It's impossible not to fall in love with Zermatt after your very first visit. This legendary ski resort at the foot of the Matterhorn (4478m) is overflowing with superlatives. Zermatt offers the longest pistes, the highest mountain peaks, the best snow and the most modern ski lifts. Combined with the cosy ski huts and the international atmosphere, Zermatt is second to none. And thanks to the glaciers, snow is guaranteed here and skiing is also possible during the summer months. Our colleague Felix visited this ski resort in the heart of the Swiss Alps and tells us why every skier has to ski Zermatt at least once in their lifetime.
17km? 20km? 25km? To be honest, even the locals don’t know exactly how long their slopes are. But they say that the longest piste in Europe is to be found at Zermatt, with a vertical of 2220 metres. Overall, the ski resort has 360km of pistes, plenty to choose from for all abilities.
Zermatt is dwarfed by almost forty 4000m-tall mountain peaks which form an imposing backdrop. The ski area is proud to be nestled amongst the highest mountains in Switzerland, such as the Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa Massif (4634m) or the duo of the Breithorn (4164m) on one side and the Dom (4545m) across the way. Below, the sun glints off a breathtaking set of glaciers that are several millennia old.
Zermatt is currently building what will be the world's highest 3S gondola lift. Expected for the 2018/19 ski season, the lift will take skiers to the glacier at the Klein Matterhorn (3883m), Europe's highest cable car station. Some of the gondolas will have a glass bottom so you can already get your adrenaline pumping before you step into your skis! In addition to the modern lift facilities, Zermatt also has a train, the Gornergratbahn, and a subway, two unique transportation options that help to transport skiers.
Don’t bother renting a car for your holiday in Zermatt. Small electric buses run through the car-free village centre, shuttling skiers from the train station to their hotel or to the base station of the ski lifts. To get to Zermatt, visitors must park their cars in the neighbouring town of Täsch and transfer to the Matterhorn-Gottharn-Barn shuttle train, which leaves every 20 minutes.
The term was coined in North America and usually refers to the epic powder found in the Rocky Mountains – in fact, the term is trademarked by Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado. Skiers worldwide dream of skiing through this legendary soft and fluffy snow. However, Zermatt might just be giving North American resorts a run for their money. Thanks in part to its high altitude (over 3000m), lucky skiers will find champagne powder at this Swiss ski resort!
If you’re in need of a short break after a gruelling morning of skiing, you’re in luck. Skiers and snowboarders are spoiled for choice, with many cosy mountain huts to choose from. Whether you’re after a luxurious alpine chalet or just a simple place to rest your weary legs, you’re sure to find it at Zermatt. Snowplaza tip: Chez Vrony has been awarded 13 points by Gault Millau – don’t miss the chance to try their life-changing burgers!
It’s possible to ski through Zermatt's village centre (or just stomp through in your Darth Vader ski boots). The atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed in this car-free pedestrian resort, and the village centre is a shopping hotspot with plenty of sports shops to browse through.
In the Stockhorn area, daredevil skiers and snowboarders can test their skills without the need for a mountain guide. You’ll already experience a thrill on the way there as the “Rote Nase” cable car passes over a staggeringly steep ridge. The area offers several ski lifts where freeriders can ski and board on ungroomed terrain. If this doesn’t get your adrenaline sufficiently pumping, you can also have a go at heliskiing.
The Swiss are known for their relaxed approach to life – the perfect mindset for a ski holiday! You’ll find the Zermatt locals friendly and welcoming, and their breathtaking anecdotes about the Matterhorn will make your day.
Last but not least... the mighty Matterhorn! This gigantic icon is the indisputable highlight of Zermatt. In fact, we found it hard to get any skiing done during our trip, as we felt compelled to whip out our phones every twenty metres to take yet another picture of this impressive peak! But this is one mountain best admired from a bit of a distance... you’d have to be crazy to attempt skiing the face of the Matterhorn!
Never-ending pistes, a pedestrianised village centre, a charming atmosphere and unbeatable views of the Matterhorn are just a few of the many features that make Zermatt one for the bucket list. It’s hard to beat this ski area on the border of Switzerland and Italy, nestled amongst thirty-eight 4000m peaks and three glaciers, and with over 360km of pistes spread across 5 ski resorts. The price may be a bit steep, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for an unforgettable ski holiday.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
