets. There are so many gorgeous offerings to choose between, located in and around the cobbled village centre, within easy distance (by foot, horse-drawn cart or electric taxi ride) of the ski lifts, restaurants and boutiques.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, as the name suggests, is nothing but grand. This was one of the first hotels in Zermatt so it knows a thing or two about hospitality. Guests – many of whom return year after year – can enjoy elegant lounge areas, gorgeous wellness facilities and a choice of bars and restaurants.
Definitely. Zermatt holds the ‘Families Welcome’ label (from the Swiss tourist board) for its awesome offerings, including a family ski area called Wolly Park, toboggan run, cinema and all kinds of chalets and hotels kitted out for kids. Ski schools can cater for the full range of ages and abilities.
World-renowned! This ritzy resort has won awards for its après ski and has over fifty bars and clubs, plus dozens of restaurants to treat your taste buds. If après ski activities are your thing, there are zipwires, toboggan runs and ice rinks to name only a few.
Vernissage is a dining dream, with exquisite dishes crafted by the Michelin-starred Swiss celebrity chef, Ivo Adam. Restaurant Chez Vrony is a rather romantic mountain top lunch spot with stunning views of the Matterhorn. For a laid-back evening meal in town, head to Saycheese! for delicious fondues.
Yes! Beginners can take individual or group lessons in one of several reputable ski schools. The nursery and beginner pistes are splendidly wide and there are some easy trails up on the glacier, giving newbies the chance to enjoy some of the best snow and scenery on the planet.
Yes! Zermatt is absolutely amazing for experienced skiers and snowboarders! On-piste, there are miles of steeps, moguls and thigh-burning trails to conquer. Off-piste, you’ll find deep powder aplenty plus awesome heli-skiing, both in Zermatt and on the Italian side surrounding Cervinia. The snowpark here is incredible too.
All Zermatt ski holidays can be found using our search bar. Use our filters if you have a good idea what you’re looking for, or simply browse through the various hotel, chalet and apartment holidays on offer. We love Zermatt and know the village and properties inside out - give us a call for expert advice!
Which are the best ski holidays in Zermatt?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Le Mirabeau Hotel & Spa | 7 | £ 1149 |
| Aparthotel Naco | 7 | £ 1229 |
| Hotel National | 7 | £ 1289 |
| Hotel Schönegg | 7 | £ 1688 |
| Hotel Alex | 7 | £ 1899 |
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