Zermatt – Ski in a class of its own on the top of the Swiss Alps Zermatt (1605 m)

At the foot of the legendary Matterhorn in the midst of the majestic peaks of the Valais Alps, the international ski resort of Zermatt offers top-class holidays. The ski resort of Zermatt, consisting of the three sub-areas Rothorn, Gornergrat and Matterhorn glacier, is one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland. It spreas over 200 km, from the Mattertal to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at an altitude of 3883 m. The prestigious ski resort Zermatt is a destination for thousands of ski fans throughout the year. Skiers, advanced skiers and Olympic champions romp around both winter and summer on the pistes of this ski area where the snow never melts. The distribution of the pistes, between 1620 m and 3884 m above a height difference of 2263 m, makes Zermatt one of the highest ski resorts in the Alps. With its 21 kilometers of piste on the eternal ice of Theodulgletscher, Zermatt has the highest summer ski area in Europe. Two connections via the Monte Rosa Plateau and the Theodul Pass connect Zermatt to the Italian ski resorts of Cervinia-Valtournenche, resulting in a total ski area of 360 km of pistes. Zermatt usually has excellent snow conditions, but for safety, there are still a variety of snowmaking systems in the ski resort.

The mountain and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

The Matterhorn is the biggest attraction of Zermatt. This 4487 m high mountain with its pyramid-shaped summit attracts climbers, winter sports fans and tourists from all over the world. The mountain range of 37 four-thousand-meter peaks, which surround the Matterhorn, forms a wonderful panorama. A combination of gondola lift, ski lift and lift gives access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest panoramic terrace in the Alps (3883 m). From there you have a 360 ° panoramic view of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps, to Mont Blanc. From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise beginners and medium-good skiers can ride on the so-called "slow pistes", specially prepared pistes for slow-speed skiing. Advanced skiers will find thrills on a 7 km long piste with a 900 m difference in altitude down to the Trockener Steg mountain railway station, at an altitude of 2939 m. Two other attractions deserve a visit to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: the Ice Palace and the Snow Tubing area. Hewn into the ice 15 meters below the surface of the glacier, ice sculptures and ice crystals await the astonished visitors in the Ice Palace. A unique experience in a fairytale ambience. The ski resort provides a free snow tubing area. Snow tubing is fun for the whole family, but only for kids over 6 years old. On colorful, air-filled plastic tires you slide down the pistes.

Many activities in protected nature

Zermatt offers a wide range of winter sports on snow and ice: cross-country skiing, ski hiking, telemarking, snow tubing, freestyle, ice skating, touring skiing, heliskiing and carving. In the Wolli Park of Sunnegga at an altitude of 2288 m, children and beginners can learn to ski under professional guidance. This practice railing has a sunny terrace and a nature route of Zermatt wildlife. In the Snowpark Zermatt on the Theodul glacier children, adolescents and adults alike will find numerous activities for skis and snowboards: superpipe, halfpipe, kicker, rails and boxes. For climbers the ascent to the Matterhorn is still fascinating. But also ice climbing is possible in Zermatt: at the waterfalls of the Findelbach (beginners) and on the Schweigmatten (advanced). Toboggan fans can look forward to a 1 km long run with rugged pistes. In addition to the classic guided ski tour to Monte Rosa, there are still 400 kilometers of piste waiting for the fans of ski hikes through forests, over glaciers and past mountain lakes. Nordic Walking is also on the program in Zermatt, with 5 connected pistes totaling more than 30 km.

But Zermatt does not just have winter sports. The après-ski offer from Zermatt is also impressive. The numerous luxury article stores, galleries, antique dealers or gift shops that line the streets of the place invite you to window shopping. Or a movie night at the cinema vernissage, or a traditional dinner in one of the innumerable restaurants. The Alpine Museum displays objects, tools and reports about the history of the ski resort. After a long day on the pistes you can also take a walk through the picturesque streets and alleys of the place. In peace, because Zermatt is car-free. Zermatt does a lot for the care of its protected environment. To avoid air pollution, all motorized vehicles are prohibited. A car park with 2100 seats was set up in Täsch, 6 km from Zermatt. From there you can reach Zermatt only on foot, by bike, by train or in an electric car.