Zermatt

There are two main stations in Zermatt town. When you first arrive, you will disembark at the main station or Zermatt Bahnhof. Then right across the street is the Gornergratbahn, the world’s 10th highest railway. The cog rack train climbs to an elevation of 3090m. This train is open to walkers and skiers alike.

Zermatt is most known for its proximity to the Matterhorn. You can see it from just about everywhere in the village. Although it may not be the highest peak around, it is undoubtedly the most dramatic. From the town, the summit is almost pyramidal and has inspired many artists, climbers, filmmakers, even chocolatiers. Zermatt is also famous for its ski resort and high glaciers, allowing visitors to ski and snowboard 365 days a year.

What do you think of first when someone says Switzerland? Most likely broad open meadows, cowbells and chocolate all come to mind. Zermatt is no exception. Summer sports enthusiasts come to hike, mountain bike, climb and fly during the summer months. The highest peaks retain their snow, and the long glaciers reveal deep crevasses. Lifts and railways continue to run throughout the summer to give access to spectacular views. Zermatt is almost as popular in the summer as in the winter, with lots of people coming for hiking, as well as just enjoying the views. Almost forgot to mention, you can also ski in Zermatt in the summer. Just ask us and we are happy to arrange an instructor for you.

Zermatt isn’t really like anywhere else. Car-free streets, alpine chalets and Matterhorn views, it’s a pretty unique town. When you arrive at the train station, you are immediately in amongst it all. Electric taxis are waiting to whisk you away to your accommodation or there are also two electric bus routes. The town is nestled in a valley with high walls to your right as you look up to the Matterhorn and the length of the ski resort to your left.

That is a big question in Zermatt, though perhaps the answer is “whatever you like”. Take a walk along the main high-street at 5 pm, and you will see everything from ski gear to fur coats. For many, Zermatt is a place to make a statement and one wouldn’t be out of place showing off a Gucci handbag or Hublot watch. Then again it’s perfectly acceptable to wander around in jeans and a baggy ski jacket. Our advice is to stay comfortable and wrap up warm as it can get very cold especially in December and January.

Zermatt is regularly voted as one of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts. It’s not only the Matterhorn that catches people’s eye though, but there are also many 4000m peaks in the area, many of which are higher than the Toblerone Mountain. When skiing up on the glacier one is greeted with views into Italy to the south, jagged Swiss peaks to the north and beautiful blue ice showing through. You have a great variety of runs from beginner slopes to expert, and a huge ski area that means you can keep exploring even if you return time after time.