Zermatt is a mirror image of Italy. As if the Alpine Arc had been turned inside out! Indeed, from its privileged location in the Visp district (Canton of Valais, Switzerland), from Zermatt you can enjoy a nearly complete panorama, including the Matterhorn and Mount Rosa. You’ll feel almost at home when you choose this village of 5,000 inhabitants as your ski holiday destination. Of course you will! Zermatt is also a major ski resort.
Zermatt: from village to Super-Tourist destination
Until 1850, Zermatt was one of the many quiet villages in the Swiss Alps. It thrived on silence, pastures, and peaceful, authentic days. Everything changed when some mountaineers chose it as a “rest base” from their climbs. The locals sensed that a new economy could revolve around that little gem. Thus, first the mountain huts were built, and shortly thereafter the ski lifts that helped climb the mountains. Finally, at the beginning of the 20th century, the great winter sports industry took over the area. Zermatt hasn’t grown much; its residential center has remained almost unchanged over the centuries… but it has certainly seen an increase in the number of people on its streets, especially in the winter season. Today, for ski enthusiasts, this is one of the European destinations worth experiencing… at least once!
How to get to Zermatt
Mountain trains, typical of Switzerland, are the mostly used means to get to Zermatt: the town is served by the Brig-Visp-Zermatt station, where trains on the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn (MGB) line arrive, as well as the evocative “Glacier Express.” Cars are not allowed in Zermatt, so the “closest” parking lot is 6 km away, in the municipality of Täsch, from where the train shuttles depart. The closest international airport is in Italy, Milan Malpensa (MXP), located 86 km away. However, some choose Geneva Airport (GVA), located 128 km from the town.
Where and how to ski in Zermatt
Skiing in Zermatt means enjoying a ski resort that reaches 4,000 meters above sea level, making it the highest in the entire Alpine region. Against a backdrop of breathtaking views, Swiss efficiency blends with warm Italian hospitality.
The slopes cover 323 km with a total of 53 lifts. Approximately 32 km are “blue” slopes, meaning they are easy, open to everyone, and ideal even for children just starting out; the most difficult slopes, the “red” ones, cover 117 km, while the “black” ones reserved for champions and professionals cover 51 km. The longest ski track (Matterhorn Glacier-Zermatt) is 25 km long and is a steep and spectacular endless descent! Others include Rothorn/Sunnegga (which offers unique panoramic descents), Gornergrat, and the Ventina “champions’ slope”.
Together with the Italian resorts of Valtournenche and Cervinia, Zermatt has created the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, a gigantic network of ski resorts spanning both sides of the Alps.
What to see nearby
If based in Zermatt, in addition to skiing, you can also enjoy several interesting excursions. You can reach many resorts on Mount Rosa and the Matterhorn, as well as the Italian cities of Aosta and Domodossola. Traveling a little further afield, you can visit Lugano and Lake Como, or, on the other side, explore the historic heart of Lausanne on Lake Geneva. A two-hour drive takes you to the towns of Fribourg and Bern.
In short: come to Zermatt because…
You’ll be able to say you have skied on the highest slopes in the Alps.
You’ll be able to admire stunning views while you do it.
You’ll be in the heart of Europe, with at least three nations within easy reach.
You’ll have a wide choice of slopes to suit your needs and abilities.
