Skiing in Zermatt
Skiing in Zermatt
The ski resort of Zermatt in Switzerland is considered by many to be one of the best ski resorts in Europe, if not the world. With the breathtaking Matterhorn rising high above the city, Zermatt is undoubtedly one of the most famous ski resorts and fulfills many of the aspects that skiers and snowboarders look for in a typical European ski holiday.
In Zermatt you can ski for what feels like forever because the terrain is huge and the runs for advanced skiers seem endless. Luckily, for those who don't have superhuman fitness, many of the slopes are lined with fabulous mountain restaurants where you can enjoy a long lunch.
The views from many ski resorts in Europe are fantastic, but Zermatt is in a class of its own. The ski area is located at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn (4.478 m) and on the slopes of the heavily glaciated Monte Rosa (4.634 m). To say the scenery is incredible would be an understatement. Although Zermatt is now more of a town than a village, it retains its traditional European charm, with a preserved "old town" that is car-free all year round and where a horse-drawn carriage occasionally travels the cobbled streets. Last but not least, Zermatt is a luxurious ski resort for everyone who is looking for glamor on their ski holiday, but also for those who only have a small budget.
Zermatt ski area pros and cons
Advantages:
- Huge height differences of 2.200 meters and a varied ski area connected to Cervinia in Italy.
- A paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders and for those who like to cruise.
- Excellent freeride terrain away from the pistes and high alpine ski tours.
- The combination of high altitude, northern orientation and glaciers guarantees good snow conditions.
- Skiing is possible every day of the year.
- A fabulous, modern and efficient lift system, proportionate to the price of the ski pass and the huge terrain.
- The highest lift point in Western Europe.
- The mountain scenery is incredible.
- One of the best après-ski slopes in Europe (in the Furi sector).
- Sensational accommodation in the mountains, away from the village.
- Numerous off-piste activities for non-skiers and non-snowboarders.
- The restaurants in the mountains are among the best in the world.
- By Swiss standards, the nightlife is very lively, and there are options for both those who want to party and those who just want to have a quiet cocktail.
- Access to Zermatt is nice and easy by train.ö
Disadvantages:
- Can be expensive (lift tickets are the most expensive in Europe, but still cost half as much as a lift pass in Vail USA, and room and board can be just as tax-complicated).
- Accommodation in the valleys is limited.
- At peak times, queues form at the lifts in some places (as you would expect in one of Europe's most famous ski resorts).
- Some off-piste areas empty very quickly on powder days (at least the easily accessible ones).
- Local strong winds in the upper glacier area may lead to regular closures of lifts in this area, including the connection to Cervinia (Italy).
- The terrain is not well suited for beginner skiers; the beginner areas are limited (compared to the size of the ski area) and there is no slope in the valley suitable for beginners (needs unloading).
Advantages or disadvantages (depending on your perspective)
- Zermatt is very popular with families (there are numerous ski schools and kindergartens), but there are not many slopes for children, especially in bad weather.
- The village is "car-free", meaning you cannot drive to Zermatt, but will be hit by a quiet electric taxi.
- Due to the nature of the site and the lack of ski-in/ski-out accommodation in the lower part of the village, it can be a long walk to the ski school departure and pick-up points, which is difficult for small children Trying to carry your skis isn't necessarily a pleasure. Free local ski buses or taxis may be required.
Skiing and snowboarding, lifts and terrain
One of the main features of Zermatt's ski and snowboard offering is the sheer size of the slopes. The Zermatt ski area has 210 km of marked pistes, a variety of marked off-piste routes and freeride terrain, as well as an ever-improving range of modern lifts with all types of transport: trains, funiculars, gondolas, gondolas, chair lifts and drag lifts . Overall, the ski area is easy for snowboarders, as there are only a few long, flat sections to negotiate, as well as the glacier lifts (which can be bypassed).
The slopes in the Zermatt ski area are incredibly well geared towards advanced skiers. There is hardly any beginner terrain and no valley runs that are suitable for beginners. The so-called black slopes are rather gentle and have only a few gradients. The wide off-piste is the most fun for intermediate and experienced skiers. Like many other European ski resorts, the off-piste terrain is best exploited by traveling with a guide and starting early.
There are three main ski areas in Zermatt. The Klein Matterhorn-Schwarzsee area is the largest of the areas and includes a huge difference in altitude of over 2.200 m back to town and mostly north-facing slopes with guaranteed snow. The Sunnegga-Rothorn sector offers terrain for all levels, including skiing in the trees, and the best mountain restaurants (e.g. b Chez Vrony). The Gornergrat-Stockhorn has it all. The Gornergrat offers varied terrain with spectacular beginner and advanced slopes, while the neighboring Stockhorn is home to the big slope freeride terrain. Do you dare to ride the Red Nose? You should: It's not as intimidating as it looks, and it's great fun to go off-piste.
Snow and weather
Zermatt is a world-class ski resort for many reasons, not least because of the snow. Not only is Zermatt located among the highest mountains in Western Europe, but it also has the highest piste terrain in Europe and is one of only two ski resorts with 365 days of skiing per year (the other being the Hintertux Glacier in Austria). The majority of the ski and snowboard areas are above 2.000 meters, which guarantees excellent snow quality.
The weather has a major influence on the daily operations of the Zermatt mountain railways. At higher altitudes, strong winds can ruin the day, especially in the Klein Matterhorn glacier area. During Powderhounds' visit in February 2017, an attempt to ski from Zermatt via Cervinia failed several days in a row due to strong winds that closed most of the lifts. We had a similar experience in 2019, but with only the glacier lifts closed, the wind created some wonderful hiding places of windblown powder that we were able to harvest.
The danger of avalanches can also affect the ski area. Extreme avalanche conditions (category 5) prevailed at times during the 2017/18 heavy snow season. Skiers should be aware of off-piste hazards and the danger of crevasses.
Where exactly is Zermatt in Switzerland?
Zermatt is located in the upper German-speaking region of the canton of Valais (Valais) in southwest Switzerland, near the border with Italy. The nearest international airports are Geneva (GVA) (2.5 hours) and Zurich (ZCH) (3.5 hours).
The Zermatt ski area can only be reached by train or helicopter. We recommend taking the train to get to Zermatt, as the journey on the Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway through Visp is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Trains connect Geneva and Zurich airports with Visp.
Food, snacks and nightlife
You might think you're in another country when you visit Zermatt's bars and restaurants, and that's a good thing. It is better than most Swiss ski resorts and is more similar to Austria or Italy, albeit at a typically Swiss price level.
On-mountain restaurants such as Chez Vrony, the après-ski slope from Furi to Zermatt and the "shabby chic" restaurants such as Soupi are a wonderful feature of a large ski area. Some of the top restaurants in the city, while perfect in terms of service and ambience, offer no value per dollar (or franc, as the case may be) in the area of taste. Rather spend your money at the lower end of the market, e.g. b for a "stinky burger" at the Brown Cow Bar in the Unique Hotel Post complex.
Facilities and activities
Zermatt has a wide range of off-piste offerings, including many family-friendly facilities and services. There are numerous shops, restaurants offering everything from cheap and delicious soups to gastronomically divine dishes, and plenty of bars to give your liver a good kick. Many of the wonderful mountain restaurants are accessible by funicular, train and cable car so everyone can enjoy the food and views.
Activities include paragliding, helicopter flights around the Matterhorn, cross-country skiing, winter hikes and a special 10-minute evening toboggan run that can be combined with a fondue meal. A cable car ride to the summit of the Klein Matterhorn to explore the ice museum's glacier caves is also popular.
Top slopes in Zermatt
Explore the most popular ski slopes near Zermatt with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
- Zermatt - Fluhalp
Hike this 13.2 km long circular route near Zermatt in Valais. The route is generally considered difficult and is completed on average in 4 hours 52 minutes. It's a popular trail for bird watching, camping and hiking, but it's also a great place to enjoy solitude during the quieter hours of the day. The best time to visit this trail is from April to September. Dogs are welcome and can be walked off-leash in some areas.
The Fluhalp mountain restaurant is located in the Sunnegga-Blauherd-Rothorn hiking and walking area in winter. It lies at an altitude of 2606 m above sea level. M. After a wonderful hike past three small mountain lakes, you can feast on the terrace and enjoy the view of the Matterhorn.
- Zermatt - Unterrothorn
Get to know this 15.6 km long circular route near Zermatt in Valais. The route is generally considered challenging and is completed on average in 6 hours 43 minutes. This trail is ideal for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing, and you're unlikely to meet many people while exploring.
The best time to visit this trail is from May to October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
This path leads to the summit of the Unterrothorn, which rises to 3000 meters. The descent takes place via the Fluhalp, where you can have lunch and enjoy a wonderful view of the Matterhorn. This challenging hike leads past three beautiful mountain lakes. Fantastic hike in Zermatt, the beautiful mountain village in the canton of Valais.
- Zermatt - Schwarzsee - Stafel
Enjoy this 33.5 km long circular route near Zermatt in Valais. The route is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty and can be completed in an average of 13 hours and 29 minutes. The trail is a popular destination for bird watching, hiking and mountain biking, but one can also enjoy solitude during the quieter hours of the day. The best time to visit this trail is from May to October.
- Obergabelhorn above Zermatt
Discover this 21.9 km round trip near Zermatt (Valais). The route is generally considered challenging and takes an average of 10 hours and 18 minutes. This trail is ideal for hiking, climbing and skiing and is unlikely to see many people on it. The best time to visit this trail is from April to October.
The path is difficult and alpine. A mountain guide is recommended. The Obergabelhorn is one of the 4.000 in Switzerland and is on 4th place.063 meters above sea level. This longer and more difficult route begins at the church in Zermatt, where the Matterhorn has a strong presence.
- Zermatt - Dufourspitze
Experience this 28.0km point-to-point trail near Zermatt in Valais. The route is generally considered challenging and is completed on average in 11 hours and 38 minutes. This trail is ideal for climbing and skiing.
