Zermatt Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Zermatt

Whether you like skiing or boarding, sledding or hiking... if you like snowsports, you'll find what you are looking for in Zermatt. 394 km of pistes provide a wide variety of skiing in an international ski area situated on the border between Switzerland and Italy.

The area is dominated by the stunning scenery of the Matterhorn and Zermatt's pluses can be summarised as follows - awesome scenery; amazing mountain restaurants; fantastic and varied skiing.

Because of abundant snowfall, high altitudes and the glacier area of the Klein Matterhorn, Zermatt offers some of the finest skiing in Europe, and glacier skiing can be enjoyed well into the summer. The high and extensive terrain stretches across three individual mountains and mainly caters for intermediate and experienced skiers.

The resort is best known for its excellent powder skiing, although off-piste areas and unofficial runs should only be explored with a guide, due to sudden drop-offs and avalanche risk. Intermediate skiers have a wide range of slopes to enjoy around the Zermatt-Matterhorn Ski Area and it is possible to ski across all three mountains in a day.

Klein Matterhorn is reached by the highest aerial cable car in Europe that provides access to a snowboard half pipe and the longest ski run in Europe, an exhilarating slope with breathtaking views that drops all the way down to the village.

The easiest slopes are high up on the glacier in the Klein Matterhorn region, but beginners should be aware that trails that start out as novice often end up being intermediate and there are no beginner trails that connect the mountains. Snowboarders share the same exciting terrain.

There is plenty to keep the expert and intermediate happily challenged. Unsuitable for beginners, as it can be quite steep and rocky in parts. Rather upmarket resort, also popular with nonskiers for its range of alternative activities and walks. The accommodation is mostly good-quality, pricey hotels, catered chalets and a wide choice of self-catering apartments.

This is not a resort for beginners and the ski school has a poor reputation. Getting up the mountain and around the different ski areas can be slow, and the waiting time for lifts during the peak holiday season can be long. Some of the expert slopes only open in January or early February.

Locality:

Located in the extreme south of Switzerland, near the Italian border, 30 mls south west of Saas-Fee lies Zermatt (140 mls east of Geneva and its international airport, 130 mls SE of Bern and its international airport).

Ski Information:

Highest lift: 3900m (12795ft), Lowest lift: 1620m (5315ft), Vertical drop: 2280m (7480ft), Number of lifts: 60, Uplift capacity: 75180 p/hr, Beginner: 33%, Intermediate: 46%, Expert: 21%, Total piste length: 394km, Snowboard parks: 1, Cross country: 8km

Population: 7.489.400
Languages: German 64%, French 20%, Italian 7% (all official);
Currency: Swiss franc
Currency code: CHF
Local Times:
Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Z�rich

Country Dialling Code: +41
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes are certainly vast and varied. With the towering Alps, fairytale castles, forested hills, shimmering lakes, renaissance cathedrals, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's no surprise to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past 200 years.

Switzerland's peak season starts in November with the launch parties of the various ski resorts with visitors flocking into the resorts throughout the winter and Christmas season before finally hanging up the ski boots with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, the ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most of the resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Despite being most popular as a Ski destination, Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers mountain trails and spa resorts and in the sunny southern region of Ticino, visitors enjoy palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a variety of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 30,000 miles of forest and mountain trails throughout the country.

Switzerland's main cities include:

Zurich - Switzerland's biggest city and a major center of banking also has a thriving nightlife.
Geneva - This center of arts and culture, the second-largest city in Switzerland, is by far the international capital-- home to around 200 governmental and non-governmental organizations. Geneva was the home of John Calvin during the Reformation, elevating the city to the rank of "Protestant Rome," the effects of which drive Geneva today.
Berne - The Swiss capital features an amazingly well preserved old-town with arcades along almost every street. Great restaurants abound, as do bars and clubs. Check out the Einstein sites as well.
Basel - Slightly smaller than Geneva, Switzerland's third city is the traveler's gateway to the German Rhineland and Alsace.
Lausanne - While Geneva is busy being the international capital, Lausanne fills the role in most of the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Scenery, dining, dancing, boating and the Swiss wine-country are the draws.
Lugano - Italian-speaking Switzerland's top destination, with a gorgeous old-town and a pretty lake. The food is simply amazing.
Lucerne - Central Switzerland's main city with direct water links to all of the early Swiss historic sights. It's pretty too, and though it is heavily touristed the views and museums make putting up with the crowds well worthwhile.

Zermatt Travel Guide

Zermatt Suitability Profile