Zermatt is a Swiss municipality in the canton of Valais, located in the district of Visp. At the foot of the Matterhorn, its development is closely linked to this summit, which is undoubtedly one of the most famous mountains in the world. It is one of the most famous ski resorts in Switzerland and Europe, especially because of the altitude and the extent of its ski area, the highest in Europe and one of the largest in Europe. Open all year round, the Zermatt-Matterhorn holiday destination is a unique world of discovery. The highest ski lift station in Europe, the most beautiful ski slopes and the most charming hiking trails. Panoramic mountains inviting excursions and comfortable mountain bistros. High level gastronomy and window shopping. All gathered in a single village, closed to traffic.
The village has kept its typical appearance of a Valais mountain village, thanks to very strict town planning and construction rules. In particular, cars are prohibited in order to avoid air pollution which could disturb the view from the town towards the Matterhorn. This decision was confirmed by the vote by the inhabitants. Cars can be parked in the village of Täsch, which has numerous paid parking lots, where visitors leave their cars for the duration of their stay and then continue - if necessary with suitcases and ski equipment - by the paid train to center of Zermatt. This journey takes 12 minutes, with trains leaving every 20 minutes.
Zermatt is the superlative mountain village. It can boast a rich offer, always renewed. The Matterhorn, the 38 four-thousand-meter peaks, sumptuous hotels, top-level gastronomy, endless skiing 365 days a year and the Mecca for mountaineers. Zermatt is quite simply an unforgettable place, the nature that unfolds in the heart of the highest mountains of the Alps ... Fascinating and magnificent. Unparalleled richness: chamois, ibex, eagles, edelweiss and gentians. More than 150 mountain lakes, alpine panorama with the Matterhorn in sight, wild nature, superlatives from every point of view. To discover up close in Zermatt.
In winter, the snow-covered ski area offers 360 km of slopes in three very different regions: Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn and Matterhorn glacier paradise. Snowboarders and freestylers find their happiness at Snowpark Zermatt, where the candidates for the Olympic Games also train. From the Matterhorn glacier paradise / Col de Théodule, it is possible to reach the Italian ski area of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche. And, if you like a change, you can try your hand at paragliding or heliskiing off the prepared slopes, supervised by an experienced mountain guide.
Zermatt offers everything that makes skiing the perfect winter experience. Anyone who wants to learn to ski in Zermatt or to deepen their knowledge will find a total of nine ski schools there with experienced instructors who are gifted in foreign languages. Ski equipment can be rented from one of the sports shops.
Hiking, mountain biking, climbing and high mountain treks are popular activities in summer and fall. The 4000m altitude attracts many climbers every year. But 400 km of hiking trails also allow you to explore the beauty of the Alpine world around Zermatt more leisurely.
The cogwheel railway takes you from Zermatt to the Gornergrat, which culminates at 3089 meters. From there you will discover a magnificent panorama of the Matterhorn, the glaciers and the Monte Rosa massif.
The highest cable car in Europe takes you to an altitude of 3883 m and allows you to discover a fascinating panorama of the Matterhorn (4478m) and the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. 15 meters below the glacier's surface you can admire the Ice Palace. Six ski lifts and a cable car serve the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest summer ski area in the Alps on the Theodule Glacier.
The family resort Zermatt - Matterhorn provides support for children all year round. Everywhere you meet the little sheep "Wolli", children are king. The mascot accompanies families on the climatic path in winter, children up to 9 years old circulate for free throughout the ski area. There is also the ice rink, the cheese factory or the climbing room. Mountain lakes invite swimming - and there is no shortage of fun in nature and at Forest Fun Park.
The land of excursions offers families with children, the young at heart and spirit, foodies and adventurous explorers an extraordinarily varied and captivating program of activities and experiences.
For more information on activities in the region, visit https://www.zermatt.ch/en