- Zermatt is car-free; drive or take the train to Täsch, then the shuttle
- High lifts mean reliable snow from late November to late April
- You can ski over the border to Cervinia in Italy
- Expect high prices, but self-catering and Swiss rail passes help
- Airports
- Geneva (GVA), Zurich (ZRH)
- Best time to go
- Late November-April for skiing, July-September for hiking
- Type
- Ski area
Few views in the Alps match the first sight of the Matterhorn from Zermatt's main street. This car-free village in the Swiss canton of Valais combines a chocolate-box setting with some of the highest and most snow-sure skiing in Europe, plus a lift link over the border to Cervinia in Italy.
Zermatt is not a bargain destination, but it delivers: long scenic runs, excellent mountain restaurants and a season that, thanks to its glacier, effectively never ends.
Why go to Zermatt
- The Matterhorn: the 4,478 m peak towers over almost every slope.
- Altitude: lifts reach 3,883 m at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe.
- Two countries: the shared Matterhorn ski paradise links Zermatt with Cervinia and Valtournenche, around 360 km of pistes in total.
- Car-free village: electric taxis, horse-drawn sleighs and clean mountain air.
Where to stay
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Village centre (Bahnhofstrasse) | Shops, restaurants and the station; lively in the evenings |
| Near the Matterhorn Express (south end) | Quick access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Italy |
| Winkelmatten | Quieter, chalet-style, Matterhorn views |
| Near the Sunnegga funicular | Easy access to the sunny Sunnegga-Rothorn slopes; good for families |
| Täsch | Much cheaper; a 12-minute shuttle train away |
Zermatt is long and lifts are spread out. Check how far your hotel is from the lift you will use most, not just from the station.
Top things to do
- Ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: a viewing platform at 3,883 m, an ice palace and, on clear days, views to Mont Blanc.
- Take the Gornergrat railway: a cog railway climbs to 3,089 m for a classic panorama of the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier.
- Ski to Italy for lunch: cross the Theodul Pass to Cervinia; you need the international lift pass.
- Summer glacier skiing: part of the Theodul Glacier stays open for skiing in summer.
- Hike the Five Lakes Walk: in summer, a gentle route from Blauherd with Matterhorn reflections.
- Visit the Matterhorn Museum: the story of the 1865 first ascent and Zermatt's growth.
Exploring further? See our Switzerland guide, or compare with the French Alps and the Dolomites.
Getting there and around from the UK
Fly to Geneva or Zurich, both with frequent flights from across the UK (about 1h30-1h45 from London). The train to Zermatt takes roughly 3h30-4h from either airport station, usually changing at Visp. It is a beautiful ride and luggage can be sent ahead with SBB's baggage service.
Driving? Leave the car in Täsch, where large car parks connect with the shuttle train to Zermatt every 20 minutes. Within the village, walk or use the electric buses and taxis.
A Swiss Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass can cut train costs and gives discounts on some mountain railways; check current terms.
Best time to go
The ski season usually runs from late November to late April, with glacier skiing extending through summer. January is cold, quiet and good value; February and Easter are busiest. March brings longer days and reliable snow. In summer, July to September is ideal for hiking and mountaineering.
Budget tips
- Stay in Täsch and commute by shuttle train.
- Book an apartment and self-cater from the Coop and Migros supermarkets.
- Buy lift passes online in advance; Zermatt uses dynamic pricing, so earlier is often cheaper.
- Only buy the international pass on days you will ski to Italy.
- Look for package deals: flights, transfers and hotel together can undercut booking separately. See Swiss ski deals.
Live Zermatt and Swiss ski deals
See all 39 dealsLive prices per person from our partners' feeds. Check the final price on the partner's site.
Top attractions in Zermatt
Zermatt on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Zermatt good for beginners?
Zermatt suits confident intermediates and above best, but there are beginner areas at Sunnegga and Riffelberg and excellent ski schools. Total beginners may find better value in smaller resorts.
Can you ski in Zermatt in summer?
Yes. Part of the Theodul Glacier near the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is open for summer skiing, mostly used by race teams and keen skiers. Check the lift company for current dates.
How do you get to Zermatt from Geneva?
Take the train from Geneva Airport, usually changing at Visp for the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. The trip takes around 3h30-4h. Cars must be left in Täsch.
Do you need euros or Swiss francs in Zermatt?
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF). Cards are accepted almost everywhere. If you ski to Cervinia you will pay in euros on the Italian side.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
