Zermatt was voted as the no. 1 ski resort in Switzerland in a survey among 46,000 skiers and snowboarders. Here are 5 reasons why you should make Zermatt your next winter holiday destination.
1. It’s the home of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world, known as the king of the Alps among hikers who dream of reaching its summit. Admire its almost perfect pyramid-shaped peak on the ski slopes or take the Matterhorn Glacier Ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to get a 360-view of the alpine peaks across France, Switzerland and Italy.
2. It’s not crowded even during peak season. Since there are over 360 kilometers of pistes with well-placed ski lifts, you won’t experience long queues at gondolas or worry about being run over by other skiers in a jam-packed slope.
3. You can ski all year round in Europe’s highest and largest glacier ski area even during summer. Enjoy 21 kilometers of well-maintained slopes at Theodul Glacier, also a popular training area for winter sports athletes in the summer.
4. It’s a car-free zone which means cleaner air, less noise pollution and a traffic-free road that makes strolling a bit more pleasant. Holidaymakers travelling by car must park in Tasch and take a 12-minute train to Zermatt. There are electric taxis and buses available for getting around.
5. There’s a wide selection of apres ski restaurants, bars and night clubs to suit every taste and budget.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re looking for a ski-in ski-out hotel with a good apres-ski vibe, stunning views of the Matterhorn, excellent spa and great dining options in an unbeatable location, The Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort has it all. Peak season rates for doubles start at CHF 526 (room only).
credit: cervo.ch
For an excellent standard of hospitality that the Swiss are known for, the family-run Hotel Aristella will not disappoint. Located within walking distance to the Zermatt train station, town center and Sunnega cable car that takes you to the ski lifts, its modern double room offer with breakfast is good value at CHF 288.
credit: aristella-zermatt.ch