Skiing Holidays in Zermatt

In a bid to reduce pollution, Zermatt is almost completely car-free, so you won't be able to drive to the town. Most people arrive via train, known as the Zermatt shuttle, which arrives from nearby Täsch. Once you've arrived, you can catch small electric vehicles to transport you to and from your accommodation. There are also various cablecars in the area that allow visitors to take in the views of the Matterhorn and surrounding snow-capped mountains.

There is a range of different accommodation in Zermatt, including luxury hotels, catered and self-catered chalets, hostels, and B&Bs. Zermatt is spread across quite a large area and has three different lift stations, so it's best to choose your accommodation close to your chosen station. Some of the more luxury chalets come with an in-house cook and cleaner.

Zermatt is an upmarket ski destination, so many of the restaurants in the town cater to fine dining and can be expensive. You can find a diverse selection of cuisines from Italian to South American, but the must-try dish is traditional Swiss fondue: cubes of bread and meat dipped into a pot of melted cheese. When it comes to après ski, the town really comes alive. There are dozens of small bars lining the slopes, as well as bigger bars, pubs, and clubs that are open until the early hours.

There are three skiing areas in Zermatt: Sunnegga-Blauherd-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, and Trockener Steg-Schwarzsee. All three have great views and reliable snow, with slopes suitable for all abilities. Zermatt isn't the best resort for first-time skiers due to the number of advanced slopes, but there are beginners nursery slopes in all three areas, and there are several certified ski schools that teach both skiing and snowboarding. Intermediate skiers may want to head to Sunnegga, as there are a couple of areas with blue slopes that pose a challenge but that aren't too taxing. There are also lots of red runs in Sunnegga, Cervinia, and Gornergrat that are suited to advanced skiers. Experts will love the freeskiing areas at Stockhorn, Schwarzsee, and Rothorn, which can be navigated alone or with a guide.