Zermatt

Zermatt is a modern winter sports resort with an international reputation. The emblem of Zermatt (and of all Switzerland) is the distinctive silhouette of the majestic Matterhorn (4,478 m). In fact, as many as 29 of the 38 four-thousanders in Switzerland are in this area. Skiing here is not limited to winter. The resort has a year-round ski area (25 km of pistes) on the Klein Matterhorn/Plateau Rosa glacier. In the season between late November and early May you can use the pistes in three extensive and varied areas: Sunnegga/Blauherd/Rothorn, Gornergrat/Stockhorn/Riffelberg and the aforementioned Schwarzsee/Trockener Steg/Klein Matterhorn. It is also worth noting that in the 2006/07 season a new eight-seater gondola gave Zermatt a much more convenient and faster link with the ski areas around Cervinia-Breuil on the Italian side of the border. New carriages were also introduced on the rack railway from Zermatt to the Gornergrat, which is now faster and more comfortable. The carriages have panoramic windows, so the ride up offers unforgettable views. The whole ski region here (including the pistes on the Italian side of the border) offers a truly impressive 245 km of pistes. Yet the three ski areas around Zermatt alone can satisfy even the most demanding skiers. The slopes in the Sunnegga/Rothorn area, wonderfully sunny and sheltered from the wind, are ideal for relaxed family skiing. Gentle runs also lead down into the valley from the summit of the Gornergrat. Skiers with a sporting streak tend to choose the pistes on the Stockhorn. The ski area on the Klein Matterhorn glacier allows skiing practically all year round. From here you can ski down to the pistes of Italian Cervinia. The areas around Zermatt are also fantastic for freeriding. The most dedicated can try heliskiing. While Zermatt is a true paradise for alpine skiers, cross-country skiers would do better to choose another Alpine region. There are very few trails here, just 9 km, mostly on the difficult side. As befits such a fashionable and renowned resort, Zermatt offers its guests far more than "just" dream ski terrain. There is only one caveat: a holiday here is certainly not cheap. And while the choice of entertainment is dazzling, the prices can unfortunately make a visitor's head spin too. There are brine pools and an impressive curling rink. You can try ice climbing and ice diving. With a guide you can visit the picturesque Gornerschlucht gorge, famous for the fantastic shapes formed by frozen waterfalls. A big attraction is the ice cave on the summit of the Klein Matterhorn. The cave, 15 m below the surface of the glacier, is reached through a tunnel cut into the ice. You can also admire the area from the air: scenic helicopter flights go around the Matterhorn. Zermatt has a well-preserved old centre with plenty of traditional old buildings. There are also exclusive shopping arcades with glittering shop windows. The number of hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs is huge. Socialising and the pleasures of the table rank very high in this fashionable resort.