Why Zermatt, Switzerland, Should Be on Your Ski Bucket List

The town of Zermatt is located at an elevation of 5,315 feet at the foot of the Matterhorn in southwestern Switzerland's Valais canton. Zermatt is known as the home of the Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the world, and is frequently ranked as one of the best destinations for skiers worldwide.

Why Ski Zermatt?

You Can Ski Year-Round at Zermatt Ski Resort

Zermatt’s ski area is called Matterhorn Ski Paradise . Zermatt is the only European ski resort that is open year-round for skiing. It sits at 12,740 feet and sprawls 223 miles between Zermatt and Le Breuil (formerly Breuil-Cervinia, the Italian side). It’s the largest and highest glacier ski area and offers Europe's highest lift-served piste skiing. From the top of the Kelin Matterhorn Glacier, which is serviced by the highest cable car station in Europe, you can ski Europe’s longest ski run down 13 miles to Valtournenche, or you can ski from Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt on the Swiss side of the mountain to get a nearly 7,500-foot vertical drop, the biggest vertical drop in the Alps. A one-day adult lift ticket is $107, but check with your hotel before buying them at the ticket window at the resort, and you may get a discount. The Ikon Pass is valid at Zermatt Ski Resort.

Views of the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn (14,692 feet) is one of the world’s most famous mountains and dominates views from the resort and village. Its solitary pyramid-shaped peak rises 14,692 feet above the alpine meadows of Zermatt. Skiing and snowboarding with the Matterhorn as a backdrop feels surreal. It’s unfathomably scenic and easy to see why it’s the most photographed mountain in the world.

You Can Cross the Border on Skis

Why not have lunch in Italy? Zermatt is on the border between Switzerland and Italy, so you can ski from Zermatt to Cervinia, Italy, for lunch. Skiers and snowboarders can cross the border freely, so there’s no need to bring your passport, though that would be a neat stamp to claim, and it’s not a bad idea to carry it with you in case the weather turns, and you get stuck overnight in Italy. There’s no additional charge for skiing over to Cervinia, as the resorts are interconnected and use the same pass. The closest and most reasonably priced restaurant over the border is the Rifugia Guide de Cervino at Plateau Rosa. The restaurant serves authentic Northern Italian fare, like Spaghetti all carbonara or with tomato and basil, braised beef, lasagna, polenta dishes, and salads. They also have a full wine list and many desserts.

There’s a Champagne Bar on the Mountain

Don’t miss the Champagner Bar Teehäuschen Flora on the descent from Sunnegga to Zermatt. When else will you get a chance to drink ski-through champagne? The Champagne Bar serves guests cold champagne in flutes and awe-inspiring views on its cozy deck daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during ski season.

Zermatt Is an Eco-Friendly Destination

Zermatt is a car-free, eco-friendly destination with rare air. Combustion engine vehicles are not allowed in Zermatt, though some electric vehicles, including e-taxis, are allowed. E-taxis are equipped to carry skis and don’t go faster than 12 miles per hour. Because there are no cars, Zermatt is very pedestrian-friendly, with lively streets full of tourists and locals buzzing between shops, hotels, and restaurants. In addition to better air quality, the absence of cars also means Zermatt enjoys less noise pollution.

Zermatt Is Home to Europe’s Highest Open-Air Cog Railway

The Gornergrat is the world’s first open-air electric cog railway. Since 1898, the Gornergrat has been delivering passengers to the summit of the Gornergra (10,135 feet) from the Zermatt base station (5,315 feet). It takes just over 30 minutes to travel the 4,820 feet to the top, where riders are carried to an observation platform. You can see the Monte Rosa Massif, Gorner Glacier, and the Matterhorn from the platform. You’ll also find Europe's highest-altitude hotel at the summit station, the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat .

Where to Eat

Grampis Restaurant and Bar is a highly-rated restaurant that serves classic Italian cuisine, such as wood-oven pizza and pasta al dente. There are several vegetarian options available and plenty of dishes good for sharing. The service and atmosphere are very welcoming.

Great for special occasions, After Seven is a Michelin star restaurant only open during winter. This culinary experience combines down-to-earth dishes and exotic accents in four to seven surprise courses. Make reservations ahead of time or visit the Vernissage bar for some wine or cocktails.

Say Cheese is located inside the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof and serves traditional alpine gourmet food, such as Valais dry-cured meat, locally made raclette, and fondue. They have four types of raclette and seven types of fondue. Don’t miss the Toblerone chocolate fondue served with fresh fruit.

Where to Stay

The 22 Summits Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel and spa within walking distance of Zermatt Ski Resort and the Zermatt train station. The 22 stylishly furnished boutique rooms and suites have a seating area, flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, and coffeemaker. Many rooms have views of the Matterhorn, and some have balconies. The hotel offers free shuttle service, WiFi, and unlimited access to the property’s sauna, hot tub, and lounge. A generous breakfast buffet is available daily. Rooms are booked at $524 per night during ski season.

Related: Why You Should Plan a Ski Trip to Austria