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.
Zermatt is located in the Valais region of southern Switzerland, near the border with Italy.
Nearest airport
Sion: 75 km (46.6 mi)
Transfer time
Sion: 1hr 8 min
Zermatt the resort
Resort altitude: 1,620 m (5,314 ft)
Resort permanent residents: ~6,000
Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn, perfectly blends traditional charm with modern luxury. The village features classic wooden chalets and grand hotels that showcase traditional Alpine architecture, including steeply pitched roofs and sturdy balconies designed to withstand the harsh mountain climate. These historic buildings are complemented by contemporary structures that integrate modern design with rustic elements, creating a cohesive aesthetic that honors the town's heritage. Zermatt’s car-free policy enhances its tranquil ambiance, inviting visitors to explore its narrow streets lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and fine dining restaurants. The natural sounds of flowing streams, distant cowbells, and crisp mountain air contribute to a serene yet vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the majesty of its surroundings and the lively spirit of a world-class resort town.
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
Here is how Zermatt looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Zermatt has to offer.
Zermatt, offers an extensive skiing experience with over 200 km (124 mi) of pistes, spread across 75 pistes (12 blues, 41 reds, 21 blacks), and served by 43 lifts. Zermatt's main skiing sectors, include:
Sunnegga: known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this sector provides easy access to mainly blue runs, making it ideal for beginners and families with children.
Blauherd: serving as a gateway to higher-altitude pistes, this sector is ideal for intermediate skiers with its mix of blue and red runs.
Rothorn: renowned for its challenging terrain, and off-piste opportunities Rothorn caters mostly to advanced skiers with a selection of red and black pistes.
Gornergrat: accessible by a scenic cogwheel train, Gornergrat offers a variety of pistes for all skill levels, and the most stunning views of the Matterhorn.
Schwarzsee: ideal for experienced skiers, the sector has a concentration of challenging black runs.
Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn Ski Paradise): As Europe’s highest-altitude ski area, Klein Matterhorn provides year-round skiing on its glacier, as well as a selection of red and black runs, ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Skiing in Zermatt
Beginners
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.
Intermediates
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.
Advanced
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.
Off-piste skiing
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.
Glacier skiing
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.
Snowboarding
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.
Zermatt ski season dates
It's possible to ski in Zermatt year-round, 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 snow history
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.
