Zermatt: The Ultimate Alpine Ski Experience
- Trip And Zip
- Dec 29, 2006
- 4 min read
For tourists in Zermatt, Switzerland, a ski vacation offers an unmatched experience. It's tough to imagine anything beyond the standard set by this famous resort. Especially for advanced skiers, nothing will be the same after skiing here.
The simple mention that Zermatt holds the highest point in Europe accessible by cable car (Klein Matterhorn peak, 3,883 m) is a strong argument for the area's sensational potential. Should I also mention the cable car's capacity, accommodating 100 people at once? The landscape is breathtaking, and the feeling is hard to match. For the time spent there, you're practically the highest person in Europe! (except maybe for a climber somewhere 🙂 )... One of the highest peaks in the Alps, the Matterhorn (4,478 m) with its distinctive shape, is visible in all its glory. It's hard to describe the surrounding panorama in words, especially if the sky is clear!
Equally unmatched is the experience of skiing at over 3,500 meters and the variety of slopes offered to skiers. You can ski here for weeks, experiencing something new every day. There are four main areas, each with its own challenges: Rothorn Paradise (3,103 m), Gornergrat (3,089 m), Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883 m), and Schwarzsee Paradise (2,583 m). There's also a connection to the Italian region of Breuil-Cervinia / Valtournenche and Val d’Aosta. To fully enjoy the potential of the Swiss ski areas, it's recommended to be at least an intermediate skier, as most slopes are marked red or black. Plus, there are plenty of off-piste options. However, the Italian side solves this problem! Less experienced skiers will find beginner-friendly slopes there, where most of the blue and easier intermediate runs are located.
The presence of mountain cabins with dining areas and sun terraces is another reason to visit Zermatt. I'm not saying other resorts don't have excellent places to eat right on the slopes, nor am I arguing with those who might suggest great mountain cabins in the Alps with good services and stunning views... Many might be right. But Zermatt has a few unique locations in how they cater to tourists. Success stories of turning simple mountain houses into traditional yet cosmopolitan cabins (!) offering only organic, home-grown products (by the way, Switzerland’s ecosystem and its upkeep are impressive) are rare. I'll mention just one example here: Chez Vrony cabin in the Rothorn Paradise area—a mountain restaurant that not only offers exceptional views and a sunny terrace at 2,100 meters but also a rich menu of homemade products and a carefully selected wine list. I won’t even mention the cozy mountain design, the staff's service, or the quality of the fondue… because I could go on indefinitely… 🙂
Like many other Swiss resorts, Zermatt is car-free, and for good reason. The town isn’t designed for heavy traffic, and cars parked in front of hotels would be a serious issue. The streets are populated only by electric cars and strolling tourists, creating a picturesque and relaxing combination. The buildings reflect the typical architecture of the area, though you can tell the resort has some history and has been on the tourist circuit for a while. There’s also a street where traditional buildings have been carefully preserved, probably dating back to the early 20th century.
There’s a full range of accommodation options, but I must mention that the prices seemed significantly higher than in Austria. The commercial area is also very diverse, catering to all tastes, from sporting equipment to exclusive boutiques of major fashion houses. Similar to some resorts in Italy, I noticed that many tourists here seem to have a second outfit, suitable for evening outings, restaurant visits, or strolls. I'm referring to what I would call "mountain chic" for ladies (and I have no idea what to call it for gentlemen… 🙂 ).
The restaurants, cafes, and bars are also very diverse. Again, I emphasize the high prices, which should not be overlooked. Almost any activity you do in Zermatt tends to be more expensive compared to most Austrian resorts. These high prices are certainly influenced by the fact that many VIPs, like Madonna or Nicole Kidman, have frequented the resort in past years. Even during our stay, another star, Robbie Williams, was spotted on Zermatt's slopes. He is said to own a property here as well... The constant presence of various celebrities probably explains a lot! 🙂
Skiing demanded quite a bit of energy, and we didn’t experience Zermatt's nightlife much, but from what I heard, it's top-tier, just like the après-ski scene. Even without partying all night, I can vouch for the après-ski bars located just above the terminus station for the ski bus! 🙂 There, a German friend introduced me to a shot (I think it’s called fig schnapps) that, once consumed—even in small amounts—right after a day of skiing, completely changes your existential perspective... 🙂 Suddenly, everything becomes beautiful, and you become instant friends with everyone, even if you don’t speak German or any other language. It doesn’t even matter that it might be cold outside, and you're still in ski boots at 7 p.m. You’ll certainly find something to talk about in the middle of a crowd of friendly folks who, like you, are vibrating with the moment, and dancing in ski boots becomes a serious option... 🙂Of course, the conversations can continue after dinner when many gather at Papperla Pub, one of the popular spots for “storytellers” and fun-seekers… 🙂 I can say that we, too, “told stories” there on several evenings, and I fondly remember the atmosphere and the feeling!
One small inconvenience should be mentioned: for those driving to Zermatt, it’s good to know that cars must be left a few kilometers away in the town of Täsch. From there, we took a taxi to Zermatt’s entrance and then called the hotel’s electric car to pick us up. Sure, it's a bit harder to access, but I can't help but agree with the community's efforts to protect the environment and charm of Zermatt. 🙂
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