When it came to planning our honeymoon, we Colorado kids knew we wanted to spend time doing our absolute favorite thing: skiing. Well... snowboarding for Hunter...
Skiing in the Alps had been on our collective bucket list for as long as we could remember, and our honeymoon seemed like the perfect time to cross it off the list.
We researched several options in the Swiss, French and Italian Alps, but ultimately went with Zermatt for the best mix of incredible slopes (pistes), atmosphere, food & romance (it was our honeymoon, after all.) We cannot say enough good things about this idyllic town- it was truly magical.
Check out our guide for everything to know before your trip to Zermatt, including our top recommendations!
About Zermatt
Zermatt, Switzerland is a charming Alpine village located in the canton of Valais, nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn mountain. The stunning scenery, combined with an array of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, make it a popular destination for travelers from all around the world. Whether you're an avid skier looking to hit the slopes like us or simply looking for a cozy winter getaway, Zermatt has something to offer everyone.
In this Zermatt Guide
Getting to Zermatt
What to Do in Zermatt in the Winter
Skiing and Snowboarding in Zermatt
Getting to Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free village, so the only way to get there is by train. The journey from Geneva or Zurich to Zermatt takes approximately 3.5 hours and involves a change of trains in Visp. Trains run frequently, and tickets can be purchased online or at the train station.
We took the train from Paris and the entire ride was stunning! It felt like being on the Hogwarts Express in the best, coziest, and most romantic snow-filled way.
Once we arrived at the train station, an electric car from our hotel came to pick us up. Many of the higher-end hotels offer this- which is a great touch! There are also public buses that run throughout the day and night in town.
What to Do in Zermatt in the Winter
There is truly something for everyone in this charming town. We, of course, were there to ski- but we made friends with others who came just to take in the beauty of the area without ever strapping into ski boots...
Here are some of the top things to see & do in Zermatt during the winter.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Duh. Zermatt is also a world-renowned ski destination, with 360 kilometers (about 224 miles) of ski runs catering to all levels of ability. The Matterhorn glacier paradise is the highest ski area in Europe, with slopes that are open year-round. We went at the beginning of the season in early December and got EXTREMELY lucky with the perfect combo of sunshine-y bluebird days and sections of fresh powder snow.
Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is a panoramic train journey that takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in Switzerland. The journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes approximately 8 hours and passes through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and over the Oberalp Pass.
Ice Skating
Zermatt has an outdoor ice rink that's open throughout the winter season. Skate rentals are available at the rink.
Matterhorn Museum
The Matterhorn Museum is a museum that tells the story of the Matterhorn and the history of Zermatt. The museum is located in the center of the village and is open all year round.
Spa Time
Zermatt boasts a range of exquisite spas amidst its breathtaking alpine scenery. Here are a few notable spas in Zermatt that you might consider visiting:
Matterhorn Focus Design Hotel Spa
We loved our stay at the Matterhorn Focus Design Hotel! The spa facilities were phenomenal (especially after a long day on the slopes!) The spa area included an indoor/outdoor pool, steam room, sauna, and sound bath room- all of which were fantastic.
The Omnia Spa
This luxurious spa provides a serene retreat with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It offers a range of treatments and therapies, including massages, facials, and body treatments.
Mont Cervin Palace Spa
Located within the iconic Mont Cervin Palace hotel, this spa offers a tranquil sanctuary with a wide selection of treatments and facilities. Unwind with a massage, relax in the sauna or steam room, and take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool while admiring the majestic Matterhorn.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Zermatt
Here are some of the best skiing and snowboarding options in Zermatt:
Klein Matterhorn: The Klein Matterhorn is the highest point in the ski area, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. The slopes here are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Lots of straightaway downhill runs!
Gornergrat: The Gornergrat is a popular area for skiers and snowboarders, with slopes that cater to all levels of ability. The Gornergrat ridge also offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.
Sunnegga: The Sunnegga side of the mountain is aptly named- it was by far the sunniest (and our favorite!) The terrain was perfect for a chill ski day for intermediate to advanced skiiers, and our favorite restaurants were off of runs in this section of the mountain. Bonus points for being the part of the mountain where we got to ride the funicular!
Schwarzsee: The Schwarzsee area is a great option for families and beginners, with gentle slopes and a ski school for children and adults.
Glacier Skiing: With slopes that are open year-round, the Matterhorn glacier paradise is a unique skiing and snowboarding experience. It's also home to the world's highest cable car station, the Matterhorn glacier ride.
Off-Piste Skiing: Zermatt is famous for its off-piste skiing, with endless powder runs and challenging terrain. If you're an experienced skier or snowboarder, consider hiring a guide to explore the backcountry.
What to Eat In Zermatt
Chez Vrony: Chez Vrony is a traditional Swiss restaurant located on the slopes of Sunnegga. The menu features local produce and dishes such as fondue, raclette and rösti. The restaurant also has a large terrace with panoramic views of the Matterhorn. This was one of our favorite meals of all time- we had a bottle (oops ;:) of champagne and the fondue and it was simply *chef's kiss* amazing! Oh, and it's a Michelin Star restaurant- so there's that.
Adler Hitta: This was another fabulous meal that we skied right up to! The vibes were fantastic- tons of outdoor seating, a DJ playing live music, and obviously stunning views of the Matterhorn. We had a picture-perfect charcuterie board (one of our favorite things ever) and some delicious soup.
Zum See: Zum See is a family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Swiss cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and its famous "Zum See" fish soup. We didn't try this restaurant on our trip- but it came highly recommended by others.
Findlerhof: Findlerhof is a charming restaurant located in a 400-year-old chalet. The menu features traditional Swiss dishes and the restaurant has an extensive wine list. The outdoor terrace offers stunning views of the Matterhorn.
Bonus mention: CHOCOLATE! Swiss chocolate lives up to the hype. Be sure to stop in town at chocolate shops to sample Toblerone, Lindt, and hand-crafted chocolate truffles.
Where to Stay in Zermatt
Matterhorn Focus Design Hotel: We loved our stay at the Matterhorn Focus Design Hotel. The location was unbeatable- literally 50 ft from the entrance to the main gondola with a full ski locker room on the ground floor. Our room was SO cozy, with its own fireplace and bear claw bathtub. The spa had everything we could have wanted- pool, sauna, and more. The main area of the hotel had a lovely sitting area and fireplace and a bar staffed with friendly bartenders. The hotel is on the smaller side, which contributed to a level of service that was 10/10.The best part was that the outdoor balcony offered a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn!
The Omnia: The Omnia is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Zermatt. The hotel features a spa, a gourmet restaurant and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Matterhorn. This is another top choice for a romantic winter getaway.
Mont Cervin Palace: Mont Cervin Palace is a historic hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1851. The hotel features a spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace with views of the Matterhorn.
Hotel Matthiol: Hotel Matthiol is a boutique hotel located just outside of the village center. The hotel features a spa, a gourmet restaurant and a shuttle service to the ski lifts.
Where to Après in Zermatt
What's a ski day without proper après? From a glass of champagne to a much warmer gluhwein (hot mulled wine) there are plenty of options for an end of the day beverage. We found some adorable spots to grab a post-slope cocktail. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Little Bar: The cutest, smallest little bar we ever did see! It's a few steps down below ground and is a great spot to stop for a chat with the bartender and other visitors. Bring a dollar (Pound, Euro, Peso, et al.) and a pen to leave on the ceiling.
Elsie's Champagne Bar: On our first night, we arrived late-ish and most restaurants were already closed. We walked to Elsie's and it was the most serendipitous experience. We ended up having some drinks & yummy small plates. The inside was quaint and it had the feel of a 'local' hub. Highly recommend stopping in!
Harry's: This was a casual stop with a fun atmosphere of fellow young travelers!
How Much to Budget for a Trip to Zermatt
The cost of a trip to Zermatt in the winter can vary greatly depending on your travel preferences, accommodation choices, activities, and personal spending habits.
We went for our honeymoon, so we chose to splurge considerably more than we otherwise would have for a vacation- but to me, this was one of the destinations where spending a bit more does meaningfully impact the trip on the whole (i.e., spending more for a hotel that was steps from the main gondola was SO worth it for us!)
That said, Switzerland is an expensive country no matter how you slice it. There are ways to save here & there and still have an amazing trip, though.
Here's a rough breakdown of expenses to consider when budgeting for your trip:
Accommodation: Zermatt offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, chalets, and budget-friendly guesthouses. The prices can vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation and the time of year you plan to visit. On average, in the winter you can expect to spend around $250 to $600 per night for mid-range accommodation.
Transportation: Zermatt is a car-free village, so you'll need to take a train or a taxi to reach the town. If you're traveling from an international destination, you may need to consider the cost of flights or train tickets to Switzerland as well. Train tickets from major Swiss cities to Zermatt can cost around $100 to $200 roundtrip, depending on the class and the type of ticket.
Activities: The cost of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain excursions will depend. We were actually VERY pleasantly surprised by how affordable it was to ski in Zermatt compared to some of the popular resorts we're used to skiing in Colorado. For context, here's what we paid for 3 days of skiing:
Lift Tickets: $40/day
Rentals: $35/day (this was for skis, boots, poles, a helmet & a jacket (I didn't want to pack my bulky ski coat) We rented from Dorsaz Sport which was conveniently located right across from our hotel & steps from the main gondola.
Food: Zermatt has a range of dining options, from high-end restaurants to more low-key eateries. The on-mountain restaurants are a bit more expensive, ranging from $30-$100 for lunch, and the in-town restaurants range about $40-$200 for dinner.
One advantage to staying at a nicer-end hotel is that many of them have a full breakfast buffet included. The breakfast each morning at our hotel was fabulous- and it was convenient to eat there before hitting the slopes.
Considering the above factors, a rough estimate for a 4-day trip to Zermatt could range from $800 to $3500 or more per person, excluding international transportation costs. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on your personal preferences and the time of year you plan to visit. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs.
Overall Impressions of Zermatt
Zermatt is straight out of a fairytale. Everything about this town is idyllic - from the natural beauty of the mountains and streams to the charming architecture throughout. The fact that it is car-free adds to the old-time feel, and makes the town so quiet you can almost hear the snow falling... We absolutely loved everything about it. It's one of those places that you visit and immediately want to return to. Crossing our fingers that we get the chance to see Zermatt in the summer, as well, to experience a different side of this incredible place.
Maybe we will even move here one day... Swiss Family Robinson style.
Overall, 1 million Toblerone chocolates out of 10 :)
P.S. From Zermatt, we continued out travels to Lucerne, Switzerland and LOVED that too! You can read more about our experience there in this blog post!