Zermatt ski resort on the Matterhorn
Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn in the Swiss canton of Valais, is one of the most popular winter sports destinations. The village centre captures the quintessential charm of a Valais mountain village. Beautiful Zermatt is entirely car-free. Horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, alongside electric vehicles, are part of the picture in this picturesque mountain village. Its magnificent ski resort offers around 250 km of pistes, with ideal runs for skiers of all abilities. You can even enjoy a ski holiday in summer!
The ski resort’s high-altitude location at 3,800 m means plenty of snow in this winter sports paradise. This varied ski area draws visitors for a ski holiday as early as mid-November. Until the beginning of May, holidaymakers can admire the breathtakingly beautiful mountain scenery. Almost forty peaks over 4,000 m tower majestically above the Zermatt ski resort. They include the legendary Matterhorn, the Alps’ seventh-highest peak at 4,478 m.
Zermatt ski resort on the Matterhorn
Date: 08/10/2008
At over 3,800 m, the Matterhorn Glacier Palace is one of the highest viewing points in the world. Visitors reach it by what is probably Europe’s highest aerial cableway, travelling through a fascinating glacial landscape and eternal snow—365 days a year! The Matterhorn Glacier is therefore considered Europe’s largest summer snow sports area. The observation platform offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the Alps in Italy, France and Switzerland.
You can even step inside the eternal ice of the Matterhorn Glacier Palace. And here’s another superlative: it is considered the highest glacier palace in the world. Fascinating ice sculptures stand about 15 m below the glacier’s surface. Crevasses in the glacier also make a powerful impression on visitors.
Despite all these astounding superlatives, little ones are very welcome in Zermatt. There are many great-value family offers. According to the operator, Zermatt ski passes are free for children up to the age of 9. The fact that the mountain village is car-free also makes it ideal for families. Zermatt has plenty to offer culturally, too. You can relax in peace or enjoy a lively party scene—the choice is yours.
