Breathtaking scenery Large ski area Charming town Good snow World famous restaurants
Not So Good For...
Expensive (not least the lift pass) Not so good for beginners Lift queues at peak periods Walking to lifts
Getting There
Zermatt Travel
By Air Heading for a ski holiday in Zermatt? Fly to Sion for the shortest transfer time aprox 1 hour 30 mins.
Geneva (244km) - Transfer bus takes approx 4-5 hours. You can also take a train transfer (4 hours) www.rail.ch or car (3hrs30).
Zurich (248km) - Transfer by car approx 3.5 hours. Milan (234km) - Transfer by train 4hrs and approx 3hrs by car.
By Train Wanting to take the train from London to Zermatt? London to Paris and then change to Zurich and Brig before arriving in Zermatt www.europerail.com
To get to Zermatt from other Swiss cities, check out www.sbb.ch.
You can take trolleys on to the train up to Zermatt and wheel them off at the other end. Arrange with your hotel in Zermatt to meet you with an electric trolley.
By Car Check out the AA Route Planner - it's about a 10 hour drive from Calais and you leave your car in Tsach which is 20mins by train away from Zermatt.
Zermatt is a stunning resort with a car-free centre. The 38 peaks surrounding the town, one of which is the infamous 4478m Matterhorn, make for an impressive setting. The resort boasts an exceptional snow-record, with snow cover normally lasting from the very beginning of the season right through until the end. There is glacier-skiing available too and the link with Cervinia only adds to the quantity of runs available.
Zermatt is renowned for its world-class mountain restaurants and superb views. The down side to the resort is that not all accommodation is on the slopes, and so long walks, taxis or crowded buses are a necessity! Take care when choosing where to stay in this sprawling village, as you will end up having to trek to and from the lifts. The best place to stay is probably near the Gonnegrat and Sunnegga railways because you are close to two lifts.
Make sure you visit the Klein Matterhorn, 3,883 m, as it is the highest sight seeing platform in the Alps and provides you with truly awesome panoramic views of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps.
Resort Restaurants
Zermatt Restaurants
Looking for somewhere to eat out in Zermatt?
Zermatt has a huge choice of over 100 restaurants at different price levels to choose form but most are on the expensive side. For those looking to save some pennies, there is a MacDonalds! Here are some suggestions for where to eat... Gramps for pizza. Brown Cow Snack Bar - for burgers (good for those on a budget) Rua Tai for Thai in pleasant surroundings.
Stockhorn Grill or The Spaghetti Factory are other favourites. Fuji of Zermatt is great if you simply can't live without sushi and tasty teppanyaki. (remember to bring your credit card - you're eating quality raw fish up a mountain, it's not going to cheap!)
Whymper-stube is the place to go for the obligatory fondue.
Nightlife..
Zermatt Bars
Looking for some apres ski or nightlife in Zermatt? Lively, varied and probably best to take a well-endowed credit card.
Henu Stall plays load, live music to large crowds. Little bar is good for a quiet drink. Grampi is good if you want to see Elton John (impersonator). Papperla Pub is a lively bar. Hotel Post complex caters for all ages, stages and tastes. Alex is the place to go if you want to play pool.
This is just a small selection of bars, clubs and pubs. Once there you will realise what a wealth of options there are for you to enjoy. One thing is pretty certain though; enjoy yourself, you most certainly will.
Other Activities
Zermatt Activities
There is much more to Zermatt than just great skiing!
Ice Grotto, Bowling, Fitness Centre, Skating, Curling, Night Skiing, Heliskiing, Squash, Tennis, Swimming, Alpine museum, Sledding
Paragliding: Air Born flying school offers paragliding tandem flights in Winter and Summer. Website: www.paragliding-zermatt.ch
Abseiling: Zermatt is host to a giant fixed rope climbing route 60 metres in length. There are three routes for different abilities.
Walking: Miles of cleared winter trails for walking (check out the special walkers pass at the Tourist Office). Shopping: Browse and buy in Zermatt's stylish shops and boutiques.
Ride a ski-groomer vehicle for a more bizarre experience on the slopes, contact Zermatt Mountain Cableways for more information. Tel: +41 (0) 27 966 01 01
Visit permanent ice: In the Matterhorn glacier there is an ice palace hidden 15 meters below the surface of the glacier where you can go and see a selection of ice sculptures.
If you have a lot of time to spare or are traveling around the area, make sure you use the Glacier express - one of the greatest train journeys in the world. See www.mgbahn.ch for more information. The seven-hour panoramic trip across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, and over the 2,033m Oberalppass is one of the best ways to see the Alpes in all their beauty.
Accommodation
Zermatt Accommodation
Where to stay in Zermatt - well there is lots of choice but little on the cheap side. There are a total of three 5* hotels, thirty-six 4* and twenty-eight 2*. For those whose budget is modest and want cheap accommodation in Zermatt, try the Youth Hotel which is located 400m from the centre of town.If luxury is what you are after, the 5* Mont Cevin T: 0041 27 966 8888 www.seilerhotels.ch
Looking for something totally different. Why not stay in an Igloo?
Yes Igloo accommodation at 2700m , spend a night high up in the mountain surrounded by snow. From around the 25th December through to mid April you can stay in a standard shared igloo or a romantic one for two! They even have an igloo kitchen, common area igloo and staff igloo. There is even a suana in Davos and Gstaad igloo villages and a whirlpool in Zermatt and Engelberg. Book online with Switzerand Experts on 0207 420 4932. or visit www.iglu-dorf.com
Hotel Julen Zermatt - four start hotel, beautiful furnishings. Perfect for anyone wanting a spa / ski break. Romantik Hotel Julen, Daniela & Paul Julen, Riedstrasse 2, CH-3920 Zermatt Tel. +41 (0)27 966 76 00, Fax +41 (0)27 966 76 76,info@julen.com
Le Petit Hotel Zermatt Metzggasse 28 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland Tel +41 27 967 5900
Riffelalp Resort - 5 star chalet style resort at the edge of a Swiss pine and larch forest
Riffelap
3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Tel +41 27 966 05 55
Cervo Hotel - A recent addition to Zermatt accommodation, Cervo is set amongst its own private forest with an unbeatable backdrop of the Matterhorn. There are five chalets centred around a very stylish bar and restaurant. It is a boutique hotel, but it has been designed around the traditional rustic style that gives it a sense of warmth. Just a 10 minute walk to the centre. Seven nights B&B from £790pp, not including travel.
There are a lot of UK companies offering ski holiday packages to Zermatt with a mixture of chalets and hotels.
About The Mountain
Skiing Zermatt
Zermatt is often described as one of Europe's top skiing resorts and we think you will enjoy the vast area that includes Cervinia in Italy (you can reach Cervinia by lifts - buses aren't necessary). Zermatt has many marked runs and the piste map divides it into four different sectors. (Stockhorn, Gornegrat, Glauer, and Schwarzsee) There are pistes back to the village from all the sectors although some close due to lack of snow from time to time - but fortunately snow cannons have helped enormously in recent years.
This is a mountain where you just keep on having to stop to take in the beautiful scenery - it really is magnificent.
Zermatt Ski
Beginners - Zermatt is not ideal for beginners, but there are five beginner parks and wide carving boulevards to be found.
Intermediates - There is mile after mile of stunning, long runs and the links with Cervinia only add to the huge expanse of runs for intermediates in this network.
Advanced - You will love Zermatt, and if the snow conditions are right, you won't ever want to go anywhere else - so try to go at least once in your life. Get yourself a guide to explore the couloirs and powder bowls or if you want to stay on-piste then go for Europe's most difficult mogul slope, The Trifti, which offers 3km of huge moguls for you to get stuck in to. If you can afford it, Helesking has to be the most beautiful and isolated alpine skiing experience.
Snowboarders in Zermatt will enjoy the terrain park (Gravity Park) as it is one
of Switzerland's best and has two pipes - one of which is a 120m long super. Backers,
rails, a 1/4 pipe and wall ride should be able to keep you amused. For the most daring
amongst you try the heli-boarding or get yourself a guide and head to
the powder bowls and couloirs for a challenge.
Cross Country - There are 9km of cross country trails - not much to keep you entertained.
Children under 9 years of age have free access to all the ski installations, and those under 16 ski for half price and on Saturdays free of charge. (Subject to change)
Mountain Restuarants
Zermatt Mountain Restaurants
They have been called the world's best. You will do well to find a restaurant that you don't enjoy. There are 38 restaurants, here are a few recommendations:
Zum See, Matterhorn
(snowbrainer's favourite) offers great food and a friendly atmosphere. T: +41 (0) 27 967 20 45 Chez Vromy- Sunnegga
is amongst one of the best and they welcome children.
Timberland Store Bahnhofstrasse 5 / Sportstrasse 3920 Zermatt Tel 027 967 07 05 zermatt@sportconnection.ch
Apotheke Internationale (Perfumerie) Beat H. Perren Bahnhofstrasse 17 3920 Zermatt Tel 027 966 27 27 Fax 027 966 27 25 info@pharmazermatt.ch
Mineralienstübli Olympia (Sells interesting minerals and gems) Alfred Kronig 3920 Zermatt Tel 027 967 45 27
Trixli's Souvenirshop (Sells interesting minerals and gems) Beatrice Aufdenblatten- Kronig Sonnenblick / Winkelmatten 3920 Zermatt Tel 027 967 61 51
Infinity-IT & Multimedia (For computers and accessories - good if you find you've forgotten to
pack your cables!) Bahnhofplatz 6 3920 Zermatt Tel 027 967 51 52 info@infinity-it.ch
Top 5 Family Activities
Zermatt for Families
What's there to do in Zermatt for families?
Ice rink - head to the natural and artificial rinks in the centre of town. Check out the ice hockey games they hold here too.
Indoor Climbing Wall - for all those 10 years of age and over head to the climbing wall in the Triftbachhalle. A 7 m high wall area of 140 square metres. A mountain guide is present on Fridays.
Tobogganing - The downhill toboggan journey from Rotenboden lasts between five and ten minutes – and is great fun for all ages. The trains of the Gornergrat Bahn are available to take you back up the mountain, and run about every ten minutes.
Wollis - Wolli Park close to the Sunnegga paradise station is the best place to learn to ski. Sunny and protected from the wind
Top 5 Runs
Zermatt Ski Runs
1. Trockener Steg – Zum See - made it to number one spot as we love the long red run down to our favourite restaurant Zum See
2. Rothorn - lovely views, empty in the mornings and some great runs to get your confidence up on
3. Abfahrtsrouten - for advanced skiers drop off-piste here, there's some great freestyle too
4. Klein Matterhorn - blues and reds with fantastic views
5. Stockhorn - freeriders heaven
Ski & Snowboard Hire Shop
Ski Hire Zermatt
Ski Hire, Snowboard Hire in Zermatt - look no further. We have three fantastic shops in Zermatt where you can rent skis and snowboards
We recommend you get your ski hire and snowboards at one of the following three shops in Zermatt
Matterhorn Sport 1 - situated in Bahnhofstrasse 78
Matterhorn Sport 2 Riva - situated in Matterstrasse 59
Matterhorn Sport 3 - Neudorf - situated in Steinmattstrasse 12
Matterhorn Sports Opening Hours The shops are open from 08:00 in the morning until 12:00 and then 14:00 to 19:00 hours in the evening
If you book online here at Snowbrainer you can make big savings on the recommended retail price for all your winter equipment. Your equipment will be reserved and waiting for you in the shop on your arrival in the ski resort.
Easy to use Piste Maps & Ski Trails Looking for high detailed piste maps for your GPS? Snowranger sells affordable quality digital maps that are great for any ski or snowboard trip. For those of you who’ve ever wondered which run gets you back to France from the Swiss side of Portes du Soleil or you’re racing the clock to get back from a Courchevel lunch to Val Thorens before the lifts shut this is invaluable kit. No more wrestling wet paper maps with frozen fingers! There are over 500 ski resorts piste maps in Europe and North America available. Go to Snow-Forecast Snowranger Film your Mates Jumps, Tricks & Shameful Ski / Snowboard Moments. We love the JAMCAM – it’s a head camera that allows you to capture your days skiing or snowboarding on the mountain. You can rent or buy the kit so for more details head to www.jam-cam.tv If you take the JAMCAM rental service in resort they include a host to record your day. The alternative is to rent before you leave, taking the equipment to the ski resort of your choice and posting back on your return. Gift vouchers are available via the website offering an unusual Christmas or Birthday present for your ski & snowboard mad friends.
What's an easy way to carry skis? Well we found the ‘THE HANDLE’ . This nifty little device allows you to carry your skis around without causing major injury to yourself and other members of the public. It’s incredibly easy to use – no Velcro just a click buckle. It’s also light and small enough to put in your pocket. www.ski-walker.com
Reviews
Zermatt is one of the most expensive ski resorts I have been to. The question is it worth it? Last season the with the falling pound against the swissy didn’t help, but not withstanding that , is the quality of the skiing, hotels, restaurants, food, bars and après ski worth it? Lets start with the skiing, the lift pass is expensive but it is a myth to think you have to be a good intermediate to enjoy Zermatt, I think anybody who has been skiing a few weeks will have a great time especially if they don’t mind the odd lift queue, not bad after paying around £255 for a 6 day pass.. However they will need to raid the cash point again before lunch with prices at around 60 to 70 SF for a bog standard lunch. After lunch you can then start to enjoy the views of the Matterhorn because you can’t afford an evening meal. Our hotel choice was the 3 star Best Western Butterfly Hotel which was good and more importantly good value. Drinks in the bars are as you would guess expensive to. Overall having just been a bit negative (mostly due to cost) but I have to say I love Zermatt, great skiing and a great time was had by the family and I guess we will return after trying Courchevel next year.
By B Turner on 23/10/2009 08:36:05
Great New Year this year in Zermatt and the skiing is as good as ever. A little expensive but at least we saved a bit by booking our snowboard hire through you at Snowbrainer. Matterhorn Sport were very helpful and said you send them loads of clients!
By Howard G on 11/01/2010 09:53:39
A world renowned resort and I think we like most people can see why. Ok the bad news first, you need deep pockets to ski here. The only real value was the ski hire at Matterhorn Sports through your good selves who gave us 23% off. I think that was the bargain of the week because my drink, food, lift ticket bills etc have never been higher. Having said that the skiing is awesome and that is why we go. Our hotel the Alpenhof is friendly with great service and no doubt the wife will book it again next year.
By Sam M. on 10/12/2009 11:48:59
Definitely recommend Zum See a small restaurant above Zermatt. Same owners for over 20 years. Good one for stopping in for a late lunch and then ski back home. You'll find it on the left hand side as you ski down from Furi towards Zermatt.
By M Shaw on 10/12/2009 11:51:10
A world renowned resort and I think we like most people can see why. Ok the bad news first, you need deep pockets to ski here. The only real value was the ski hire at Matterhorn Sports through your good selves who gave us 26% off. I think that was the bargain of the week because my drink, food, lift ticket bills etc have never been higher. But hey what a great place to ski over the New Year.
By R. Western on 04/01/2010 09:36:49
Our family stayed at the Riffelalp hotel in Zermatt and we had an incredible time. The hotel is amazing and the spa is incredible to chill and relax in after a long day on the mountains. The skiing in Zermatt is terrific, made all the more better with the gold skis from Snowbrainer. Very friendly service in the shop too…
By T Duncan on 28/12/2009 09:30:18
Sking is Zermatt is a treat but the real TREAT is the food. I think Zermatt has the worlds best mountain restaurants and I don't just mean one or two, there are loads of them. Did I mention the skiing and the views of the Matterhorn as well. You have to go.
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Zermatt is a stunning resort with a car-free centre. The 38 peaks surrounding the town, one of which is the infamous 4478m Matterhorn, make for an impressive setting. The resort boasts an exceptional snow-record, with snow cover normally lasting from the very beginning of the season right through until the end. There is glacier-skiing available too and the link with Cervinia only adds to the quantity of runs available. 
Looking for somewhere to eat out in Zermatt?
Zermatt is often described as one of Europe's top skiing resorts and we think you will enjoy the vast area that includes Cervinia in Italy (you can reach Cervinia by lifts - buses aren't necessary). Zermatt has many marked runs and the piste map divides it into four different sectors. (Stockhorn, Gornegrat, Glauer, and Schwarzsee) There are pistes back to the village from all the sectors although some close due to lack of snow from time to time - but fortunately snow cannons have helped enormously in recent years.
If you are looking to do some shopping in Zermatt there's a good array of stores to choose from.
What's there to do in Zermatt for families?
