Experiencing the Mountains of Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is world-wide famous for being one of the top three skiing destinations in the continent of Europe. Even the skiers are of the opinion that Zermatt is a must visit place for all genuine skiers. Do you know why? 394 km of pistes, different options for skiing, international ski area, great scenery, amazing mountain restaurants, no traffic town, great ups and downs, all kind of facilities, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and year-round skiing are the top 10 reasons.

In Zermatt, Switzerland; all magic is in its mountains that attract people from far and wide regions across the globe. Whether you climb them, do skiing on them, or only marvel at them, the mountains are the pride of Zermatt offering the Matterhorn that is among the most famous peaks in Europe. Zermatt is a picturesque and car-free village offering slopes in the Alps for all levels of skiing. The three main ski areas are the Sunnegga, the Gornergrat, and the Klein Matterhorn; which offer unmatchable thrill to any skier. The main attractions here are some 29 mountains over 3000 m, 9 of 10 highest mountains of Europe, the highest ski lift of the continent (Klein Matterhorn (Gobba di Rollin – 3899 m), the largest summer skiing area, the longest winter skiing season (almost six months), and the longest open ski run of the content (Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt – 13 Km – late November to mid April).

Skiers, especially belonging to intermediate level will find Zermatt, Switzerland as their dreamland. This is because over 50% of the trails are dedicated to the intermediates offering a variety of landscapes ranging from wide-open to scenic pine forest trails. For the beginners, 15 trails exist in the Klein Matterhorn and Gornergrat regions, while 28% percent of the trails are for experts. For the beginners, the three skiing mountains are above 10,200 feet (3,100 meters) and are accessible by the average ski lift, several trams, and gondolas. Snowboarders will find their own paradise in Zermatt via a world-class new terrain park and half-pipe near Riffelberg along with a park on the Klein Matterhorn.

The fun does not end with skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt, Switzerland. In fact, all possible winter sports and activities are very exciting here.

Season

December to early May

Skiing Statistics

• Top Elevation/Lift: 3820 m
• Base Elevation: 1620 m
• Vertical Drop: 2200 m
• Longest Run: 13 km (8 mi) from the Klein Matterhorn into town
• Total Marked Runs: 313 km (196 mi including Cervinia)
• Trails: 250 km (156 mi)
• Beginners: 69 km (43 mi – 22%)
• Intermediate: 188 km (117 mi – 60%)
• Expert: 18 km (11 mi – 6%)

• Unprepared: 38 km (24 mi – 12%)
• Gravity Park: With halfpipe and snowcross in winter (3200 m)
• New Terrain Park and Half-pipe next to Riffelberg (Gornergrat, 2582 m)
• Lifts & Mountain Railways: In total 71 including Cervinia of Italy – 1 Cog-railway (Gornergrat), 1 Underground cable railway (Zermatt-Sunnegga), 13 Aerial cableways, 7 Gondola ski-lifts, 18 Chair ski-lifts, and 31 Ski-lifts

Zermatt’s Ski Resorts Elevation Statistics

Ski Area – Top Elevation

Rothorn – 3103 m

Gornergrat – 3405 m

Klein Matterhorn/ Schwarzsee – 3820 m

Breuil-Cervinia (Italian Side) – 3840 m

Activities

• Skiing

• Night skiing
• Heliskiing

• Cross country skiing

• Snowboarding

• Ice climbing
• Tobogganing
• Ice skating
• Ice hockey
• Sleigh riding
• Snow hiking
• Snowshoeing

• Paragliding

• Winter walks

Other Attractions

Do not miss the fun trip to the Glacier Grotto that is the highest ice museum with its blue ice sculptures on the planet. You can explore the glacial caves after being lifted by a cable car to the top of the Klein Matternhorn. One more famous day trip is to Cervinia in Italy across the border. In this town, you will love to have the magnificent views of the Matterhorn. Lastly, visit the Alpine Museum in Zermatt where the winter sports fans love to be.

Reaching Zermatt, Switzerland

By air, the most suitable airports are Zurich and Milan. From any of these two airports, you can take a train. From Zurich, catch the train to Brig via Bern, Spiez, and the Lötschberg tunnel. At Brig, you get a special train to Zermatt. The total trip time from Zurich to Zermatt is 4 hours. However, traveling from Milan is faster and also less costly.