Every ski resort has their own well earned reputation. Some are known for their over the top après ski party life like Courchevel and Chamonix, others are known for their exclusivity and attracting the wealthiest of skiers such as St. Moritz, Megeve and Andermatt.

One could say of Zermatt that it may be the Alps ski resort with the most gravitas, that it has a certain aura based in respect and admiration. Nowhere in the world has this resort’s most famed attribute, the Matterhorn, a rock formation created millions of years ago that juts into the sky and seems to pierce each cloud as they pass by.

Beyond the sheer majesty of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a winter playground for the well-to-do and is today nothing short of the epitome of Swiss ski life.

Zermatt is the highest ski resort in Switzerland, found in the canton of Valais, at the gateway to the Matterhorn glacial ski paradise. Considered one of the most exclusive ski destinations in the world, Zermatt’s slopes are sought after by the crème de la crème of the skiing world who flock to the glaciers and slopes of the Matterhorn.

Zermatt is a ski destination that continues to appeal to families and sport skiers who delight in the year-round skiing opportunities.

Hollywood stars such as Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise Angelia Jolie and global music artists like Robbie Williams keep coming back time and time again. In fact, Walt Disney was a regular visitor to the resort and he was inspired by the idea for his Disneyland theme park ride called ‘The Matterhorn’ after the mountain. Even royalty are bowled over by its charms, with Prince William and Sarah Ferguson staying at one time.

As a ski resort it has everything, from its chocolate box chalets to a lively après ski scene and fine dining reputation completed by an array of Michelin-starred restaurants and five star hotels. It also has rich culture in the old town with its traffic free streets.

This is a place where non-skiers can spend leisurely time away from the slopes, riding in a steed-driven chaise or meandering the old town lanes in search of history.Away from the slopes, Zermatt’s alpine village has a rich cultural history. First-time visitors will immediately notice the pure mountain air, fresh and free of any car emissions as the only mode of transportation in town is battery-operated vehicles or horse and cart.

Back in Zermatt’s old town, sprinkled among the winding lanes, is the famous Bahanhofstrausse with plenty of designer boutiques, chocolatiers, and bakeries for tourists to while away hours shopping. Sightseers can marvel at the Walser buildings made of larch wood. These 500-year-old barns stand on wooden legs to ward off the mice. Other attractions include the Church of St Mauritius and the Kirchbrücke bridge where you can take in a splendid view of the mountains.

It is impossible to get lost in the town, as all paths lead back to the Matterhorn.  Well-heeled travellers can take a helicopter or private plane to Zermatt from any of the airports bordering Switzerland, a first-class train from Geneva or a Mercedes-Benz taxi so they can sip their champagne along the journey.

From the first measurement of the Matterhorn by Horace Bénédict de Saussure in 1792 to the first ascent on 14 July 1865 by Englishman Edward Whymper – the legend began. Whymper planned to sketch the mountain, but instead led an ill-fated expedition of seven men to conquer the summit.

Only three came back down after a tragic freak accident caused the rope to snap on the descent plunging four men to their deaths. The north face was next attempted in 1931 and the western side only accomplished in 1962. In its history, 500 mountaineers have perished trying to attempt the peak. Yet intrepid explorers are pulled towards the Matterhorn like a magnet.

Modern day cultural attractions include the Zermatt Unplugged music festival, staged each Spring. With acts such as One Republic, Lionel Richie and James Bay headlining. Zermatt has a lively apres-ski scene and many bars staging events which keep a beau monde audience enthralled.

Skiing in Zermatt Ski Resort

With everything from easy green runs, gratifying reds, rolling blues and swathes of off piste terrain, Zermatt has plenty of variety to suit all abilities. Encompassing 200km of pistes throughout three linked sectors – Sunnegga-Blauherd-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn and Trockener Steg-Schwarzsee, all rising to 3,103m, 3,532m and 3,883m respectively.

Zermatt’s 200km ski area is connected to that of Cervina in Italy with over 160km of pistes, taking an entire day or more to ski. With Zermatt’s sectors well linked, the two routes into Italy can be found at the ridge near Testa Grigia and the Theodulpass.

For beginners, Zermatt’s nursery slopes are spread far and wide across the mountain. Many of them are disconnected from the main slopes, yet ideally located close to restaurants so families can meet and have lunch together. The excellent snow Park Zermatt at the Plateau Rosa has snowtubing, carpets and tunnels, all providing fun and family friendly activities. Children under 10 years old get a free lift pass.

Two thirds of runs are red, making a great landscape for intermediates to explore and develop their ski techniques. More experienced skiers can scale the heights of Hohtalli in the Gornergrat sector, where the reds are tricky enough to be labeled as “dark red”.

Cervinia is an intermediate wonderland, with scores of broad and empty pistes, including the long run down to Valtournenche village. Meanwhile, experts find exhilaration in the many off piste and yellow routes (runs that are avalanche controlled but not checked by ski patrollers). The Stockhorn section is open for only part of the season with magnificent moguls, while challenging terrain can also be found in the forest runs on Schwarzsee, and the routes from Rothorn also provide interesting variety.

Off-piste prospects are widespread if you invest in a mountain guide. Those with a passion for adventure can indulge in heliskiing and even stay overnight in mountain huts with luxury options just up the valley from Stafelalp.

Aperitifs at Altitude: Zermatt Après Ski

Synonymous with its luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants, Zermatt has a line of sophisticated après ski experiences geared up to give guests a memorable evening.

Ski-in, ski- out, Champagne Bar is the perfect venue for an al fresco aperitif. Perched on the descent from Sunnegga to Zermatt, this legendary après spot is famed for its unspoilt views of the Matterhorn and Zermatt’s lively town centre. Fresh from the slopes, guests can recline with an ice-cold glass of champagne as they savour the stunning panoramas and relax their ski legs. Always filled with a jovial crowd of travellers, Champagne Bar is an uplifting end to any day at Zermatt ski resort.

The ultimate alpine experience, Iglu Dorf is an incredible ice village sitting at 2.727 meters. Hand-crafted entirely of snow and ice, visitors are can curl up in the soft glow land tuck into authentic Swiss fondue, hot mulled wine and locally brewed beer. Featuring astounding views of the Swiss Alps, this is the perfect place to relax, appreciate the beauty of the mountains and let all other thoughts melt away.

The crowning jewel of elegant après ski destinations The Snowboat and Zermatt Yacht Club is the venue of choice for Zermatt’s well-heeled travellers. The sleek Snowboat bar is a relaxed setting where guests can sip signature cocktails and enjoy a light-hearted evening with friends.

In the elegant Yacht Club restaurant, peckish visitors can enjoy light bites and hearty mains, the perfect way to refuel after an energetic day on the slopes. With polished, modern décor and a serene atmosphere The Snowboat and Zermatt Yacht Club creates an ideal evening to recharge.

Sophisticated Suites and Serene Spas: Staying in Zermatt Ski Destination

The socialite’s centre of the Alps since the 19th century, Zermatt’s hotels offer guests a relaxing stay in polished prestige.

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

The historically glamourous destination of the elite, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof has been the proud host of Zermatt’s high society since 1879. In a traditional yet prestigious style, the hotel features lashings of dark wood, grand arches and golden tones to set a grandiose scene and make its guests feel like royalty.

Bedrooms envelop visitors in warm, chalet chic with soft furnishings, gentle hues and marble bathrooms allowing them to unwind in style. Balconies overlook the majestic Matterhorn, becoming the perfect spot for a morning coffee or night time glass of wine.

Guests of the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof don’t need to venture far for an extraordinary fine dining experience. Prato Borni is just downstairs and with 16 GaultMillau points and a Michelin star, it’s renowned for its exceptional quality. Head chef Heinz Rufibach hope to showcase the history of the Valais region through sourcing local produce, but serving them with an imaginative twist.

Sitting in the golden glow of the chandeliers at pristine white tablecloths, diners enjoy an evening of excellent gastronomy prepared to the highest of standards.

Riffelalp Resort 2222m

One of the oldest of Zermatt’s host of historic hotels Riffelalp Resort 2222m opened in 1884 and is at the pinnacle of prestige. Its location in the centre of a fragrant pine forest alongside Zermatt’s beloved Matterhorn allows guests to connect with the amazing surroundings throughout their stay. Known for its unique ambiance, Mount Everest pioneer George Mallory famously enjoyed the alpine freshness of the resort. Ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, the resort’s slope-side location allows for early morning powder exploration and late-night glides.

Decorated in an inviting chalet style, the hotel features warm wooden beams and soft furnishings throughout; showcasing traditional Swiss design. Bedrooms are laced with earthy tones and soft lighting to create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere where guests can recline after a day on Zermatt’s sharp slopes.

The pièce de résistance, the Spa 2222m is the highest spa in Europe and invites guests to embrace their mountainous surroundings as they relax. The outdoor pool offers amazing views of the Matterhorn and heated to 35ºC, guests can enjoy the fresh mountain breeze as they soak away their stresses. Inside there are a plethora of places for guests to unwind in complete peace and tranquillity. The large indoor pool has an integrated bubble bath to soothe aching muscles and the saunas and steam baths make the perfect place to destress.

Guests simply searching for some peace and quiet can repose in the cosy relaxation room, accompanied by a crackling fire. With an array of massages available, visitors always leave Spa 2222m feeling their best.

Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt

One of the more modern options of Zermatt’s prestigious hotels, Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt prides itself on its combination of chalet chic and contemporary alpine décor. Its impressive Swiss façade gives way to a warm centre and tranquil ambiance where guests can unwind after busy days in Zermatt’s bustling centre.

Visitors can tailor their stays to their specific tastes, with alpine bedrooms featuring touches of plaid, crisp white sheets and modern furniture, and chalet bedrooms offering classic wooden elements and soft furnishings for an extra level of comfort.

Outside of its exceptional design, Mont Cervin Palace is also known for its culinary achievements. Ristorante Capri is the star of the show, with 17 GaultMillau points and a Michelin star to speak for its greatness.

Using fresh ingredients from the local market, Head chef Giovanni Bavuso brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the Alps and prides himself on simple dishes with powerful flavour combinations. Situated on the 4th floor, diners enjoy panoramic views of snow-topped peaks and the village below, encircled by refined décor which exudes elegance and prestige.

Decadent Delights: Dining in Zermatt

Renowned for its glitz and glamour, Zermatt ski resort has scores of gourmet restaurants to satisfy its sophisticated socialites.

At the pinnacle of gastronomic experiences, Findlerhof has been creating unforgettable alpine afternoons for over 20 years. Set in the middle of the Findeln skiing area, the restaurant is at 2051 metres and features astounding views of Zermatt’s neighbour, the Matterhorn.

Holding 14 Gault Millau points, Findlerhof is known for its excellent cuisine, showcasing local recipes with homely flavours which warm diners from the inside out. Forever filled with a friendly ambiance, the restaurant welcomes guests to connect with the wonderful mountain surroundings as they curl up in the cosy home from home.

The Omnia

Housed in luxury hotel of the same name  holds a Michelin star and is known for its exceptional fine dining experiences. The interior features sheer, modern décor with minimalist furniture which resonates with its contemporary cooking style. Reinventing classic dishes, the chefs change the menu seasonally and use only the finest local ingredients, including Swiss Black Angus beef and a variety of mountain cheeses.

Perched on a hillside a short walk from the town centre, The Omnia is a safe haven away from the ski crowds where guests can savour a sophisticated evening of local cuisine and top tier gastronomy.

Chez Vrony

Another mountainside marvel, Chez Vrony proudly showcases Zermatt’s regional spirit with its traditional Swiss stylings. A chalet-style cabin built from locally sourced wood with cultural detailing, the restaurant serves up traditional recipes as well as Mediterranean-inspired dishes, all presented to the highest standards.

The terrace is the true gem of this establishment; sitting at 2100m, diners can delve into their curated plates while savouring sweeping views of the Matterhorn and Swiss Alps.

Matterhorn glacier paradise

Zermatt forms the gateway to the Matterhorn glacier paradise. The highest cable car station in Europe (3,883 m), takes you up to the top where you can marvel in the splendid views of the highest mountains in Italy, France and Switzerland, and also gain access to over 21km of summer ski slopes on the Theodul Glacier, open 365 days a year. At the summit of this international ski area, the world’s top national teams train for speed on the glacier during the summer months.

Visitors gaze out of an observation window to absorb the views over the Breithorn.  At the top, entertainment options are covered with a cinema lounge, restaurant and shop, a meeting room, the Matterhorn glacier paradise lodge and the Glacier Palace, where sparkling ice crystals and glittering ice sculptures enchant visitors.

A lift carries guests 15 metres below the surface of the glacier to this fairy-tale palace deep under the perennial snows. An ice tunnel leads through the glacier to sites such as a glacier crevasse and an ice toboggan run. Cosy furs adorn ice benches; ice sculptures evoke the world of the ice fairy tales and new artworks are constantly created. Afterwards, diners can appreciate the Matterhorn glacier paradise restaurant, the highest in Europe.

Framed in this epic vista is Mont Blanc (4,810 m) in France, the highest mountain of the Alps, soaring above its neighbours; the peak of the Gran Paradiso (4,061 m), Italy’s highest zenith, Up here, right by the Italian border,  visitors see a different aspect to the Matterhorn’s south face to that on the Swiss side, different to that from the Gornergrat or the Rothorn. Then there is the Weisshorn on the German side.

Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy Zermatt’s five-star hotels, elegant piano bars, Michelin star dining in fine restaurants and, of course, to see the Matterhorn.  As one of the top ski resort in the Alps, visitors enjoy unrivalled access to 220 miles of pistes on both the Swiss and Italian sides.

Undoubtedly, Zermatt is an unforgettable holiday destination, which has earned it the reputation as arguably one of the best ski resorts in the Alps, with a fairytale setting and picturesque views of the Matterhorn.