Zermatt is, simply put, glorious. Crowned by the glistening Matterhorn the resort is a chocolate box selection of traditional Swiss chalets and uber modern masterpieces.
Transformed from a simple farming hamlet in the late 1800’s this entirely car free resort has a hint of old world glamour and bags of style. The train from Tash, where cars must be stowed, brings you right into the heart of the main high street, bustling with boutique ski shops, local bakeries, charming restaurants and lively wine bars.
Although the town is car free you can whizz around in little electric, milk float like, taxis that can take you to ski the Klein Matterhorn glacier or explore the old town with its traditional Valais raised larch wood barns, stables and stores.
Linked with the neighboring resort of Cervinia in Italy skiing in the ‘Matterhorn Ski Paradise’ is possible 365 days a year thanks to the Klein Matterhorn glacier towering an impressive 3,883 meters above sea level. 360 km of piste connect across four ski areas, offering unlimited possibilities for all levels of skier. From Sunnega/Rothorn on the far left of the valley through to Gornergrat, the Matterhorn glacier paradise and finally back down through Schwarzee that brings you back down to the far end of the Zermatt valley.
Zermatt is a haven for non skiers, with so much to see and do off the piste from ice skating, curling and a cinema, to an infinite number of hotel spas, bars and shops.
It’s also renowned for its selection of awe-inspiring restaurants with over 218 restaurants to choose from on and off the piste, ranging from those showcasing traditional products from the Valais region to out of this world pan Asian experiences. Many of the restaurants are run by top chefs and have received high gourmet acclaim, with 17 restaurants awarded 255 GaultMillau Points and 16 restaurants listed in the Michelin guide. We recommend a visit to ‘The After Seven’ in the Backstage Hotel, awarded two Michelin Stars in 2018.
With so much going on it’s hard to pick what to do first.