Under the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn Mountain, you’ll find the world-famous ski resort of Zermatt, right on the southern edge of the Swiss Alps. Expect elegant timber chalets, fine-dining restaurants, and designer shops against a backdrop of jagged peaks.
Above the Zermatt village itself, there’s a 224mi tangle of pristinely groomed ski slopes, as well as acres of off-piste terrain, topped by a glistening glacier. It is one of the few ski resorts in Europe that you can access all year round.
But Zermatt isn’t just a ski destination. Come summertime, when wildflowers burst into bloom, it becomes a utopia for hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers. Read on to discover why Zermatt should be at the top of every adventurer’s bucket list.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jordan Lye. Image Location: Zermatt, Valais Canton, Switzerland.
From glaciers to gourmet pizza: What you need to know about Zermatt, Switzerland
Where is Zermatt?
Take a train due east from the city of Geneva, down the valley of Valais, and you’ll find Zermatt, flanked by the spectacular Pennine Alps. The ski resort occupies a prime position in the south of Switzerland, right next to the border with Italy. It’s so close, in fact, that you can ski from Zermatt into the Italian resort of Cervinia.
Why is Zermatt so famous?
Firstly, Zermatt is home to the Matterhorn. At 14,692ft-high, it’s one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland, distinguishable for its pyramid-shaped peak. It’s a mecca for mountaineers and climbers. More people have died climbing the Matterhorn than any other mountain in the Alps, hence why most visitors choose to gaze up at the peak from ground level.
Secondly, Zermatt is renowned for its excellent skiing. With its 12,740ft-high glacier, Zermatt boasts the highest lift-served piste skiing in Europe, accessed by the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondola. From here, you can ski 16mi down one of the continent’s longest pistes to the village – descending an incredible 7,464ft. On top of this, Zermatt is one of the only ski resorts in Europe that is open all year round, even during the summer.
Image Credit: Getty Images, EKH-Pictures. Image Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
What are the top things to do in Zermatt?
You can’t visit Zermatt without going skiing. Beginners should take a lesson with Summit Ski & Snowboard School where lessons are taught entirely in English. For advanced skiers, book a once-in-a-lifetime heliski trip, where a helicopter will drop you at the top of a perfectly untouched powder field, leaving you and your guide to ride back down to town.
Summer in Zermatt is just as action-packed as winter. Lace up your walking boots and hike to the Hörnlihütte (5mi) for the best views of the Matterhorn. Alternatively, thrill seekers can join a guided mountain bike tour of four local lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, and Moosjisee. Cool off with a bracing dip at the end.
Ready to eat? You’ll find a decent array of gourmet restaurants in Zermatt. Book a table at Brasserie Uno for a six-course, Michelin-starred meal in a cozy, laidback setting. Alternatively, head to The North Wall Bar for crispy wood-fired pizzas and local craft beers.
What is the best month to visit Zermatt?
Keen skiers should come between December to April as this is the peak snow season. Crowds gather over the Christmas period, while January and February are noticeably quieter and tend to be the most snowsure months. Just make sure you bring plenty of layers; Zermatt weather can be unpredictable with temperatures dropping as low as -4°F. If you’d rather dodge the cold, then April is perfect for slushy spring skiing and Aperol spritzes on the terrace.
For summer hiking and mountain biking, head to Zermatt between June and August. Summer temperatures reach an average of 68°F with plenty of sunshine. September is a little cooler but still pleasant and beautifully quiet after the kids have gone back to school.
How do you get to Zermatt?
Switzerland is very well-connected by an efficient train service. Traveling by train is the easiest way to get to Zermatt. From Geneva, it takes around 4h. Take the SBB train from the city center to Visp, then change onto the connecting train to Zermatt. It takes around the same time to travel from Zürich to Zermatt. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Italy, hop on a train from Milan to Zermatt via Domodossola.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, JaCZhou. Image Location: Matterhorn Mountain, Zermatt, Switzerland