The first glimpse of the iconic Matterhorn sets the scene for Zermatt’s breathtaking scenery and spectacular views that will stay with you forever. The heart of this traditional old mountain village is still alive within this vast international resort and its long association with the pioneers of mountaineering still lives on in the atmosphere of everyday life.

With its extensive high-altitude ski area and long ski season, this world class resort has a captivating appeal, often mentioned on the ‘must do’ ski resort lists.

Zermatt has a superb choice of top quality hotels, restaurants and bars and is renowned for its excellent gourmet mountain restaurants, reputed to be amongst the best in the world, lively après ski and extensive nightlife that continues into the small hours of the night. The town has an array of sophisticated shops and chic boutiques offering the discerning shopper a memorable alternative to the afternoon ski session.

All Zermatt’s four ski areas are now connected by fast chairs, gondolas, large cable cars, or by way of the stunningly scenic cog mountain railways. It is car free with transport provided by electric ski buses or taxis that connect to the three ski departure points, or by horse-drawn sleigh.

Zermatt’s skiing is vast and the opportunities are endless. The resort is suitable for all grades of skier, with the exception of perhaps for the absolute beginner.  It is considered especially suited for daring intermediates and advanced skiers, experienced off-piste skiers, and for those who would like to take their first off-piste challenge. An extensive heli skiing operation is available that is considered to be one of the best in the Alps, and for the freestyle and boarders there is one of the country’s best terrain parks. A well-earned lunch can be found at one of the many superb mountain restaurants, or an Italian al fresco lunch in the nearby resort of Cervinia.

The resort’s lively surroundings lends itself to the non-skier in pursuits such as browsing the many shops, people watching  whilst enjoying a delicious hot chocolate and strudel or lunchtime dining on the slopes.  Alternatively, a visit to the superb Zermatt museum gives a comprehensive insight into the history of the people of Zermatt and their association with the mountain. For the more active visitor there are helicopter flights, tobogganing, snowshoeing, curling and ice stock sport and ice-skating.