Zermatt, Switzerland’s renowned resort, encapsulates all the classic Alpine features, including breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain and charming streets lined with rustic chalets. With 200km of pistes within its own domain and a connection to Italy’s Cervinia for an additional 160km, Zermatt is a top-tier destination for families, intermediates, experts, and ski enthusiasts alike.
Navigate your way through this essential guide covering the resort’s highlights, insider tips for a perfect day on the slopes, expert ratings, and practical advice. Discover more about Zermatt’s top accommodations, dining spots, and après-ski scene for further inspiration.
**Inside the Resort:**
Nestled amidst 38 peaks towering above 4,000m, Zermatt’s car-free town bustles with activity year-round. Its population of 5,500 swells with a constant influx of global visitors seeking to climb, hike, bike, or ski the surrounding mountains or simply revel in the breathtaking scenery. Explore the town’s charming streets, bustling with a mix of visitors and locals, and be sure to wander through the enchanting Hinterdorf area with its historic chalets dating back to the 16th century.
**On the Slopes:**
Zermatt boasts excellent snow conditions from early December, with the main ski season running from late November to late April. The resort truly shines from February onward, offering challenging slopes, inviting restaurant terraces, and opportunities for heliskiing and ski touring. With snow-sure slopes, high-altitude stations, diverse pistes, and a modern lift system, Zermatt caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
**Who Should Go?**
Zermatt welcomes adventurers, families, thrill-seekers, and those in search of a vibrant mountain experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the resort offers something for everyone.
**Where to Stay:**
From cozy chalets to luxury hotels, Zermatt provides a range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. Relax in style after a day on the slopes at one of the resort’s top-rated lodgings.
**How to Get There:**
Accessing Zermatt is convenient via various transportation options, ensuring a seamless journey to this Alpine paradise. Plan your trip to Zermatt with ease.
**When to Go:**
While Zermatt offers year-round attractions, the best time to visit is typically from February through April when the slopes are at their prime and the town comes alive with events like Zermatt Unplugged music festival.
**Essential Information:**
Discover practical details about Zermatt, including its top stations, extensive pistes, mountain restaurants, and vibrant town atmosphere. Stay informed for a memorable Alpine getaway.
Embark on an unforgettable alpine adventure in Zermatt,
Snowboarders can enjoy a variety of slopes in Zermatt, ranging from satisfying reds and undulating blues to acres of off-piste terrain. The resort boasts 200km of pistes spread across three interconnected sectors – Sunnegga-Blauherd-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise-Trockener Steg-Schwarzsee – with top stations at elevations of 3,103m, 3,286m, and 3,883m respectively. Zermatt’s ski area is linked to Cervinia in Italy, providing access to an additional 160km of pistes on the Italian side. It is recommended to allocate a whole day to fully explore Cervinia, and having euros on hand is beneficial due to the difference in prices between the two countries. Zermatt’s sectors are well-connected, offering two routes into Italy – the ridge at Testa Grigia and the Theodulpass.
An exciting addition to Zermatt is the new Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, inaugurated in July 2023, which connects Zermatt’s Klein Matterhorn in Switzerland to Cervinia’s Testa Grigia in Italy via a ten-cabin cable car. This innovative transportation system completes the 1.6-kilometer journey in just one hour. Expert skiers will find ample challenges on Zermatt’s slopes, while beginners and children can enjoy the reliable snow and stunning views, particularly in the beginners’ ski park at Sunnegga. There are numerous long, scenic runs for intermediate skiers as well as opportunities for off-piste adventures.
Zermatt caters to a wide range of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts. The resort’s high-altitude slopes make it an excellent choice for early and late-season trips, and its elegant charm appeals to those seeking luxury and gourmet dining. The ski area offers something for everyone, with experts drawn to the off-piste terrain and intermediate skiers enjoying the scenic runs. Whether you are looking for challenging slopes, breathtaking views, or a taste of luxury, Zermatt has it all.
There are plenty of things to explore in Zermatt, from museums and spas to shops. Don’t miss out on visiting Fuchs Bakery, where you can try local specialties like the Walliser Roggenbrot (bread) and Swiss chocolate. The lively atmosphere of the resort is one of its main attractions.
When it comes to choosing accommodation in Zermatt, it’s crucial to consider the location carefully. The resort is spread out, with three different lift stations providing access to various parts of the mountain: the Gornergrat railway near the main railway station, the Sunnegga funicular across the river, and the Matterhorn Express leading to Furi and Matterhorn glacier paradise, over half a mile away from the train station. Zermatt is a car-free town, except for electric taxis and buses. While there are efficient buses serving all parts of town, walking distances can be quite long, and there’s no centrally located ski-in/ski-out accommodation option. Keep in mind that hotels in Zermatt tend to be pricier than in its neighboring town, Cervinia.
Traveling to Zermatt is made convenient by a variety of UK ski operators offering packages to the resort. However, it’s important to note that Zermatt is not a budget-friendly destination. Operators like Crystal, Ski Solutions, and Inghams provide more affordable options, with Inghams offering an aparthotel for those seeking self-catering flexibility. For a more luxurious experience, Elegant Resorts and Oxford Ski are recommended. The closest international airports to Zermatt are Geneva and Zurich, with the small airport in Sion being the nearest. If you prefer traveling by train, it’s possible to reach Zermatt from London in just under ten hours, with transfers in Paris, Basel, and Visp.
Zermatt boasts a long skiing season, starting on November 30 and closing on May 4, 2025. With its snow-sure slopes and high-altitude top stations, the resort is an attractive destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The town takes on a festive ambiance during Christmas and becomes even more exciting from February when the challenging slopes of the Stockhorn open. March and April are ideal months for heliskiing and ski touring on the glacier. One of the highlights of the year is the Zermatt Unplugged music festival, which has been held annually since 2007. In 2025, the festival is scheduled to take place from April 8 to 12, featuring bands and DJ sets across 17 stages throughout the resort.
Before embarking on your trip to Zermatt, it’s essential to have access to key information. The British Embassy/Consulate can be reached at 00 31 359 77 00 in case of emergencies. Dial 144 for an ambulance, 117 for the police, and 118 for the fire department. For tourist-related inquiries, visit zermatt.ch
