A Winter Escape to Zermatt: Skiing, Activities & Fine Dining

Outdoor activities & adventures:

• Skiing & snowboarding – With over 360 km of slopes, Zermatt’s Matterhorn Ski Paradise offers world-class skiing, breathtaking mountain views and even year-round skiing on the glacier. Suitable for all levels.

• Gornergrat Railway – This historic train takes you up to 3,089 meters, where you’ll find an unbeatable panoramic view of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Ride Europe’s highest cable car to a stunning observation deck, explore the ice palace and experience the year-round snow and glacier world.

• Hiking & mountain trails – From easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine treks, Zermatt’s trails offer diverse routes with unforgettable scenery, including the famous Five Lakes Walk.

• Husky sledding – Experience an unforgettable ride with a team of energetic huskies at Trockener Steg, nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. This guided adventure lets you glide through the snow while enjoying stunning Matterhorn views.

• Paragliding – Take off from the mountains and glide over Zermatt, experiencing a unique bird’s-eye view of the village and Matterhorn.

• Mountain biking – From June-October ride down well-maintained trails with a mix of downhill challenges and scenic routes, perfect for all levels of riders.

• Climbing & mountaineering – Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Zermatt offers incredible rock-climbing spots, plus guided climbs to legendary peaks like the Matterhorn.

Sightseeing & culture:

• Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis – Discover the fascinating history of Zermatt, including exhibits on the first Matterhorn climb, old mountain life and how the village has changed over the years.

• View from Le Petit Village (Mürini Hill) – One of the best panoramic spots in Zermatt, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, especially at sunrise and sunset. This quiet, elevated location provides a picture-perfect perspective of the village and surrounding peaks.

• Walk through the car-free village – Wander Zermatt’s charming streets, lined with boutique shops, cozy cafés and traditional Swiss chalets, all with stunning mountain backdrops.

• Kirchbrücke Viewpoint – This bridge is one of the best spots in town to get a classic, picture-perfect view of the Matterhorn at any time of day.

• Sunnegga Paradise – A short funicular ride brings you to this sunny plateau, where you can hike, swim in Leisee Lake or relax with fantastic mountain views.

• Hinterdorf (Old Village) – Step back in time as you explore Zermatt’s historic neighborhood, filled with 16th-century wooden houses that showcase traditional Swiss mountain architecture.

Relaxation & culinary experiences:

• Luxury spas & wellness – After a day of adventure, unwind in one of Zermatt’s top spas with saunas, and thermal baths.

• Après-ski & nightlife – From lively ski-in bars to cozy lounges, Zermatt has an exciting après-ski scene where you can relax with drinks and live music after a day on the slopes.

Unique experiences:

• Helicopter tour – Take off with Air Zermatt for a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride over the Alps, with up-close views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers.

• Igloo Village Zermatt – Spend a night in a real snow igloo or simply visit for a unique dining and bar experience in an icy winter wonderland.

• Tobogganing in Rotenboden – Ride one of Switzerland’s best toboggan runs, a thrilling 10-minute descent with incredible scenery along the way.

Day trips

Zermatt, Switzerland, is a year-round destination, offering skiing from late November through early May and hiking from June to September. The village is car-free and accessible via a 12-minute shuttle train from Täsch, with departures every 20 minutes. Within Zermatt, visitors can easily navigate on foot or local taxis. The nearest major airports are Zurich and Geneva; Geneva is often preferred for its proximity to Lake Geneva, allowing for additional exploration in Montreux or Vevey.
For a more scenic journey, travelers can take the Glacier Express, a renowned panoramic train that connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps along the way.

Snacks/coffee:

• Petit Royal – A cozy café and bakery in the heart of Zermatt, known for its delicious pastries, artisanal coffee and warm alpine atmosphere.

• Läderach Chocolatiers – A Swiss chocolate shop offering high-quality, handcrafted chocolates, pralines and their famous chocolate slabs.

Lunch:

• Brown Cow – A casual pub-style spot serving burgers, sandwiches and hearty comfort food in a laid-back setting.

• Chez Vrony – A scenic mountain restaurant with a rustic yet upscale feel, serving traditional Swiss dishes with stunning Matterhorn views.

• Findlerhof – A charming, family-run alpine hut offering gourmet Swiss cuisine and an excellent wine selection in a cozy, authentic setting.

Dinner:

• Bazaar by Cervo – A trendy, international-style restaurant with a vibrant, bohemian atmosphere and a menu inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.

• Grampies – A casual, old-school pub with a lively vibe, known for its pizzas, burgers and friendly service.

• CasaMia Ristorante Pizzeria – A welcoming Italian eatery serving wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta and classic Mediterranean dishes.

Drinks:

• Iglu Dorf – A unique igloo bar located high in the mountains, offering warm drinks and cocktails in an unforgettable snow-and-ice setting.

• Harry’s Ski Bar – A small but lively après-ski bar near the Sunnegga lift, perfect for a quick drink after skiing.

• Elsie's Bar – A cozy, elegant bar with a great selection of wine, champagne and classic cocktails.