As you approach Zermatt in the cogwheel train, winding its way up an unforgettable valley, you see the track ahead of you curving yet again and fleetingly, but in breathtaking splendour, a marvel of nature appears. Of all the scenes of mountain grandeur none quite compares with this, but if through adverse weather you are deprived of the Matterhorn at this moment, your eventual reward will be all the greater. Its majestic presence is always with you, whether in the village or on the slopes of this wonderful resort. From the moment of arrival on the station forecourt, with its lines of horse drawn sleighs, you will be entranced by Zermatt. Look down the valley towards the Dom (cathedral), the highest mountain entirely in Switzerland, with its 4000m neighbours, and you will be thrilled by the scene. Free of exhaust fumes, this quiet carless resort has everything, including a most unassuming air. The skiing, especially for the intermediate and advanced, is second to none, with marvellous off piste challenges including helicopter accessed descents from Monte Rosa (No.2 in the Alps).

The snowboarder is naturally very well provided for and the hiker can enjoy many a lovely trail as well as some of the resort’s fabled mountain restaurants. There are also 26 km of sign posted snowshoeing trails.

To appreciate the true greatness of Zermatt, please click here or here.

This takes place in three different areas, all with top stations of over 3000m, the highest at over 12,500ft!
The base stations in the village are quite far apart but with the free shuttle bus linking them this is really not a problem. Also, of the greatest importance, the new lift from Furi to Riffelberg linking the Gornergrat and Glacier Paradise areas has completed the links between all 3 skiing areas. These offer tremendous skiing for all grades, but you can extend this to over 300km by paying extra, even for one day, and taking in Cervinia. This resort on the Italian south facing side of the Matterhorn is very sunny with great intermediate skiing. For an enlarged ski map (split into 4 sections) click here.
The 2200m run from Klein Matterhorn down to Zermatt is one of the very longest in the Alps and the one down to Valtournenche beyond Cervinia is said to be the longest (not requiring a guide).

Marked Pistes
183 km and with Cervinia 313 km.

Altitude
Resort 1620m (5315ft) Top stations – Sunnegga area 3103m.
Gornergrat area 3405m and Klein Matterhorn 3820m (12,533ft).

Lifts and Runs (Zermatt)
2 funiculars (1 underground), 9 cable cars, 5 gondolas, 8 chair lifts, 10 drag lifts with a fairly even spread of blue, red and black or unpatrolled runs.

Ski & Snowboard School
Order online.

Snow Cannons
Cover 134 km (see ski map) out of 313 km total.

Cross Country Skiing
9 km at Furi.

Facilities for Children
Order online.

Born 2000 or after – Free when skiing with adult. For 8 day passes and over or for free passes, a photo is required.
For Cervinia and Aosta Valley passes see www.zermatt.ch - click fares of mountain cableways. For those wanting to ski 6 days + half a day at beginning and/or end, see website. For other child reductions and choice of days skiing, eg. 5 in 7, see website.

Ski and Board Equipment Hire Prices and deals vary from shop to shop, see www.zermatt.ch. In some shops, 1 child should receive free ski and boot use if two adults pre-book ski and boot hire. More details in Zermatt booklet. VIP and 'top' ski equipment at higher prices. Other Activities Bowling, curling, horse drawn carriage rides, paragliding, skating, sledding, snowshoe tours, squash, swimming, tennis. See Zermatt booklet. Parking at Täsch Covered approx. Sfr 14.50 per day for first 7 days. Après – Ski A very lively nightlife to suit all tastes and ages! Eating Out For value for money and top quality you can't beat the Stockhorn Grill. Zermatt has a McDonalds at its usual prices, eg. cheeseburger for Sfr 2.50! For many others, see here.

© Zermatt Bergbahnen

Getting to Zermatt From Geneva or Basel station and airport (alternatively Zurich, Bern, Milan) trains run frequently to Visp/Brig. From here one takes the mountain train to Zermatt. If you are driving out you must park up at Täsch and take the Zermatt train. If you travel by train from the UK at breakfast from St. Pancras you will get to Zermatt by 19.52 (7.52pm). For those wanting to break their journey (not recommended with a Swiss transfer ticket for reasons we will explain) we can recommend hotels near the resort. Finally, with an afternoon train departure from London and taking the earlier overnight sleeper from Paris, you will arrive at approx 10.52am.