Zermatt
One of the most well-known resorts in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt’s car free mountain village sits at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. With stunning views and slopes that pass into Italy, this spot should be high on your list!
Taking the train is the easiest option as it is just three hours from Zürich. It is also possible to drive to Täsch, park and take the regional shuttle train to the village.
EAT
Chez Heini Traditional Swiss restaurant in the village.
Chez Vrony No better place on mountain. This chic alpine hut can be reached by skiing or via the winter hiking trails near Findeln. The views are incredible and the food is to die for! Try the tart flambée. Booking needed.
Findlerhof This rustic mountain restaurant near Chez Vrony is right off the Sunegga/Findeln lift. It has unmatched views of the Matterhorn, excellent service and a variety of go-to mountain dishes. Try the rösti. Booking needed.
Giuseppe A change of pace from the traditional Swiss menus, this Italian eatery will not disappoint!
Schäferstube Alpine chalet restaurant with huge cowbells and a traditional menu. Go for the fondue or the raclette.
Snowboat go for a lively evening with friends. The menu changes periodically but most recently we went for the burgers and cocktails. All around great choice for a fun night out!
DRINK
Drink like a local and order a Schümli Plümli, the perfect way to warm up while skiing in the Swiss Alps!
22 Summits Just a few steps away from the Matterhorn-Express and the center of Zermatt, this new 4 star hotel is an upscale spot for a coffee or drink.
Cervo Alpine-chic chalet at the bottom of Sunnega with live music and local beers
Champagne bar As the name states, this little champagne hut is the perfect apreski stop for views of the matterhorn and flutes of champagne. Located on the ski slope down from Sunnega.
Gee's Bar Nice cocktails and live music nightly. One of the few spots in the village open late
Hennu Stall Cosy drinks at the bottom of Furi-Zermatt slope.
Papperla Pub Mix with the locals with listening to live music and DJs.
Unique Hotel Post Be sure not to miss this spot- located in the heart of Zermatt, this Hotel offers three restaurants and five different bars and clubs.
PLAY
Zermat offers year-round mountain activities, and the mountain is accessible from the village by multiple lifts: Rothhorn, Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. If you are not keen on mountain sports, the village also offers other activities like wellness spas and shopping.
Hiking (summer season) With a 400 kilometer network of hiking trails, Zermatt is famous for views at every stop. Our local favorite is the Five Lakes Trail (4-6 hours).
Matterhorn Trail (Nr. 29)-Beautiful hike from Schwarzsee - Stafelalp - Zmutt - Zermatt (station). You can also do the hike in reverse but be sure to check that the gondola at Schwarzsee is running!
Furi Suspension Bridge Trail (Nr. 17a) The suspension bridge reaches 90 vertical metres above the Gornerschlucht gorge. The roundtrip hike from the village is about 1.5 hours. Follow trail signs for “Hängebrückenweg Furi”
Mountain biking, climbing, etc.
Ski or snowboard Zermatt has over 360 kilometers of the most amazing ski slopes at affordable prices. The average price per lift pass is CHF 75. Here for a few days? Opt for the International pass which includes access to Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy.
Snowshoe or winter hiking 70 kilometers of prepared winter hiking trails for non-skiers. Hike up to Findeln (1.5 hours) and enjoy a lunch or coffee break in the small mountain village.
STAY
Ari Resort Located next to the Matterhorn express gondola station, this beautiful property offers apartment stays- all rooms include a Matterhorn view! About a 10 minute walk from the center of the village.
Chalet Castor This chalet sleeps a large group of up to eight friends. Book through Mountain Exposure Zermatt.
Hotel Bellerive One of our first experiences in Zermatt and still one of our favorites. Book early!
Panorama Ski Lodge Chic and modern alpine flats with Matterhorn views. Dog friendly =)