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Zermatt – Skiing, the Matterhorn and Where to Stay

Zermatt is one of the most famous mountain resorts in the Swiss Alps. Located beneath the iconic Matterhorn, the village combines high-altitude skiing, spectacular railway journeys, glacier viewpoints and traditional Alpine architecture.

The resort is car-free, and visitors normally complete the final part of their journey from Täsch by shuttle train or authorised taxi. This helps preserve the peaceful atmosphere of the village while local electric buses provide transport between accommodation, cable cars and railway stations.

Skiing in Zermatt

The Zermatt ski pass provides access to up to 200 kilometres of slopes across the Sunnegga–Rothorn, Gornergrat and Schwarzsee–Matterhorn Glacier Paradise areas.

An international ski pass adds approximately 160 kilometres of pistes in the neighbouring Italian resorts of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche. This creates an extensive cross-border ski area with runs on both the Swiss and Italian sides of the Matterhorn.

The resort offers terrain for beginners, intermediate skiers and experienced winter-sports enthusiasts. Wolli’s Beginners Park on Sunnegga provides a dedicated learning area, while advanced skiers can explore long descents, high-altitude slopes and demanding routes around the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

The Zermatt Snowpark is located near the Furggsattel glacier lift and provides facilities for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is one of Zermatt’s most impressive mountain attractions. Cable cars take visitors to an altitude of approximately 3,883 metres, making it Europe’s highest excursion destination accessible by cable car.

From the viewing platforms, visitors can see the Matterhorn and numerous peaks across Switzerland, Italy and France. The attraction also includes a Glacier Palace with tunnels, ice sculptures and installations beneath the surface of the glacier.

The high altitude means that temperatures can be much lower than in the village. Warm clothing, sunglasses and sun protection are recommended, even during summer. Visitors should also allow time to adjust to the reduced oxygen level.

Cable-car operation depends on wind, weather and maintenance. Check the current timetable and lift status before travelling.

Take the Gornergrat Railway

The Gornergrat Railway is one of the most memorable ways to experience the mountains around Zermatt. The cogwheel train travels from the village to an altitude of approximately 3,100 metres.

At the upper station, visitors can enjoy views of the Matterhorn, the Gorner Glacier and 28 surrounding peaks rising above 4,000 metres.

The journey can be enjoyed throughout the year. During winter, the railway provides access to ski slopes and mountain restaurants. In summer, visitors can combine the train ride with panoramic walks and hiking routes.

A short circular trail near the summit provides several excellent viewpoints without requiring a demanding hike.

Explore Zermatt village

The village centre contains hotels, restaurants, cafés, sports shops and traditional wooden buildings. Bahnhofstrasse is the main pedestrian street and connects the railway station with the older part of Zermatt.

Visitors can explore the historic district with its weathered wooden barns and houses or visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis. The museum explains the development of Zermatt and presents the history surrounding the first ascent of the Matterhorn.

The village has a lively atmosphere during the ski season, but quieter streets and walking routes can be found only a short distance from the centre.

Winter activities beyond skiing

Zermatt also offers winter hiking, snowshoeing, tobogganing, wellness facilities and mountain excursions for non-skiers.

Visitors can travel to Gornergrat, Sunnegga or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise without skiing. Mountain restaurants and viewing platforms make the resort suitable for groups in which not everyone participates in winter sports.

Families can use designated beginner areas and activities included in the regional family programme. The Wolli Card provides selected transport benefits, activities and discounts for eligible children.

Zermatt in summer

During summer, Zermatt becomes a major destination for hiking, mountaineering, cycling and panoramic mountain excursions.

Walking routes range from easy paths with Matterhorn views to challenging high-Alpine tours. Visitors can use mountain railways to reach Gornergrat, Sunnegga, Rothorn and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise before beginning their hike.

Summer skiing and snowboarding are also possible on the Theodul Glacier. The official summer ski area offers up to 21 kilometres of pistes, although availability depends on snow, weather and glacier conditions.

High-mountain routes require suitable equipment and experience. Travellers planning glacier walks, climbing or difficult mountaineering tours should consider using a qualified local guide.

Where to stay in Zermatt

Central Zermatt

Choose central Zermatt for convenient access to the railway station, restaurants, shops and nightlife.

This is the most practical area for first-time visitors and travellers staying without a car. It also provides relatively easy access to the Gornergrat railway and the Sunnegga funicular.

Accommodation includes traditional hotels, modern apartments, hostels and luxury spa properties. Central locations are convenient but can be busy and expensive during peak ski weeks.

Near the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lift

The southern part of the village is convenient for visitors who want quick access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable-car system.

This area is particularly suitable for skiers planning to spend most of their time around Schwarzsee, Trockener Steg and the glacier slopes.

Properties around Winkelmatten provide a quieter residential atmosphere, Matterhorn views and access to local bus services connecting the main transport stations.

Sunnegga and the eastern side of Zermatt

Accommodation near the Sunnegga funicular is convenient for families, beginners and skiers interested in the Sunnegga–Rothorn area.

The underground funicular provides rapid access from the village to the mountain. This part of Zermatt also offers apartments and hotels within walking distance of restaurants and the town centre.

Findeln

Findeln is a small Alpine settlement above Zermatt, known for mountain restaurants and impressive views of the Matterhorn.

Accommodation here offers a peaceful high-altitude experience and convenient access to hiking or skiing. However, guests should carefully check luggage transport, lift operating hours and evening access before booking.

Täsch

Täsch is located outside the car-free zone and is the main arrival point for visitors travelling by car.

Hotels and apartments in Täsch can be less expensive than accommodation in Zermatt. Regular shuttle trains connect the two communities, making it a practical option for budget-conscious travellers.

However, staying in Täsch requires a train journey whenever you want to visit the slopes, restaurants or attractions in Zermatt.

Randa

Randa is another quieter village in the Matter Valley. It offers traditional guesthouses and apartments with railway connections to Zermatt.

This location is suitable for travellers looking for more space, peaceful surroundings and potentially lower accommodation prices. It is less convenient for nightlife or travellers who want immediate access to the cable cars.

Hotel, apartment or chalet?

A central hotel is the easiest choice for a short stay, especially for travellers arriving by train. Breakfast, luggage storage, ski rooms and wellness facilities can make the holiday more convenient.

A self-catering apartment is practical for families and groups. Apartments generally provide more space, kitchen facilities and flexibility during longer stays.

A chalet is suitable for larger groups looking for privacy and a traditional Alpine atmosphere. Check whether luggage transport and daily access require electric taxis, lifts or walking on steep paths.

When comparing accommodation, consider:

• distance from the nearest lift;
• access to electric buses;
• ski storage and boot dryers;
• breakfast or kitchen facilities;
• wellness and swimming-pool access;
• luggage transport;
• cancellation conditions;
• recent guest reviews.

Live webcam and weather

Mountain weather can change rapidly, and conditions in the village may differ considerably from those above 3,000 metres.

Before skiing, hiking or travelling to the viewpoints, check the current weather, visibility, snow report and operating status of lifts and pistes. The official Zermatt live-information service provides current webcams and updates for the mountain railways.

[Watch the Zermatt live webcam and check the weather]

Is Zermatt the best ski resort in Europe?

Zermatt is certainly one of Europe’s most distinctive ski destinations. Its strongest advantages are the Matterhorn scenery, very high-altitude slopes, cross-border skiing into Italy and the combination of a car-free Alpine village with modern mountain transport.

However, whether it is the best resort depends on individual priorities. Zermatt is particularly suitable for travellers who value scenery, extensive skiing, mountain restaurants and premium accommodation. Visitors prioritising low prices, compact beginner areas or inexpensive nightlife may prefer another destination.

Plan your stay in Zermatt

Zermatt can be visited throughout the year, but accommodation prices and availability vary significantly between seasons. Christmas, New Year, February school holidays and popular summer weeks are usually among the busiest periods.

Book early when looking for a central hotel, a Matterhorn-view room or a large family apartment. Before travelling, check the current lift timetable, ski-area status and weather conditions.

[Check hotels and apartments in Zermatt]