Zermatt

• Beginners

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• Intermediates

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• Experts

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• Snow Record

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• Families

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• Charm

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• Apres Ski

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• Weekends

An exclusive and traditional ski resort with old world charm surrounding the world’s most recognized mountain, the Matterhorn. Horse-drawn sleigh rides in the streets. Superb high skiing. Long season with summer skiing possible. Great nightlife. Not high on ski convenience but should be on almost every skier’s “must visit” list.

In favour of Zermatt

High on atmosphere and Valaisian charm. Zermatt is great for skiers and non skiers alike with good nightlife and some lovely restaurants. The resort is high, with an excellent snow record and long season well into April. Zermatt offers some of the most extensive skiing of the Alps but still remains unspoilt. The village is car-free but an electric ski bus (free with the ski-pass) runs around the village and along the river to connect with the 3 ski departure points.

Children under 9 years ski for free. The Kinderparadies has 300 sq.m. of playground and facilities to amuse young children for a half or whole day.

Disadvantages

Families with young children may find the logistics of getting everyone to ski school difficult. Beginners are not usually taught in the village but are taken up the Gornergrat mountain using the railway or to Trockener Steg by cable car. Quite a large village, with access to three main skiing so wherever you stay you can’t be near all of them. However the 3 areas are connected.

Non-Skiing Activities

Good toboggan runs, 45km of winter walking, snow-shoe trails, Ice skating, indoor tennis and squash courts. Bowling, indoor climbing wall. Ice grotto. Gorge adventure up the Gorner gorge. 6 hotels with pools open to the public. New Matterhorn museum. Good selection of nightlife.