Is Zermatt a good ski resort?
Zermatt is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, and for good reasons: the Matterhorn above the village, the highest lift-served skiing in the Alps, and a car-free village of old larch chalets and grand hotels. It’s also one of the most expensive.
Ski area size and height
The village sits at about 1,620 m. The ski area climbs to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lift station at 3,883 m, and its glacier allows skiing all year round. Zermatt’s own pistes link over the Theodul pass to Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy. The official figure for the combined area is about 360 km; independent measurements come out lower, at about 320 km.
The skiing is spread over three main sectors: Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Most of it is intermediate, with long, high cruising runs, plus off-piste and a few marked ski routes for experts. The Italian side is sunnier and gentler, and lunch in Cervinia is a classic day trip. Check the Theodul link is open before you cross: high wind closes it.
Who Zermatt suits
Intermediates and up who want spectacular scenery, top food and a car-free village. Budget skiers and complete beginners will get less for their money here.
Getting there
Cars stop at Täsch, about 5 km below Zermatt, where a shuttle train runs every 20 minutes. From Geneva or Zurich airports, the Swiss train network goes all the way to Zermatt station in about 3 h 30 to 4 h.