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Nestled beneath the famous Matterhorn, Zermatt is a captivating ski resort that effortlessly combines stunning alpine beauty with world-class skiing. Beyond its skiing allure, the resort boasts top-tier mountain restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and a plethora of non-skiing activities, making it a sought-after destination for both ski enthusiasts and those desiring an idyllic European alpine getaway. As one of the most renowned Swiss ski resorts, Zermatt offers an unmatched alpine experience.
We've created this guide to make planning your Zermatt ski holiday easy. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, you'll also find a downloadable resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let's get started!
Zermatt is located in the Valais region of southern Switzerland, near the border with Italy.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Glacier skiing | Europe's most expensive lift pass |
| Modern & efficient lift network | Limited ski-in/ski-out accommodation |
| Amazing mountain scenery | High winds aon the upper glacier can force lifts to close |
| Exceptionnal off-piste freeride | Not well-suited for beginners |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Zermatt has to offer.
(Ref: Ski Resort Videos)
Beginners can find their snowy footing at Lesse, just below Sunnegga. With three moving carpets and two rope tows easily accessible by a short funicular, it’s the perfect space for initial lessons. Yet, note that with limited beginner slopes in the area, progression might require traveling between zones, especially to Riffelberg and the top of the Klein Matterhorn.
For the intermediate skier, from cruising on the sun-bathed slopes of the Klein Matterhorn glacier to carving down the long Kelle and White Hare reds, there's no shortage of vistas and challenges.
While there are few traditional black runs, the 'Itinerary' slopes, marked as yellow on piste maps, provide ample challenges. These are marked and avalanche controlled, but not patrolled, demanding both skill and caution. Routes like the Triftji offer one of Europe's most formidable freeride challenges, while areas around Stockhorn present steep mogul runs for those looking to test their mettle.
Away from the groomed trails, Zermatt offers up to 38 km (23.6 mi) of ungroomed piste in the Rothorn and Stockhorn areas. Plus, with one of the largest heli-skiing operations in the Alps, those seeking untouched powder and exhilarating descents will find plenty to love.
The Theodul Glacier on the Klein Matterhorn promises some of Zermatt’s best snow. With a mix of red and blue runs, skiers can also indulge in The Snowpark Zermatt, Europe's loftiest terrain park, before potentially skiing down into Italy.
Zermatt caters well to experienced snowboarders, offering parks at Sunnegga and Riffelberg. The Furggsattel area also houses a halfpipe, rails, and kickers, allowing boarders to showcase their skills or simply enjoy the descent down to Schwarzsee.
The ski season in Zermatt for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 1 November to 3 May 2026. However, like Cervinia, Zermatt also offers summer skiing thanks to its proximity to the Plateau Rosa glacier. If you're planning a ski holiday to Zermatt this season, be sure to explore our Zermatt deals for the best ski offers available.
Zermatt offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 44 cm (17.3 in) and 50 cm (19.6 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.4 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall stays unchanged with 50 cm (19.6 in) of snowfall but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.8 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of May, traditionally the snowiest week in Zermatt, with an impressive 78 cm (30.7 in) of snow over 4.8 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 59 cm (23.2 in) of snow over 4.7 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 44 cm | 3.5 days |
| January | 50 cm | 3.4 days |
| February | 50 cm | 3.8 days |
| March | 63 cm | 4.4 days |
| April | 59 cm | 4.7 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Download Zermatt resort map here
