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Zermatt

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Great opening. Top of mountain only this early season, but great groomers. 

Bob W

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Nestled in the heart of the Valais Alps, Zermatt offers an alpine experience that blends high-altitude adventure with refined Swiss charm. The resort sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of Europe&rsquo;s most iconic peaks, and benefits from excellent snow coverage, receiving approximately 414 cm of snowfall annually. With 359 hectares of skiable terrain, Zermatt boasts 147 pistes served by 54 lifts, offering seamless access to a wide-ranging mountain experience. The network features beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert runs, with the majority catering to confident skiers.
Families will appreciate Zermatt&rsquo;s welcoming infrastructure, including child-friendly lift systems, easy access to nursery slopes, and professional ski schools offering tailored tuition for younger guests. Off the slopes, the resort maintains a pedestrianised village centre, helping to create a safe and tranquil atmosphere for all ages. The consistent snow conditions and extensive snowmaking capability ensure reliable skiing throughout the season.
Visitors choose Zermatt not only for its expansive terrain, which connects with the Italian resort of Cervinia for cross-border skiing, but also for its high-altitude appeal, with a summit reaching 3,899 m and a vertical drop of 2,279 m. Add to that breathtaking views, top-tier dining options, and world-renowned hospitality, and it&rsquo;s easy to see why Zermatt stands out as one of the most compelling alpine destinations in Europe.
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Zermatt is notably car-free, enhancing its alpine tranquillity, but access to the resort remains straightforward. The nearest airports are Zurich (approx. 230 km) and Geneva (approx. 240 km), both offering rail connections to Zermatt via Visp. From Visp, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn offers a scenic one-hour cogwheel journey straight into the village. For coach travellers, services run from Swiss cities and neighbouring countries to T&auml;sch, where secure parking and frequent shuttle trains offer the final leg into Zermatt.
For cost-conscious travellers, the rail network provides efficient and picturesque options across Switzerland, with the Swiss Travel Pass offering excellent value. The final stretch from T&auml;sch is managed by a dedicated shuttle system operating every 20 minutes, or alternatively, licensed electric taxis and hotel shuttles can complete the journey. Driving is possible as far as T&auml;sch, which is 5 km from Zermatt, with long-stay car parks available.

Zermatt offers a rich variety of lodging options, from luxurious five-star hotels and alpine chalets to cosy lodges and self-catering apartments, many of which feature ski-in/ski-out access and sweeping mountain views. Accommodation ranges from romantic hideaways perfect for couples, to spacious properties ideal for families and groups, with amenities such as wellness centres, heated boot rooms, and on-site childcare. For those seeking something exceptional, unique stays like igloo villages or heritage lodges provide unforgettable atmospheres, all nestled within the charming confines of a car-free village.

Zermatt&rsquo;s terrain is vast and varied, spanning 359 hectares and linking with the Italian resort of Cervinia to create a binational ski domain. The slopes range from gentle beginner areas in Sunnegga to adrenaline-pumping descents on the Rothorn and Gornergrat. For families and novices, the Wolli Park near the Leisee lake offers a protected learning environment with easy lift access and mellow pistes surrounded by scenic views.
Intermediate skiers can enjoy extended runs such as the pistes down from Blauherd, which offer satisfying length and ample width, ideal for carving turns. One of the standout intermediate routes is the long descent from the Unterrothorn summit, blending panoramic vistas with reliable snow conditions. The terrain here receives continual grooming, making for consistent surface quality.
Advanced skiers will find the Triftji sector particularly enticing, where steep gradients and natural undulations challenge technique and stamina. The Stockhorn area also offers formidable verticals and more exposed terrain that appeals to those seeking to push their limits. Snow reliability is bolstered by extensive snowmaking infrastructure, ensuring top-quality skiing even in milder spells.
For experts, the run from the Klein Matterhorn summit to Zermatt village stretches 15 km and features diverse conditions, dramatic scenery, and sustained vertical drop. It's one of the longest uninterrupted descents in the Alps. Coupled with an altitude of 3,899 m at the summit, the upper pistes offer snow conditions well into late spring.
The Gravity Park on the Theodul Glacier caters to freestyle enthusiasts, with one park featuring rails, jumps, and a halfpipe maintained for year-round use. Nearby, tubing lanes offer family-friendly entertainment without the need for skis. Despite its advanced terrain reputation, Zermatt continues to invest in all-level features to maintain broad appeal.
Natural features such as glacial ridges and open alpine slopes add character to Zermatt's landscape, offering skiers panoramic views over the Pennine Alps. Thanks to the elevation and extensive lift system&mdash;ranging from gondolas and trams to high-speed quads&mdash;access to these varied sectors is both efficient and scenic.
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Zermatt truly shines between mid-January and early March, when snowfall is at its most reliable and the crowds tend to thin midweek. For an uninterrupted morning descent, head to the Rothorn area right after the first lift &mdash; pistes here remain quiet during early hours, and the light across the Mattertal valley is spectacular for photos.
Wolli Park isn&rsquo;t just for beginners &mdash; the surrounding area by Leisee offers secluded picnic spots and quiet viewing decks that locals use for lunch breaks. Pack a thermos and enjoy panoramic Matterhorn vistas without the bustle of village eateries.
If you&rsquo;re seeking untouched powder, venture up the Stockhorn first thing after a storm. The south-facing gullies retain fresh snow surprisingly well, and the steeper sections away from marked pistes reward confident skiers with excellent lines.
A lesser-known run worth trying is the descent from Hoht&auml;lli towards Riffelalp, which remains relatively uncrowded and offers changing alpine scenery &mdash; from rocky ridges to forested banks. It&rsquo;s particularly good for photographers chasing those dramatic Matterhorn backdrops.
For apr&egrave;s-ski, skip the obvious and settle in at Papperla Pub for live music and an easy-going vibe favoured by locals. It&rsquo;s got none of the formality and plenty of energy, especially on Fridays when ski instructors tend to gather post-shift.
Another excellent spot is the outdoor terrace at Cervo, located near the Sunnegga piste exit. It&rsquo;s ski-in, has great wine selections, and views over the valley that transition beautifully at sunset. Cervo also offers fondue nights in the cellar lounge &mdash; best reserved in advance.
Want the classic Matterhorn photo with minimal crowds? Walk to the viewpoint near Winkelmatten Chapel around 08:30 &mdash; most visitors don&rsquo;t arrive until later, and the morning light hits the peak perfectly from this angle.
Down in the village, the Mountaineers' Cemetery offers a quiet and moving insight into Zermatt&rsquo;s alpine heritage. It&rsquo;s a short stroll from the main street and provides a cultural dimension often missed by first-time visitors.
If you&rsquo;re skiing with children, look out for the themed Matterhorn Ski Safari route &mdash; it combines lifts and descents across the resort&rsquo;s extremes, and completing it earns participants a badge. It&rsquo;s a fun way to explore wider terrain while keeping kids engaged.
To wind down, the Backstage Hotel&rsquo;s cinema is open to non-guests and offers art films and classics in a cosy alpine setting. It&rsquo;s tucked away on Hofmattstrasse and a great spot to escape the crowds and take in something unexpected after a full day&rsquo;s ski.

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