Zermatt is a ski resort in Switzerland with 200 km of pistes and 52 lifts. Skiing reaches up to 3883 m above sea level and the village sits at 1620 m. Accommodation with lift pass included can be booked directly, you arrange your own travel there.
Zermatt sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the world's most iconic mountains, and is one of Europe's most exclusive ski resorts. The village, at 1,620 metres, is car-free, giving it a uniquely calm atmosphere where electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages ferry you between hotels and lifts. A ski holiday in Zermatt combines spectacular scenery with world-class skiing that few other destinations can match.
The ski area stretches from the village all the way up to 3,883 metres at Matterhorn glacier paradise, the highest lift station in the Alps. Here you can ski year-round on the glacier, and the combined Matterhorn ski paradise piste network covers 360 km across three linked areas: Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat and Matterhorn glacier paradise. For those keen to explore further, the lift system takes you across the border to Cervinia in Italy.
The village of Zermatt has a charm that blends traditional Valais architecture with luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and exclusive shops. Bahnhofstrasse is the resort's main artery, home to everything from Swiss watch shops to cosy fondue restaurants. The après-ski scene is lively, with classic spots such as Papperla Pub and Hennu Stall keeping things going late into the evening.
Prices in Zermatt are among the highest in the Alps, but the unique experience of skiing with the Matterhorn's silhouette as your constant companion is hard to put a price on. Snow reliability is excellent thanks to the resort's extremely high altitude, and the season runs from November to May, with glacier skiing available in summer too.
Ready to book a ski holiday in Zermatt? Find accommodation with lift pass included in the price. You arrange your own travel there.
Book a ski holiday in ZermattPistes and lifts in Zermatt
Zermatt's 360 km of pistes in the Matterhorn ski paradise are spread across three main areas. Sunnegga-Rothorn offers sunny slopes with fantastic views towards the Matterhorn and suits both families and more advanced skiers. The Gornergrat area has longer runs, ranging from wide cruising pistes to more challenging sections. Matterhorn glacier paradise reaches all the way up to 3,883 metres, guaranteeing snow and the chance to ski across to Cervinia in Italy. The black runs from Stockhorn and Schwarzsee are among the most demanding in the Alps.
Piste map for Zermatt
The map downloads as an image file. On your iPhone it lands in the Files app. Tap the icon at the bottom of the address bar to open the map straight away.On your iPad it lands in the Files app. Tap the icon at the top right of the address bar to open the map straight away.On your phone it lands in the Downloads folder. Tap the download notification that appears to open the map straight away.The file lands in the Downloads folder. You can also look for the icon at the top right of the screen and open the map from there.
Best time to travel to Zermatt
For the best snow conditions and lower prices, January and February are ideal. March brings longer days and sunny skiing higher up the mountain. If you fancy glacier skiing, the summer months from June to September are an option, although the choice of pistes is then limited. Peak season, with the highest prices, falls over Christmas and New Year as well as the February half-term weeks.
How to get to Zermatt
You arrange your own travel, and many drive their own car. Taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone and arriving at Calais, it's roughly 929 km to Zermatt, around 10,3 hours of pure driving time through France. Remember that studded tyres are banned in France and Germany.
Zermatt is suitable for
Suitable to some extent
⭐ Excellent choice
⭐ Excellent choice
⭐ Very snow-reliable
Read more about ski holidays
Ready to book? Choose from accommodation in different price ranges. Lift pass is included in the price, you arrange your own travel there.
See prices for ski holidays in ZermattFrequently asked questions about Zermatt
Yes, Matterhorn glacier paradise offers glacier skiing all year round. In summer, a limited number of pistes are open at altitude, usually between 3,400 and 3,883 metres. It's popular with both holidaymakers and professional national teams training for the winter season.
Zermatt is entirely car-free. You get around on foot, by electric taxi or on the resort's small electric buses. A shuttle train runs from the car park in Täsch every 20 minutes, and the journey takes just 12 minutes. Most hotels offer pick-up from the train station.
Yes, from Matterhorn glacier paradise you can ski down to Cervinia and Valtournenche on the Italian side. The same lift pass applies, and it's a popular day trip to have lunch in Italy and ski back to Switzerland in the afternoon.
