In the glamorous Swiss ski resort of Zermatt, it's all about the mountains. Whether people climb them, ski down them, or simply gaze at them. The majestic Matterhorn, Europe's most recognizable peak is the centerpiece of life in this car-free village.
Where to Stay
- Our first pick is THE OMNIA, a contemporary interpretation of the traditional mountain lodge. Here in the Swiss Alps, the mountain lodge, a quintessentially American concept, has been reinvented for its European environment by the New York-based architect Ali Tayar. THE OMNIA, with its one-of-a-kind location, interior design, fine cuisine, comprehensive wellness program, and the people who stand behind it, strives to create an environment for complete moments of peace, in harmony with nature.
- Firefly, a suite-only hotel with 16 spacious and well-designed suites, some offering Matterhorn views.
Ski Paradise
Zermatt is a ski paradise and the highest ski resort in Europe (3,804m!). It has the best lift infrastructure in the Alps. For us and many others, there is no better place to ski on Earth!
New lifts for this winter: The start of July saw the inauguration of the 3S gondola lift linking Testa Grigia on the Italian border with Switzerland and the Matterhorn Glacier paradise on Klein Matterhorn to complete what is known as the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, creating a link between Cervinia and Zermatt without the need to ski. Also part of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing system, the new cable car from Zermatt village to Furri will open end of 2023. As construction of the lower and upper stations nears completion, the cables are currently being pulled up over the new system of supporting pylons, the lowest of which resembles something out of Star Wars.
Where to Lunch on the Slopes
Chez Vrony, an institution, with a vibrant history, this restaurant at 2100 meters altitude has embodied a family tradition for over 100 years.
Findlerhof is a great spot for lunch and offers stunning Matterhorn views. Get their Apfelstrudel, fresh out of the oven
Aprés-Ski
Teehäuschen Flora: On the descent from Sunnegga to Zermatt, is the legendary Champagne Bar or Teehäuschen Flora. This is the best place to end your skiing day. With a beautiful view of the Matterhorn, and over Zermatt, ice-cold champagne is served.
Cervo is a great spot too, just at the bottom of the piste, they have live music.
Where to Dine
- Spycher, their menu is centered around Flambé dishes from meats to desserts. Take the Crepes Suzette for dessert.
An Afternoon in Town
The center of town is filled with luxury shops, nested next to traditional wooden bars, which gives it an authentic feel. Check out, Lorenz Bach.
Horse-drawn sleighs and carriages bustle down the high street past the boutiques, ice bars, hot chestnut, and Glüwein stands.
The Matterhorn
Did you know that the Matterhorn is the most photographed mountain peak in the world? Rising to 4478 meters, striking and unmistakable, it perfectly formed like an Egyptian pyramid. The Matterhorn is the most distinctive mountain in the world and the best-known symbol of Switzerland. The views from the Gornergrat or the Klein Matterhorn are beyond impressive. You get to see the Matterhorn as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers from the perfect angle.
Don’t Miss
- Zermatt is the heli-skiing capital of Europe. Or just try a sightseeing flight with Air Zermatt. Call +41 27 570 70 00
Car-Free Village
Zermatt is car-free. If you do not want to walk, take the sustainable cute eTaxi or eBus.
How to Get There
- Fly to Zurich, the best way to reach Zermatt is by train.
- Zermatt is only accessible by train. You park your car in Täsch, and from there, it’s a 12 minutes train ride to Zermatt. Various car parks available in Täsch
- Shuttle train between Täsch and Zermatt every 20 minutes, train journey ends 12 minutes later in the heart of Zermatt.
84 Rooms recommends: An Insider’s Guide To Gstaad, and A Guide To The Swiss Village Of Rougemont.