5 Compelling Reasons Why Zermatt Should Be Your Ski Resort Of Choice
There are many ski resorts in the Swiss Alps and indeed across Europe. But time and time again, Zermatt tops the list. From its view of the beautiful Matterhorn mountain to its narrow streets and mountain restaurants, Zermatt really does have it all in true Alpine fashion.
Having lived and worked here for years and experienced all the wonderful things Zermatt can offer, here we offer our top 5 reasons why you should make it your ski resort of choice!
1. It consistently gets voted the best ski resort
In 2016, Zermatt was voted best ski resort in the Alps in a poll of more than 49,000 snow-sports fans for the second time in a row. 49,000 people can’t be wrong!! Those surveyed were asked to rate 54 Alpine resorts across a variety of areas such as the quality and variety of slopes, on-piste safety, entertainment and activity, catering and provision for families. Zermatt topped the piste quality, atmosphere, comfort and exclusivity categories while also doing well in the accommodation and piste safety ratings.
2. You can’t beat the snow conditions
Zermatt offers snow on the glacier 365 days a year. While some skiers dismiss skiing in early season because they think the snow may not be good enough, skiers to Zermatt know they can rely on great conditions even early in the season. Zermatt has 200km of pistes which are snow-sure from early December. The season usually runs from the end of November to the end of April but Zermatt’s slopes are open all year round so there is no official opening really. You can check the latest snow reports here.
3. You can ski to Italy for lunch!
Zermatt is linked by lift and piste to Cervinia in Italy which provides another 160km of slopes and amazing snow conditions. Cervinia’s high altitude of 2,050m in the village and 3,480m at the top lift station secures top to bottom snow from November to the beginning of May. The easy gradient of the never-ending slopes prove popular with beginners where they can practice in the most beautiful surroundings, perhaps working up to the more demanding slopes back across the border in Zermatt! Once you’re over the border, Cervinia offers sunny slopes, great hospitality and amazing Italian food.
4. Zermatt has the Matterhorn view wow-factor
You can have amazing ski slopes but if the views don’t match, it can affect the experience. There is nothing like skiing surrounded by breath-taking wow-factor views – it enhances the ski experience tenfold. With 38 summits above 4000m, the famous Matterhorn being one of them, skiers will be treated to the most eye-opening vistas on the way down the slopes. No matter where you are in Zermatt, the mighty Matterhorn dominates the skyline, claiming its place as one of the most photographed mountains in the world.
5. You are spoilt for choice on après ski
With its chocolate-box village vibe, narrow car-free streets and horse drawn carriages, there is something for everyone in Zermatt when you come down off the slopes. Skiing and après ski go hand-in-hand, which is why Zermatt is such a popular resort as it does both very well.A huge choice of après ski restaurants and boutique shops await. People return again and again because each visit is different – of course a few favourite haunts will be thrown in, but you can try something new every single time you come. Since Zermatt is a foodie heaven, many restaurants have Michelin status and you simply can’t visit without eating Swiss chocolate and cheese fondue!
So whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced skier or a couple, group or family, Zermatt, as you can see, has it all! The key to a successful skiing break in Zermatt is tailoring it to your needs. One size does not fit all – that’s why we offer our unique concierge service. Zermatt is not a place for “packages” if you want to experience it fully.
If you are thinking of a holiday in Zermatt, contact us now for a free concierge consultation – just tell us about you, what you are looking for and we can put together some tailored suggestions for accommodation, itinerary, skiing and après ski fun!