Zermatt - Introduction
Dominated by the glorious Matterhorn, Zermatt Ski Resort is a lively and sophisticated resort with skiing spread over three different areas, one of which links to Cervinia in Italy. Situated only 1hrs 30 mins from Sion and about 3 hrs 30 mins from Geneva, Zermatt boasts Europe's highest tree line and provides glorious year round skiing on one of the largest glaciers in Europe, the Klein Matterhorn (3899m). Long runs from the glacier include a 15km piste to resort but wherever you choose to ski, mountain huts offer everything from drinks to gourmet meals. The village itself it packed with a vast array of bars and restaurants.
Skiing
Zermatt sits at 1,620 m within the Pennine Alps, a mountain chain that stretches from the Grand Combin in the west to the cluster of 4000 m peaks which form the Monte Rosa massif to the east. The lifts in Zermatt, have been improved recently and run from 8am every day, so you can make the most out of your lift pass Zermatt skiing for experienced skiers and riders is on the Trockener Steg – Klein Matterhorn – Schwarzsee sector that is linked across the Plateau Rosa to Cervinia in Italy. The Matterhorn Express gondola provides fast access to Furi and Schwarzsee. A cable-car from Furi takes you up to 2939m Trockener Steg, and another continues up to the Klein Matterhorn at 3820m. The area provides a wide range of scenic and occasionally demanding snow-sure intermediate skiing with magnificent views of the mighty Matterhorn. On sunny days, Zermatt-based skiers head over the top for the long intermediate run to Cervinia and an Italian lunch.
Snowboarding
Zermatt snowboarding has plenty to excite serious boarders such as the year-round Gravity Park.
Ski Schools
Zermatt ski resort offers a wide variety of guided itineraries and day tours, and there are also various ski and snowboard schools. Zermatt is no longer a resort to avoid for complete novices. Independent Swiss Snowboard Instructors offer dedicated riding tuition.
Eating Out
Zermatt ski resort offers a choice of 91 restaurants covering most bases, with good Chinese and Japanese food, a strong Italian showing (the motherland is just at the end of a lift) and excellent Swiss restaurants: the exceptional and upmarket Le Mazot by the river specializes in lamb and fine wines; whilst a different take on a similar menu is at Chez Heini where your evening ends with the owner singing his tribute to the Matterhorn against a projected backdrop of mountain views.
Bars and clubs
Ski Holidays in Zermatt also offers a vigorous night scene, with bars and clubs, discos or live music until late: the T-bar, the North Wall, Grampi's and the Hotel Post, which has everything on every level, are just some of the venues available for the party goers among you. Prize for the most unlikely nightspot goes to the very hip Vernissage Bar and Kino (cinema), designed by local artist Heinz Julen.
Off the slopes
There is a large selection of stylish shops and boutiques, an Alpine museum, and miles of cleared winter walkways. For more suggestion the Zermatt Resort Information point will provide plenty of ideas!