Skiing in Zermatt

Here's our guide to Zermatt

Skiing and the Mountains

• Because Zermatt’s ski area is located at such a high altitude (3800m) the winter season on the prepared slopes covering over 300km actually starts in mid November and doesn’t finish until the beginning of May
• Try the longest run in Switzerland, a stunning 22km descent from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3883m to Zermatt Village. This would take a professional downhill skier 10 minutes to complete if they skied it flat out
• Though this resort is a Mecca for the more advanced skier it does have 5 separate beginners area and some great ski schools. Learning to ski in the shadow on the Matterhorn is a special experience
• They look after families here - kids under 9 ski for free and for up to 16’s it’s a half price ticket
• Powder fans flock here and with good reason. Zermatt has the biggest heli-skiing operation in Europe. The Monte Rosa massif at 4250m can offer some amazing powder skiing and because there is more than one operator the prices are pretty reasonable.
• It’s not often that you can ski in 2 different countries on the same day but from Zermatt you can drop in on Cervinia in Italy for its mile after mile of easy snow cruising.

Resort and après ski

• If you like mountain restaurants and you’re constantly watching your watch waiting for lunch then you must ski in Zermatt. Our favourite is Chez Vrony at Findeln with a great sun terrace – try the Rosti followed by probably the best brownies you’ll ever taste!
• You must visit the Glacier Palace at the top of the Klein Matterhorn - it has to be seen to be believed. It’s an ice grotto 15 metres below the surface of the glacier that is home to some stunning ice carvings and is beautifully lit with relaxing music playing. It’s free to get in and they even have wine tasting

• If you want to experience what it’s like to be an Inuit Eskimo you can spend the night in the snow on the Rotenboden, in a romantic igloo for 2!
• Eating out in Zermatt is easy as there are over 100 restaurants in the village and a lot to a very high standard; there are a total of 17 Michelin stars in Zermatt
• The cinema in Zermatt is a different experience. You order your dinner before the film starts and then you stop half way through the movie and your dinner is waiting at a table for you. It’s only a small place but it’s pretty funky.
• If you like luxury shopping Zermatt will please you. It has lots of designer boutiques, jewellery shops, ski shops and whilst you’re there don’t forget the delicious Swiss chocolate. And because Switzerland is not in the EU there’s duty free shopping at the airport too.

Resort Facts