2009_12_29_zermatt_137, One of the great slopes on Gornergrat, near the top, with the ever-distracting Matterhorn in the distance. Location: Zermatt.

ZERMATT MATTERHORN

📍Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland

🏞️ Scenic Cruiser 🏔️ Expert Paradise 🍺 Après Capital 7 Days on Ikon ☀️ Year-round destination

Photo: Flickr user: Doc Searls Santa Barbara, USA http://searls.com/ · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo details

Vertical drop: 7,216 ft^*
Skiable terrain: 5,000 acres^*
Avg snowfall: 280 in^*
Lifts: 54

Another season up here

BEYOND WINTER

Summer hiking, mountain biking and mountain-lake excursions complement the winter mountain experience.

Explore summer activities ↗Make a mountain escape →

VALAIS ALPS & THE MATTERHORN

Zermatt sits in Valais beneath the Matterhorn, close to the Swiss–Italian border. Mountain railways and lifts reach Gornergrat and the high glacier te...

THE REGION

Zermatt sits in Valais beneath the Matterhorn, close to the Swiss–Italian border. Mountain railways and lifts reach Gornergrat and the high glacier terrain around Klein Matterhorn. Wooden chalets line the village streets below; most visitors arrive on foot from the railway station or use local electric transport.

THE LOCAL SCENE

The railway delivers visitors to the centre of Zermatt, where streets are shared with pedestrians and local electric vehicles. For a taste of Valais, try fondue or raclette in the village, or reserve a mountain lunch overlooking the Matterhorn.

GETTING THERE

Travel by rail via Visp into Zermatt. If driving, leave your private vehicle in Täsch, about five kilometres down the valley, then take the shuttle train into the car-free village. Check the timetable for your arrival, especially if your flight lands late.

WHEN TO GO

For the broadest winter terrain, compare the schedules for Sunnegga–Rothorn, Gornergrat and the glacier sector: their opening and closing dates differ. Summer skiing takes place high on the Theodul Glacier, generally in the morning. Check the operating calendar and open pistes for the day you intend to ski.

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🏔️

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Outdoor

Ride to the cable-car station at 3,883 m for high-alpine views when visibility allows. Sightseeing and skiing have distinct tickets and operating schedules.

🏔️

Gornergrat Railway

Outdoor

The historic cog railway climbs to 3,089m with stunning views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa massif.

🎭

Matterhorn Museum

Culture

This underground museum chronicles the first ascent and subsequent tragedies, displaying the actual rope that broke during the 1865 disaster.

🏔️

Ski Safari to Cervinia

Outdoor

Ski to Italy on a day when the international link is open. Choose cross-border pass coverage and check the last connection back before descending to Cervinia.

WHERE TO STAY

Choose your Zermatt base around the lift you expect to use most. Hotel Bahnhof is beside the Gornergrat railway. Hotel Bristol is central and near a bus stop for travel around the village, while Firefly has suites with kitchens and an indoor pool. The Omnia offers a central lodge with a guest spa. Zermatt Youth Hostel has family and double rooms a short walk from the centre, so compare its room layout as well as the rate.

THE FOOD SCENE

Reserve Chez Vrony for a mountain lunch in Findeln, with house-made alpine products and a view of the Matterhorn. Back in the village, Whymper-Stube serves fondue and raclette, and Schäferstube adds Julen-family lamb to the Valais menu. Fuchs at Bahnhofstrasse 28 works for breakfast before the lifts.

APRÈS & NIGHTLIFE

Hennu Stall is the lively option on the Furi–Zermatt valley run. In the village, Elsie’s Bar at Kirchplatz is a quieter choice for wine or Champagne and a light bite during its winter food service.

INSIDER TIPS

💡Use Sunnegga–Rothorn for a day with a mix of easier and steeper marked pistes.
💡For a lunch stop in Findeln, reserve Chez Vrony and plan the approach and return before setting out.
💡On a Cervinia day, choose a pass valid on both sides. Check the live ski connection and the last lift back to Switzerland before crossing; wind can interrupt the high link.

DESTINATION FACTS

Nearest Town

Zermatt

Population

~5,700

Elevation

1,620m (village) to 3,883m (Klein Matterhorn)

Timezone

CET

Currency

CHF

Language

German (Walliser dialect)

LIVE WEATHER

Real-time conditions for planning your Zermatt Matterhorn trip

❄️Snow Depth 🌨️Precipitation 💨Wind 🌡️Temperature ☁️Visibility

Learn to read ski weather maps →

GETTING THERE

✈️

GVA

Geneva International

About 2.5–3.5 hours

✈️

ZRH

Zurich Airport

About 3–4 hours

Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for winter conditions.

OVERNIGHT STAYS & CAMPERVANS

For Zermatt Matterhorn, compare a booked room or rental around Zermatt with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.

Compare lodging options ↗

Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.

Sources & planning context

Historical planning figures · Figures marked * come from earlier references and may differ from current resort figures.

Other names · Zermatt

Local recommendations are editorial guidance. Travel times are approximate and depend on your route and conditions.

Winter mountains and separate glacier seasons

High glacier access and the wider winter ski area have different calendars. Choose the sector as well as the date; year-round lift operation does not mean the whole area is open.

Official schedules & conditions ↗

Schedule source ↗Official resort ↗

Summer and winter destination: Yes; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Beyond winter: Summer hiking, mountain biking and mountain-lake excursions complement the winter mountain experience.; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Official website: https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Summit elevation (ft): 12740; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Lifts: 54; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026

Historical mountain figures awaiting field-level confirmation: Vertical drop (ft), Skiable area (acres), Runs, Reported average snowfall (in), Base elevation (ft).

Individual listings retain their own sources and check dates. A source check covers only the named details; it does not confirm availability. Snowfall averages describe climate, not a forecast.

Zermatt summer skiing ↗Public summer skiing on the Theodul Glacier is generally a morning activity, with terrain dependent on conditions and current timetables. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Zermatt ski passes ↗Separate summer and winter products span the calendar. Winter sectors have different dates; the International pass includes Cervinia. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Zermatt live lifts and pistes ↗The operator displays cross-border access separately for skiers and pedestrians and lists last connections for each direction. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Zermatt official winter map ↗Trockener Steg is a lift station. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is both a destination and the name of numbered glacier piste 85. Sunnegga–Rothorn contains numbered pistes Eisfluh (5) and Obere National (8). · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Switzerland Tourism – skiing in Zermatt ↗Identifies Obere National No. 8 and its steep skiing. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Täsch visitor information ↗Drivers leave private vehicles in Täsch and take the shuttle train to car-free Zermatt. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Camping Attermenzen Randa ↗Camping Attermenzen for tents, caravans and campers is a summer operation between Randa and Täsch. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mountain Lodge THE OMNIA in Zermatt: Time out in peace and harmony ↗The Omnia describes itself as a mountain lodge perched on the rock in the center of Zermatt. It lists multiple room and suite categories, a wellness center and spa exclusively for hotel guests, plus restaurant, lounge, terrace and in-room dining. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Hotel Bahnhof | Hotel in Zermatt – Since 1902 ↗Since 1902 · next to the Gornergrat Bahn · skiing hotspots · 10% direct booking discount · Free locker use · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Zermatt Youth Hostel | youthhostel.ch | Youth Hostels ↗View of the Matterhorn · Close to the village square · Family room · Double room · few minutes by foot · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Zermatt Tourism – Firefly Boutique Hotel ↗Destination booking page places Firefly at Schluhmattstrasse 55 and lists suites with kitchens, breakfast delivered to the room, spa, indoor pool, whirlpool, ski room and pet acceptance. Includes direct hotel contact. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Hotel Bristol Zermatt ↗Operator describes a family-run central Zermatt hotel near the bus stop and cable cars, with an on-site sauna, steam bath and relaxation room. Includes direct room reservations. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Zermatt Tourism – Alpine Ski School ↗The school's Zermatt profile offers ski and snowboard lessons, including semi-private instruction for adults or children, and identifies the office at Metzggasse 9. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alpine Ski School private lesson booking ↗Private coaching is tailored to ability and goals, with a meeting point arranged after booking. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Matterhorn Sport Zermatt – rental shops ↗The operator offers ski and snowboard hire and ski servicing. Bahnhofstrasse 78 is the central shop, Riva is at the Sunnegga–Rothorn metro and Neudorf is on Steinmattstrasse. Riva and Neudorf are winter locations. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Home - Summit Ski & Snowboard School, Zermatt ↗Zermatt school; private ski and snowboard lessons; adult groups; kids club ages 6–12; off-piste and slopestyle options. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Ski rental in Zermatt – experience Matterhorn | INTERSPORT Rent ↗Official Zermatt shop directory; Bahnhofstrasse 19 and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise base; skis, boots and helmets; boot adjustment. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Home - Chez Vrony ↗A century-old family mountain restaurant in Findeln at 2,100 metres, with Matterhorn views and organic house products including dried meat, sausage, and alpine cheese. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Whymper-Stube ↗A central Zermatt dining room for traditional Swiss dishes, including cheese fondue and raclette, alongside regional wines and spirits. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Elsiebar – Zermatt ↗A central Zermatt wine-and-Champagne bar with a small selection of Swiss and international delicacies and a winter food program. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Fuchs bakery locations ↗Bahnhofstrasse 28 is a bakery café for breakfast, coffee, bread and pastries within walking distance of the station. No. 72 is the separate retail bakery. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

22 Summits Apartments *** Zermatt | New renovated 2020 ↗An après-ski hut at the bottom of the Furi–Zermatt valley slope with a DJ, beer, dancing, and an Aroleidwald address. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Schäferstube Zermatt: Enjoy Valais specialities ↗A cozy Zermatt dining room for Valais specialties, including raclette, cheese and meat fondue, and Julen-family lamb from a wood-fired grill. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Zermatt winter ski passes ↗
Winter-pass validity is November 1–May 2, but that does not establish operating bounds. Glacier and individual-area schedules differ; no single 2026–27 operating range verified.
Valais Tourism: Zermatt activities ↗
Summer hiking, mountain biking and mountain-lake excursions complement the winter mountain experience. Activities operate on seasonal schedules; check dates before visiting.
Zermatt–Matterhorn region ↗
The first-party Zermatt–Matterhorn region page states the asserted mountain facts. Metric source values are stored in the site's rounded imperial display units.
Zermatt skiing ↗
The official Zermatt skiing page supports the asserted static mountain facts. Metric source values are stored in the site's rounded imperial display units.
Zermatt Matterhorn Paradise — Inspiration Manual ↗
The current international-area brochure publishes 54 cableway facilities.
Matterhorn Ski Paradise — Ski Passes ↗
The live ski-pass page explicitly publishes the destination winter interval and the narrower Sunnegga, Rothorn, and Gornergrat periods retained in the candidate note.

THE REGION

WHEN TO GO

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🏔️

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Outdoor

Ride to the cable-car station at 3,883 m for high-alpine views when visibility allows. Sightseeing and skiing have distinct tickets and operating schedules.

🏔️

Gornergrat Railway

Outdoor

The historic cog railway climbs to 3,089m with stunning views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa massif.

🎭

Matterhorn Museum

Culture

This underground museum chronicles the first ascent and subsequent tragedies, displaying the actual rope that broke during the 1865 disaster.

🏔️

Ski Safari to Cervinia

Outdoor

Ski to Italy on a day when the international link is open. Choose cross-border pass coverage and check the last connection back before descending to Cervinia.

WHERE TO STAY

THE FOOD SCENE

INSIDER TIPS

💡Use Sunnegga–Rothorn for a day with a mix of easier and steeper marked pistes.

💡For a lunch stop in Findeln, reserve Chez Vrony and plan the approach and return before setting out.

💡On a Cervinia day, choose a pass valid on both sides. Check the live ski connection and the last lift back to Switzerland before crossing; wind can interrupt the high link.