At 1620m, Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps on the Italian border.   The highest ski terrain reaches 3820m and with 245km of piste to explore and some of the best off-piste skiing to experience, it is without doubt a world class ski resort. 

The Matterhorn Ski Paradise stretches from the Rothorn Paradise (3103m) through Gornergrat (3089m) to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883m) and Schwarzsee Paradise (2583m).   It also connects from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Breuil-Cervinia/Valtourneche and Val d’Aoste.

High altitude skiing such as this guarantees breathtaking scenery at every turn.  Advanced and expert skiers revel within the superb off-piste powder and the challenge of the Klein Matterhorn; however a mountain guide is a must here as their knowledge of the glacier is invaluable.  Intermediates relish the expansive ski area with a wide variety of blue and red runs linking throughout.  Although there are fewer runs for beginners, Wolli Park is the best place to learn to ski, close to the Sunnegga paradise station.

Zermatt’s popularity stems back to the 1800s when the British and European mountaineering communities sought to conquer the impressive peak of the Matterhorn.  Avid climbers have flocked here ever since and over 3,000 attempt the summit each year.  Much of its heritage can be seen in the beautiful architecture within the town and many of the best hotels are over 100 years old.

It remains a Mecca to alpinists but Zermatt now has a wider following especially the discerning traveller seeking the best of everything; luxury accommodation, excellent skiing and some of the liveliest après ski around.  The resort boasts gastronomic dining both in town and up on the mountain with skiers struggling to drag themselves away in the afternoons.  Fashionable bars such as the Pink Elephant (piano jazz bar) or the lounge and cocktail bar at Alex are buzzing late into the night.

Zermatt is a ski resort like no other.  Since 1947, only electric cars are permitted within the resort; a move that has surely improved air quality in the region.  Visitors simply arrive via a short train drive or by electric taxi from nearby Täsch.