Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. And the development of the city as a tourist center is inextricably linked to this, perhaps the most popular mountain in the world. The resort, which is closed to traffic, retains its very special character and offers unlimited opportunities for travelers.
Zermatt’s location at the foot of the Matterhorn, in the middle of an extensive hiking and skiing area, makes it one of the most attractive resorts in the world. The ski area is served by 65 mountain railroads and has 360 km of trails. The Matterhorn glacier paradise area is the largest and highest summer skiing area in Europe. For this reason, numerous ski teams train here in the summer season.
The region also has a legendary reputation among mountaineers: the Haute Route, a demanding route that takes several days and crosses state borders between Mont Blanc and Zermatt. More than 400 km of hiking trails lead through the Matter Valley and beyond, including mule-driver trails that date back to the 13th century (some of these trails are paved with stones).
The new cable car
The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride cable car will be open for the start of the 2018/2019 winter season, bringing travelers quickly and comfortably to the Matterhorn glacier paradise complex (Klein Matterhorn) at 3,883 meters. The state-of-the-art cable car 3S is equipped with panoramic gondolas designed in the Pininfarina studio. The four gondolas have a unique Crystal trim with thousands of Swarovski crystals, which sparkle spectacularly in the sunlight on the snow-covered slopes. The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride will run year-round.
Winter
In winter the snow-guaranteed ski region offers 360 kilometers of slopes in three ski areas: Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, Schwarzsee and Matterhorn glacier paradise. Snowboarders can hone their skills in the freestyle fan park Gravity Park, which also trains young candidates for Olympic gold. Moving to the Italian side, the Breuil-Cervinia ski region is accessible from Matterhorn glacier paradise / Theodulpass.
Guests who would like to try something new can fly a paraglider or go heli-skiing to ski off-piste in the company of a professional guide.
Summer
Hiking, biking, climbing, and high-altitude alpine tours are the most popular activities here in both summer and winter. Every year, the four-thousand-dollar mountains attract many climbers. The 400km of hiking trails also introduces less extreme visitors to the mountainous landscape of Zermatt.
The cogged railroad connects Zermatt to the summit of Gornergrat (3089 meters above sea level). It offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the glaciers and the Monte Rosa massif.
You can reach the highest observation platform in Europe at 3883 meters above sea level by cable car, which also offers a panoramic view of the Matterhorn (4478 meters) and the peaks of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. Glacier Palace can be seen under 15 meters of ice. Elevators and a cable car provide access to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest summer ski area of the Alps on the Theodoule Glacier.
Family vacations
Children are lovingly cared for all year round at the family resort of Zermatt-Matterhorn. And wherever you see the local fairy tale character Wolli, children come first! The reindeer Wally will accompany you on a “climate” themed trail, and children up to 9 years of age are free to ride throughout the region, and can also visit an ice rink, explore a cheese factory or hang out in the rock climbing hall. Crystal clear mountain lakes for swimming, nature adventures and visits to the Forest Fun Park complete the exciting offer for the youngest.
