With skiing available 365 days a year on some of the highest pistes in Europe, it’s easy to see why Zermatt is on the list of best ski resorts in the world. Being surrounded by some of the most spectacular high Alpine vistas only adds to the experience. The Matterhorn Ski Paradies (Zermatt, Cervinia and Val Tournenche) has 52 lifts that give you access to 360km of pistes. From beginner areas to snowparks, there is something for everyone.
This area, on the left of the piste map is where you will find the ‘Wolli park’, the beginner area with the best view in the Alps. Findeln, home to some of Zermatts most renowned mountain restaurants, is also up on this side as well as plenty of varied terrain for endless fun on skis.
The village is car-free. However, getting around is easy whether you are on foot, using the free (during the winter season) electric bus service or hopping in to one of the many electric taxis to hand. Alternatively, you can take a horse drawn carriage or sleigh for a romantic view of the resort.
Travel up the 100yr old cog railway to reach Gornergrat, the top of which is home to the Kulm hotel and a working observatory. The endless blue runs offer perfect terrian for intermediates to practice. While more advanced and experts skiers might want to test their skills by heading over to nearby Hotalli and skiing the Triftji bumps.
Most of the shops, bars and restaurants are found on the Bahnhofstrasse, which runs almost the length of town from the train station to the church. Alongside the traditional watches and cuckoo clocks, you can find everything from designer clothing to kitchenware.
It’s up here on the glacier that you will find the highest skiing in Zermatt, as well as some of the most breathtaking panoramas. Ski over to Italy, cruise on the glacial blue runs, work on your freestyle tricks in the Snowpark, of head down to the Furgg bumps… there is plenty to explore.
