Zermatt: An Unforgettable Alpine Winter Escape

Oct 28, 2025

Value Partners is continuing its commitment to helping you achieve more than just returns on your investments. We want to offer ideas on how to convert your wealth to memorable experiences, live life to the fullest, and enjoy everything you’ve worked so hard for over the years.

To help, we’ve once again engaged the expertise of professional travel writers Michael and Lana Law, who offer tips and advice on how to craft exceptional vacations to some of their favourite locations around the world. Skiing is one of their lifelong passions, but Zermatt is at the top of their list because it’s so much more than just a ski destination.

An Active Winter Escape

If you’re looking for an active winter escape that you can plan with ease and enjoy with friends, family, or anyone, this is the place.

Tucked neatly below the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a dream destination for skiers and boarders who want a high-end alpine experience coupled with superb skiing. A fun and unique place where you'll find a lift that ascends through the depths of a mountain and a ski-through champagne bar.

But this is more than just a ski town; it's a historical village from the 16th century and a cultural escape that anyone can enjoy, including non-skiers. Perfect for couples or families (even multi-generational), you can bring your kids or grandchildren, and you may not even need to ski yourself.

If you do ski, the choices are endless, with over 200 kilometres of runs that cater to every level of skier. From the top of the mountain, you can ski down the backside into Italy and grab lunch on a patio while looking up at the Matterhorn - no passport required. Lift infrastructure here is the most modern in the world.

Accommodation in Zermatt provides unparalleled comfort, whether in a five-star hotel or a private, luxury catered chalet. Dining options are equally impressive. Start your après-ski at a tiny hole-in-the-wall bar featuring Europe's finest wines and ales, and follow it up with a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

And for those who want a little retail therapy, Zermatt's main street and side alleys offer a diverse selection of stores selling everything from traditional Swiss items such as chocolate to the latest ski gear and well-known luxury brands. It's easy to spend money here.

Practical Information

Getting There

The best option for getting to Zermatt is to fly into Zurich. From here, you can travel by rail to Zermatt, which will require a transfer in Visp. Total travel time is about 3.5 hours. Your hotel will arrange to pick you up at the train station.

It's also possible to rent a car and drive from Zurich as far as Tasch, on the edge of Zermatt. Beyond this point, private vehicles are not permitted. You will have to pay for parking and then either take the shuttle train (a 12-minute ride), taxi, or limo service into the village.

Getting Around

Zermatt is small, and getting around is easy. The village is car-free, so you can walk most places for shopping, dining, or even to the ski lift, depending on where you are staying.

The free E-bus service runs regularly from one end of town to the other and is a convenient way to get home from skiing at the end of the day. The town also has its own style of taxi, which looks more like a tiny bus with huge windows and space that is designed to carry skiers and all their gear. They cruise around the town, transporting people to and from the hill or anywhere else you want to go.

Things To Do

Skiing or Snowboarding - There is plenty of terrain for everyone, but if you have a clear and calm day, head to the very top and drop down the backside to ski Cervinia Resort on the Italian side, where you'll find the most spectacular scenery. Also, be sure to take the Sunnegga Funicular; it's unlike any lift you've ever ridden. Reached by walking through a cave, it ascends underground through a shaft in the mountain to the top. Zermatt is part of the IKON ski pass.
The Gornetgrat Railway - If you don't ski or are on a rest day from skiing, you can ride the scenic Gornetgrat Railway. This 45-minute ride takes you to a spectacular viewpoint showcasing 29 peaks that tower above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in elevation.
Historic Hinterdorf (The Old Village) In the higher regions of Zermatt, you can wander through a warren of steep and crooked streets filled with old, weather-beaten chalets, barns, and storehouses, from the 16th to 18th Centuries. This historic area is a fantastic location for photography.

Where To Eat

Dining is one of the key attractions in Zermatt, and dinner reservations are essential.
Michelin-starred Restaurants - If budget isn't in your vocabulary, try any of the four Michelin-starred restaurants: Capri (Italian), After Seven (varied), Brasserie Uno (offers a 3.5-hour tasting menu), and Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni (local and international cuisine).
Swiss Cuisine and General Dining - For authentic Swiss cuisine, Schäferstube is a small cottage-themed restaurant with fondue and raclette menus. If you need something for the whole family, Grampi's is an extremely popular place for pizza, pasta, and mainstream food, with a cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices.
Restaurants on the Mountain - On the slopes, Chez Vrony is a popular ski-to Michelin-mentioned restaurant with fantastic views of the Matterhorn. Another great choice is Restaurant Chalet Ried, with a scenic patio. These places, along with most on-hill dining, require reservations.

Where To Stay

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof - A landmark since 1879, this five-star hotel is steeped in history and opulence. Guests are whisked to the hotel from the train station in a horse-drawn carriage.
Hotel Monte Rosa – The oldest hotel in Zermatt, this four-star property was established in 1855 and has been a favourite among famous mountaineers.
Coeur desAlpes - For modern luxury and great value, this boutique, family-run inn is a great option. It provides a stylish, glass-sided chalet experience with a stunning Matterhorn view from its dining room and outdoor hot tub, perfect for relaxation after a day in the mountains.

So, grab your friends and family, pack those ski bags, and head for the Alps. Zermatt is the perfect destination if you want a taste of Europe with a side of adventure and luxury in your winter holiday. This exclusive Swiss village offers a seamless fusion of excitement and refined relaxation, crafting the idyllic setting for cherished memories. Zermatt is more than a vacation; it's the peak experience you've earned, just waiting to be claimed.

A view of the Matterhorn in late afternoon.