Travel Guide to a Zermatt Ski Vacation & 4-Day Itinerary
Zermatt is a charming ski village tucked in the swiss alps with world-class skiing and an amazing town center. Follow this Zermatt Switzerland guide to learn about getting there, what to do, what to eat and most importantly- how to hit the slopes for the perfect Zermatt ski vacation.
I have visited Zermatt twice and will likely be back someday. My first time was a father-daughter trip where we hit Christmas markets around Europe then spent a few days skiing the alps. As a life-long skier, I was hooked by the beautiful groomed runs and adorable ski village. I returned with my family a couple years later and it was as amazing and I remembered. Keep reading to learn how to plan your own Zermatt Switzerland ski vacation.
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Zermatt Skiing Guide – How to Ski in Zermatt
Now, the whole reason you are going on a Zermatt ski vacation is to ski the alps. The mountain is huge with many high-tech lifts, stunning lodges and beautifully groomed runs.
The resort is expansive with primarily groomed blue to black level runs. Expect to get many runs in each day with the quick slopes and efficient lifts.
A unique aspect of Zermatt compared to other high end European ski resorts is that the slopes straddle Switzerland and Italy. It’s very cool to be able to ski back and forth between two countries throughout the day.
Many hotels will allow you to purchase you lift pass directly from the concierge. If not, tickets are available at the base of the mountain where you will catch the gondola.
I recommend getting a multi-day international pass, so you aren’t limited to certain areas of the mountain and you won’t have to wastes time getting new passes daily.
Planning your Ski Day
The weather on the mountains in Zermatt can be temperamental and unpredictable. I recommend checking with your front desk or ski concierge each morning to decide where to go.
There are multiple base locations that will take you up to different areas of the mountain and it is best to have a local direct you to the best conditions each day.
Most of the runs are perfectly groomed blues. Intermediate skiers should feel confident navigating the entire mountain safely.
There are also some off-piste areas for people who prefer rougher terrain or powder. My biggest piece of advice is to explore the mountain at your leisure and have fun!
Pro tip: if you see the Matterhorn- take a picture with it! The majestic mountain peak only comes out from behind the clouds for a short amount of time.
Things to Do in Zermatt in the Winter (Besides Skiing)
I recommend staying in Zermatt three to four nights depending on how much skiing you plan to do. The day you arrive, explore the village and browse the local shops.
After the long travel day, it is unlikely you will have energy for much else.
The rest of the trip will likely be spent on the mountain. However, for non-skiers, or those who plan to take a rest day from the mountains, some non-skiing winter activities include:
Snowshoe
If you want to get up on the mountain but aren’t an avid skier, snowshoeing is a great option to enjoy the crisp mountain air and get some exercise.
Cable Car Observation Deck
For some of the best views in Zermatt, take the Mountain Paradise Cable Car from Zermatt town to Europe’s highest mountain station. The ride goes over the Theodul Glacier.
At the top, you can climb to the observation deck for amazing views of the alps.
Shop in the Village
The town of Zermatt is so charming with a ton of luxury shopping, ski shops, and souvenirs. Be sure to take some time to explore the village.
What to Eat in Zermatt
When in Switzerland, you must try fondue (at least once). My favorite fondue restaurant in Zermatt is Say Cheese which is located in the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.
It is below ground in a stone room and has great ambience, friendly service and tasty food.
Be sure to order fondue and raclette to get the full swiss experience. My favorite dipper is the bread but potatoes, crudité and meat can also be ordered.
To round-out the meal, take advantage of the delicious chocolate fondue paired with cookies and fruit.
Some other Zermatt restaurant recommendations:
Grampis – This casual loft restaurant features homestyle Italian cooking and tastes especially good after a long day on the slopes. I recommend ordering a pasta and a pizza and sharing among the group.
Le Gitan Grill – A higher-end option for delicious meat and fish. The tables in this restaurant are tucked into stone inlets, creating a cozy and private ambiance.
The best part of this restaurant is the piping hot potato gratin they serve tableside.
Where to Stay in Zermatt Switzerland
There is no denying that Switzerland is an expensive country. Zermatt, as a luxury ski village, is even more expensive than some other areas.
However, there are many fantastic luxury hotels and resorts that are well-worth the price tag.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof– This is where I have always stayed when I visit Zermatt. It is a grand building in the center of Zermatt. The rooms are cozy and have a luxury cabin design.
Another benefit to this hotel is the friendly and helpful ski concierge that will manage your gear and help you plan your ski days.
Riffelalp Resort 2222m– The location of this resort is fantastic with ski in/ ski out access while still being close to town. There are also clear Matterhorn views from the rooftop pool.
4 Day Zermatt Ski Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Zermatt
Morning: Arrive in Zermatt, Switzerland, and check into your chosen accommodation. Zermatt is a car-free town, so be prepared to take the train into Zermatt.
Lunch: Have a delicious traditional Swiss lunch at Restaurant Walliserstube, known for its hearty Alpine cuisine.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Zermatt. Explore the village, visit local shops, and soak in the picturesque views of the Matterhorn.
Dinner: For your first evening, indulge in fondue at Say Cheese.
Day 2: Skiing and Mountain Exploration
Morning: Head to the Zermatt Bergbahnen station and take the Gornergrat Railway. Take in the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Late Morning: Hit the slopes of Gornergrat and explore this high-altitude skiing region.
Lunch: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the Gornergrat Kulmhotel, where panoramic views complement a variety of cuisine.
Afternoon: Continue skiing and exploring the fantastic runs and terrain of the Gornergrat region.
Dinner: Return to Zermatt and treat yourself to a mix of Swiss and international flavors at Whymper-Stube.
Day 3: More Skiing and Igloos
Morning: Ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car, the highest cable car in Europe. Take in the incredible views as you ascend.
Late Morning: Spend the morning skiing on the glacier slopes at Klein Matterhorn.
Lunch: Experience something truly unique by having lunch at the Igloo Village, where you can dine in an igloo.
Afternoon: After lunch, explore the fascinating Ice Palace at Klein Matterhorn, filled with intricate ice sculptures.
Dinner: Return to Zermatt and savor a cozy and authentic Swiss chalet dining experience at Le Gitan Grill.
Day 4: Local Culture and Departure
Morning: Visit the Matterhorn Museum to delve into the history and culture of Zermatt and its iconic mountain.
Lunch: Enjoy a final meal at Restaurant du Pont, a classic Swiss eatery.
Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Hinterdorf area of Zermatt, known for its traditional wooden houses.
Late Afternoon: Before you depart, consider taking a relaxing dip in the thermal pools of the Zermatter Bad.
Evening: Gather your belongings and bid farewell to the enchanting Zermatt as you embark on your onward journey.
This four-day itinerary for Zermatt offers a perfect blend of skiing, local culture, and dining experiences, ensuring a well-rounded trip. Tailor this itinerary to your own preferences and weather for the best vacation.
What to Wear in Zermatt
The above collage shows an idea of what to wear in Zermatt in the winter. If you want a complete guide to packing for a ski trip and outfit ideas, check out my complete guide here.
Skiing Outfits – The temperature on the mountain can vary each day. To be prepared, I recommend packing a few options for base layers and a good quality ski suit.
Casual Outfits – During the day, you can’t go wrong with jeans, a sweater, and a cute jacket. However, be sure your jacket is both cute and warm.
Night Outfits – Compared to US ski towns, people tend to dress up a bit more in Zermatt. At night, elevate your warm look with a fun leather pant or long sweater dress and a heeled snow boot.
Getting to Zermatt
Fun Fact: Zermatt doesn’t allow any cars
This makes the streets perfect for pedestrians and maintains the fresh mountain air but makes getting to the town a little bit challenging.
Flying to Zermatt
First, fly into a nearby airport- either Geneva or Zurich. This was the second leg of our trip following an Iceland stopover and we chose to fly into Zurich.
We made this choice to be able to spend a day exploring the Christmas markets. If you are planning your trip in December, I would highly recommend doing the same.
Train to Zermatt
From one of these cities, catch a train to Zermatt. If coming from Zurich, you will take two different trains, with a transfer in Visp. The second train is one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
Coming from Geneva will be a similar experience with roughly the same travel time.
The train ride to Zermatt is around 4 hours but goes by quickly with the scenic views.
Around an hour away from Zermatt, you will begin to wind through some small mountain towns- catch pictures if you can! The train passes snowcapped mountains, small villages and beautiful valleys.
Getting Around Zermatt
Once you arrive in Zermatt, you can either walk to your hotel, if it is close, or catch an electric taxi. Since the town is small, you will be able to walk to most accommodations in 10 minutes.
If your hotel is a bit further, they will likely offer complimentary shuttle pickup.
If you stay at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, you can even arrange for a horse-drawn carriage.
FAQ – Planning a Ski Trip to Zermatt
I recommend planning 3-5 days for your Zermatt ski itinerary. This will allow around three days of skiing and two days for exploring the town of Zermatt.
The Zermatt ski resort is quite large. There are 322 km of slopes and 38 km of ski runs. In addition, there are 53 lifts.
There is a wide range of skiing difficult in Zermatt. There are plenty of green runs, and there are also double black runs. In general, I would consider the majority of the ski resort to be comparable to blue runs in the US, and most of them are groomed daily.
Summary of Planning a Zermatt Ski Trip
Overall, Zermatt is one of the best luxury ski resorts in Europe. The unique ability to ski between two countries is something you wont be able to find many places in the world.
Since there are no cars allowed in Zermatt, it is one of the best ski villages for walking around, shopping, and relaxing.
While many ski resorts in Europe can be a bit pretentious, Zermatt strikes the perfect balance between luxury and comfort.
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