What could be better than eating chocolate, cheese, and fresh bread in one of Europe’s most picturesque winter villages, beneath the iconic silhouette of the Matterhorn? This year’s ski trip took place in Zermatt, Switzerland—a car-free village where electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages replace traffic noise and pollution. Zermatt sits at the heart of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and is very close to the Italian border—you can literally ski into Italy.
Below are practical tips, recommendations, and things to know if you’re planning a trip to Zermatt.
No cars allowed: All cars must stop and park in Täsch. From there, you can take a 10-minute train ride into Zermatt or have an electric taxi pick you up. We flew into Zurich and took the train directly into town, which was smooth and easy (book train tickets in advance, they get packed)!
Getting around: Transportation within Zermatt is simple as the town is fairly small. You can walk everywhere, take electric taxis, use hotel shuttles, or even rent an electric bike during your stay.
Book early: Accommodations book up fast, especially during the winter high season. I also recommend booking ski passes online in advance and emailing ski rental shops ahead of time to reserve any gear you’ll need. Note: if you want to ski into the Italian side you must add the international pass on your ticket when purchasing.
Always check weather and ski updates: The weather in Zermatt can change quickly. Downloading the Matterhorn app to check daily updates is highly recommended, especially if you plan on crossing over to Cervinia on the Italian side. Weather conditions must be perfect for the crossing to be open, and timing matters—you’ll want to allow enough time to ski back. While the crossing itself takes about 15 minutes on skis, getting stuck in Italy can mean a 4-hour taxi ride costing around €900.
Where to Eat
Chez Vrony
An iconic, family-owned restaurant on the slopes with a stunning Matterhorn view. Reservations are a must—book well in advance. My tip: make two or three reservations on different days and wait until about a week before your trip to check the weather, then cancel the extras. Definitely try the famous Vrony burger.
Findlerhof
Also requires a reservation in advance. Give yourself extra time to get here—you ski to a certain area and then walk a few minutes downhill to the restaurant. The weather was cloudy the day we went, but the interior of the restaurant is still so beautiful.
Stefanie’s Crêperie
Delicious savory and sweet crêpes right in the center of town. Yes—it’s the spot with the long line.
CERVO
A great spot for cocktails. The Cervo hotel also has a great Italian restaurant, Madre Nostra, if you want more of a modern, and elevated feel.
Sky Club Cervinia
Located on the Cervinia side on the slopes. Maybe I’m biased, but Italy really does have some of the best food—and for noticeably cheaper than Switzerland.
Whymper Stube
A classic spot for traditional Swiss fondue in the center of town.
Soupi
A soup stand that’s perfect for a quick, warm bite after a long day of skiing. The potato-leek soup with sausage is incredible.
Where to Après-Ski
Hennu Stall
A classic après-ski bar located on the lower part of the mountain. You can ski straight into the bar and then ski all the way down to town afterward. I recommend arriving around 6:00 PM, when the party really starts.
Harry’s Bar
A lively bar located in the center of town, perfect for drinks after skiing and an easy transition into the evening for dinner.
Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort
For a more relaxed après-ski experience, head to Cervo. When skiing on the Sunnegga / Rothorn side of the mountain, take the run down to town and then the elevator up to the hotel. They often host live music in the late afternoon—check the hotel’s event calendar for exact times.
What to Do
Ski
Zermatt offers world-class skiing with incredible views of the Matterhorn, a wide range of terrain, and access to both Swiss and Italian slopes.
Paraglide
Take off from different parts of the mountain and glide over Zermatt for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the village.
Walk Around Town & Shop
Stroll through town and enjoy car-free streets and browse luxury boutiques and local shops. Walk up to the Zermatt viewpoint on a sunny day to get the view of the entire village with the Matterhorn behind it.
Igludorf
Visit the igloo village on the mountain for a unique experience featuring ice sculptures, drinks, views.
Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort – Spa Day
Relax with a spa day at Cervo, known for its outdoor hot tubs, sauna, and mountain views—perfect for unwinding after skiing.
Riffelhaus 1853 – Spa with a View
Enjoy the spa at Riffelhaus, located high on the mountain, offering an outdoor pool and wellness area with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
Even though I visited Zermatt during the winter, it’s an incredible summer destination as well, with beautiful hiking trails and challenging climbs— including routes on the Matterhorn for experienced and advanced climbers.
Pros
- Extremely safe, clean, and quiet
- Breathtaking views that feel straight out of a movie
- Wide variety of restaurants
- Ability to ski directly into Italy
- Plenty of shops, hotels, and spas in town for non-skiers
Cons
- Very expensive (accomodations & food)
- No cars allowed in town (taxis are limited and pricey)
- It can take a long time to reach the top of the mountain due to multiple gondola connections
- Weather changes quickly
- The Matterhorn often disappears when it’s cloudy
- I personally found the ski area confusing and preferred the Italian side for skiing
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