Zermatt in Switzerland Resort Guide

Zermatt offers some of the best skiing in the world and one of the world's biggest lift inter-linked ski areas with more than 70 lifts, including an underground funicular railway, together offering an uplift capacity in excess of 50,000 skiers per hour. The ski area is in three sections, one of which is shared with Cervinia and Valtournenche over the border in Italy, but unfortunately an additional lift ticket must be purchased to access these areas. Although the resort has a deserved reputation, like Chamonix , as a serious mountain sports mecca, the choice is so vast that there is plenty on offer for skiers and snowboarders from beginner level up. The gentlest slopes are found on the Gornegrat's slopes, whilst intermediates and experts will find something to entertain them on Sunegga, especially the long Triftji black run for the latter. Key routes back down to Zermatt have snow making and the high altitude means snow down to resort level is the norm. A haven for Winter Sports Connoiseurs, almost 50 different special ski programs are on offer on fixed dates (contact the Tourist Board for more information). These include skiing with language courses, skiing with classical music and gastronomic specialities, skiing with indoor golf or even with dance classes. For full-time skiers there are special courses in powder as well as hard packed snow and the option of taking the 'Haute Route' ski mountaineering and back country ski routes with guides to other classic resorts such as Chamonix and Saas Fee. Heliskiing is also very popular around the resort with a huge range of options for serious skiers with guides.

Accomodation & Après Ski

The apres and nightlife scene is fun and lively. This starts in bars at the bottom of the slopes and continues into town. Live music spots tend to be more expensive

Bahnhofstrasse, the lively main street, is lined with a fantastic variety of stylish shops, restaurants and bars. Harry's Bar is worth a visit as is Hexen bar.
Warm up by the fire at Chami Bar in the Pollux whilst enjoying a glass of wine or perhaps a cocktail

Try the Boroken Bar disco later in the evening.

Other activities include
Winter Hiking
Sledding
Ice-sports
Tobogganing
Ski Tours
Free-riding
Heli-skiing
Electronic Clay Pigeon Shooting
Curling and Ice-stick
Cross-country skiing
Mountain excursions
Winter hiking
Paragliding

Web Cams

Resort Statistics

RESORT HEIGHT	1620	VERTICAL DESCENT	2280	OPENS	Nov - May, June - Oct
TOP STATION	3900	DRAG LIFTS	34	EXPERT RATING	10
BOTTOM STATION	1620	CHAIR LIFTS	14	INTERMEDIATE RATING	10
		GONDOLAS/CABLE CARS	23	BEGINNER RATING	6