Skiing in Zermatt – The complete Resort Guide + Map & Tips

Skiing in Zermatt means fun on over 360 km of groomed pistes, skiing internationally in two countries and reaching high into the sky at 3883m altitude. In short – Zermatt is the highest ski resort in the Swiss Alps and a guarantees fun for the whole family. No wonder it is on the list of the Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland.

Towering over the Swiss alpine village of Zermatt, is the famous Matterhorn. Most hotels in Zermatt offer a Matterhorn view and it is also viewable from pretty much every single ski slope in Zermatt. An iconic view which makes Zermatt so famous and your ski holiday memorable.

But the Matterhorn is not the only thing that makes a ski vacation in Zermatt worthwhile. The perfect mixture of many different pistes and parks, combined with mountain restaurants both on and off the slopes helps too.

And the charming village of Zermatt makes this Swiss ski resort in Valais – Switzerland, perfect for any vacation. Go to a museum, enjoy classic Swiss fondue in the Wimper Stube and have a fairytale moment whilst ice skating during a winter sunset are some activities amongst others, you will find in Zermatt.

Zermatt simply is one of the best Swiss ski resorts and if you would like to know more, then carry on reading and find out why skiing in Zermatt has to be on your bucket list when visiting Switzerland.

Read our general article About A Winter Family Dream Vacation in Zermatt also for non-skiers

Skiing in Zermatt and discovering the Three Ski Areas

That Zermatt ski resort is good for skiing and snowboarding is a fact. Due to the high altitude and skiing on glaciers it is also known as the snow sure resort.

Zermatt ski area is divided into three sections; Rothorn – Sunnegga, Gornergrat and the impressive Matterhorn Glacier Paradise up at Klein Matterhorn including the Schwarzsee area. There is actually a fourth area which makes Zermatt an international ski resort as it is linked with Cervinia in Italy making an impressive 360km of groomed pistes.

Whether you are a beginner skiing family or an advanced off-piste enthusiast, Zermatt has the perfect area for you.

With no short than 200 kilometers of pistes in the Zermatt ski area the average skier will definitely get their money’s worth here. But also, the beginners and the advanced skiers will not be left out, because 63 km of  black and 75 km of blue groomed slopes will give everybody more than enough opportunity to have fun during your skiing vacation in Zermatt.

Each ski area has its own character, level of difficulty, sun exposure and points of interest.

Whilst some are ideal for carving practice others are more technical slopes with steep inclines.

But every ski area in Zermatt has one thing in common, sun and unrivalled views of the mighty and iconic Toblerone shaped mountain, the Matterhorn.

Let’s have a look and explain a bit more in depth how skiing in Zermatt works, so when you are planning your ski holiday in Zermatt you should have a better understanding of what you will find.

Zermatt Ski Map

Check out the Zermatt ski map to see all the different areas. You have the three Swiss ski domains here, circled in colours plus the Italian area on the right.
To get full access to the Zermatt ski map just click on it.

Skiing at Sunnegga – Rothorn in Zermatt

Beginners & Families: If you are not sure if Zermatt is good for families, then let me introduce you to “The Sunnegga Ski Area” which is definitely a paradise for families and beginners.

You will find the “Wolli Beginners’ Park” up at Sunnegga by the frozen Leisee. You do not need to be a skier to access the park. A self-service funicular brings you from the Sunnegga station down to the Leisee Wolli Park and back up again at the end of the day.

The Wolli paradise has five magic carpets in a sheltered and sunny setting looking right at the mighty Matterhorn.

Beginners of all ages are comfortable and the learning of making “Pizza’s and French-fries” (snow plough and parallel skiing) was never so much fun!

In addition to that, children will find a variety of play equipment to keep them entertained.

Families and beginners learning how to ski in Zermatt at the Wolli beginners Park will only need a ski ticket up to Sunnegga as the park is free of charge.

But also, the other ski pistes up at Sunnegga – Rothorn are ideal for easy skiing with great views.

How to access the Sunnegga – Rothorn ski domain from Zermatt

You can take the green or red bus within Zermatt Village and exit at the Sunnegga Express funicular station.

Once at Sunnegga you can transfer to the Blauherd bubble gondola and even further up with the large gondola to Rothorn at 3103 meters altitude.

The views over the glaciers and the alpine peaks are breathtakingly beautiful from up here.

Where to eat at the Sunnegga Rothorn ski area

If you like to lunch on the mountain in an exceptional setting then the Sunnegga side is the top choice.

• Restaurant Fluhalp can be accessed from Rothorn down the red piste number 19.
• The top place is the Findeln area but its popularity means it does get busy. The hamlets of charming Valaisanne Mazots have become a hub for food connoisseurs and everyone that likes something special. Whether your choice is “Chez Vroni” (Prince William’s favourite), the new “@Paradise” or even the Findlerhof, all of these offer unique views in a charming, cosy and more upmarket setting. From Sunnegga take the blue piste number 6 down to Findeln.

• The large self-service buffet -bar restaurant at Sunnegga station offers a large sun terrace and good Swiss mountain food. It is also easily accessible for non-skiers because it is right by the funicular.
• Blue Lounge, situated at Blauherd, is another popular place with a stunning terrace, and yes you guessed it, panoramic views to the Matterhron and often live music or DJs’. This is also a great place to reach for non-skiers.

Unique features of the Sunnegga -Rothorn Ski domain in Zermatt

Apart from being super pretty with unbelievable panoramic views over to the Matterhorn, the Sunnegga ski area also has some special features.

Firstly, as already mentioned above, “The Wolli beginners ski park” and secondly it is here where you will find two pretty photo points. The Zermatt heart is at Blauherd and the Grand Tour of Switzerland photo point is located all the way at the top of Rothorn.

Furthermore, will you be able to follow the Matterhorn climbing history path at Rothorn. A short path explaining the first climbs of the nearby peaks and many other facts about the mighty Matterhorn

Practical information: At the Sunnegga village station you can leave your skis locked up for 2.- a day. This is extremely practical if your hotel in Zermatt is not close to the lift and especially if you also have to carry your kids skis.

Skiing in Zermatt at the Gornergrat Ski Area

With amazing access to some of Zermatt’s finest itineraries like the Hohtälli at 3286 meters altitude plus not to forget the possibility to reach the Gornergrat at 3089m, the Gornergrat ski area is often a favourite of tourists.

From the Gornergrat panoramic viewing terrace you can experience an impressive view of the Gorner glacier and the 4000-metre peaks surrounding it. A unique view and not to be missed.

Beginners & Families. Like other areas of the Zermatt ski domain the Gornergrat ski area offers great possibilities for the whole family and pretty much every level of skiing ability.

At Riffelberg beginners will find the Zermatter’s Snowli beginners park with a magic carpet and other obstacles which will make these first turns much more enjoyable.

And if you like jumps there are plenty to be found between the pistes from Gornergrat all the way to Riffelberg.

How to access the Gornergrat ski domain from Zermatt

Riding the comfortable Gornergrat train is without a doubt one of the nicest train rides in Switzerland.

The train departs from opposite the Zermatt train station and taxi square.

If you are planning to ride all the way to the top of the Gornergrat you will be enjoying a 33 minutes train ride. Have your camera ready and if possible, sit on the right side when going up.

This is also a great mountain top for non-skiers to visit.

Where to eat at the Gornergrat ski area

 Like in the other Zermatt ski areas there is a good choice of restaurants.

• The “Panorama Self Restaurant” at the Gornergrat is ideal for a quick bite and you just simply cannot fault the view. The Matterhorn seams so close and touchable. This is also a hotel and shopping centre just in case you need something to take home!
• If a cute authentic Swiss hut is more your style then make your way to the “Chämi Hitta”. Not only will you be served some authentic Swiss food but also the best Apple-strudel in Zermatt. Ski down the piste number 41 to the Untere Riffelalp before the Landtunnel.
• The mentally located Restaurant Riffelberg at 2482m, is a favourite for families that have their kids in the beginner’s ski domain right next door. Easily reachable with the Gornergrat train as it stops pretty much outside.

Unique features of the Gornergrat ski domain in Zermatt

The Gornergrat is itself an amazing place to visit, offering some great glacier views, a shopping centre and their own gin distillerie the “Matterhorn Distillers” at the Gornergrat Kulm Hotel.

You will also find another photo point from the Grand Tour of Switzerland up at Gornergrat.

Visit the NEW Multi-media experience «Zooom the Matterhorn»

A unique multi-media experience dedicated to the Matterhorn and the surrounding alpine world!

Visitors can experience three stages; first zoom the Matterhorn. Get closer to the ‘Horu’ (the locals’ name for the Matterhorn) with the periscopes. Graphics give additional information throughout your viewing.

The second stage is the immersive 3D cinema. With breathtaking photography and videos you have the sensation you are actually hiking the path to the top.

And last but not least the third station lets you fly with your “own” paraglider over the Matterhorn and its surroundings, whilst hearing the Alpine eagle and other natural sounds.  An absolutely incredible feeling and experience. For tickets check their website.

The sledge run at Rotenboden is an alternative for an afternoon activity instead of skiing. You can reach it with the Gornergrat train from Riffelberg and exit at Rotenboden. It is also here where the famous Riffelsee is, and maybe if you are visiting during the late spring the lake is already starting to defrost making it a great photography object.

The Iglu Dorf (Igloo Village) in Zermatt is located next to piste number 45 and has to be visited when in Zermatt.

You can book a night there as well or just have lunch or a drink and admire the interior art work of the Igloos. Don’t miss the perfect picture window. There is one igloo day visitors can go inside and will find a perfect cut out window to the Matterhorn which makes a super sweet photograph.

Practical information: If your accommodation is towards the end of Zermatt close to the Matterhorn, you may want to access the Gornergrat ski area via Furi. Especially during peak busy times this might be a good idea, as the Gornergrat train is often full.

In this case make your way to the Matterhorn-Express cable car, exit at Furi and board the bubble gondola heading up to Riffelberg.

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Schwarzsee Ski Area

As it’s name says, the paradise of Zermatt. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee ski area offers year-round glacier skiing accessible from Europe’s highest mountain station – the Klein Matterhorn.

Starting your ski day in Zermatt at a staggering 3883 meters above sea level is unique, amazing and simply beautiful.

Beginners & Families may want to experience the ride and views from the top of the Matterhorn glacier paradise, but maybe not the ski down. You need to be able to ski red runs to get down to Trockener Steg.

You can still head up visit the Matterhorn Glacier Palace and stand on the viewing platform marvelling at 14 glaciers and many 4000-metre peaks in 3 countries.

How to access the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Schwarzsee ski domain from Zermatt

You can leave Zermatt at 1620m with the Matterhorn- Express cable car and click in your bindings at an impressive 3883 meters above sea level just 45 minutes later. The Matterhorn- Express cable car takes you all the way to Trockener Steg,

It is no longer necessary to exit and change the gondola and it takes you 30 min to reach Trockener Steg. Here you need to change to the new comfortable cable car for the last stretch to the Klein Matterhorn.

Where to eat at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Schwarzsee Ski area

• Well, why not take a seat at the highest mountain restaurant in Europe. There is a menu for every taste and the views out of the panorama windows at 3883m altitude are just out of this world. This place is also accessible for non-skiers and it is wheel chair accessible.
• The Restaurant Schwarzsee at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn is not to missed whether skiing or not. You can reach it by skiing down from Trockener Steg on any of the red runs and taking the short ride back up with the Matterhon-Express to Schwarzsee. Normally not too crowded.
• For another great lunch experience you need to ski nearly back down to Zermatt as the cosy Swiss chalet “ Zum See” is located past the Furi station on the downhill piste back to Zermatt. Well worth the ski down to experience a nice lunch.

Unique features on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Ski Area in Zermatt

 Where to start, as the Matterhon Glacier Paradise – Schwarzsee ski area in Zermatt has quite a lot of special and unique features to list. Here are some of the biggest attractions.

The Matterhorn Glacier Palace. Stepping 15 metres insider a glacier is something quite unique and highly recommended to everyone. Located at the top of the Klein Matterhorn the Glacier Palace can be visited by skiers and non-skiers.

Read More on How to visit the Matterhron Glacier Palace

The Snow Park in Zermatt is located on this side and a paradise for snowboarders and freeskiers. From October to May the park can be found on the lower part of the Theodul Glacier at an altitude of 3250 meters. From Trockener Steg you can either access it via the Matterhorn Glacier paradise reachable with the 3S Cableway, or via the Furggsattel chairlift.

Zermatt’s Winter Snow Fun Park has a staggering length of 1.2km with six lines giving plenty of obstacles to practice, progress and show off!

This is definitely the place you want to go and check out if you and the kids love a great park.

The younger snow park riders will find a great fun slope with tunnels, hills and small jumps, whereas the experienced riders will enjoy some massive kickers.

The “Zermatt” photo sign can be found at the Schwarzsee station right in front of the Matterhorn. A great place for some iconic Zermatt holiday pictures.

The InfoCube at Trockener Steg is an experience centre where visitors set off on a virtual trip over the glaciers using VR goggles. It is a multimedia experience between the past and the future. Interactive information tells the story of the first inclusion of the Klein Matterhorn and the development of the 3S Lift. Maybe more for the adults than the kids, but most certainly a visit worth your time as it is quite impressive to learn and see how this station was built and how it has developed during the years. Admission is free of charge.

Skiing to Italy – Cervinia can be an extra highlight to your ski holiday in Zermatt. With the international ski tickets you can hit the Italian slopes and restaurants. Most pistes are red and Cervinia has one of the steepest pistes in the area. You will also find very long pistes that run all the way to the man-made village of Breuil-Cervinia.

Practical information: If this side of Zermatt is your preferred access point, then you also have the possibility to leave your skis at the Matterhorn-Express cable car for Chf 2.- per day.

Should you have some bad weather whilst on your ski holiday in Zermatt, then the activities up at Trockener Steg and also the Matterhorn Glacier palace are still worth visiting (if the weather allows the cable car to run).

Read our full article about The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in Zermatt

Swisscom Swiss Ski Race; just below Trockener Steg at ski piste number 65 you will find a fun ski race set up with a proper gate and timing. The kids will definitely love the real feeling of attending a Swiss Ski race in Zermatt.

Skiitouring, Freerides and Heliskiing in Zermatt

If you want to get away from the crowds then Zermatt has some of the finest ski touring options and heliskiing adventures on offer.

Air Zermatt is happy to advise and inform you where is possible and will fly you to your chosen destination. A mountain guide is mandatory to explore safely.

Air Zermatt also offers helicopter flights around the Matterhorn, over the Klein Matterhorn ski domain and the Gornergrat. A unique experience for the whole family.

What to do in Zermatt Village during a skiing holiday

Zermatt is a very charming village and well worth an evening stroll after a day on the slopes. The nicest part is the old village around the church, where old traditional Mazot houses steal the show.

For families there is a great treasure hunt. Head to the tourism office and ask for the Wolli Treasure hunt. You will be given a map and off you go to find the clues. At the point when you have all the answers head back to the tourism office located by the train station and if you are correct a small prize awaits.

Visit the Matterhorn Zermatt Museum – Zermatlanti. Learn all about the history about this amazing place and its development. It also shows the triumph and tragedy surrounding the first ascent of the Matterhorn.

Frequently ask questions and answers about skiing in Zermatt

Zermatt Ski Rentals – Which shop to choose?
Throughout Zermatt Village you can find great ski rental shops. It is really just a matter of picking one you like the look of.

How much is a ski trip to Zermatt?
Zermatt offers a lot of different options but the best for families is that children up to the age of 9-years-old will ski for free if one adult has a ski pass. PLUS in addition to this many children will also stay free of charge in many Hotels in Zermatt. You will find the exact explanation and which hotel is part of the WOLLI CARD on their website. This is a massive plus compared to many other Swiss ski resorts!

The earlier you book your ski tickets for Zermatt the cheaper it will be.

Here are some ski tickets prices, to give you an idea of the cost.

Ski Pass (with Matterhorn Glacier Paradise but without Italy) From Chf 79.- per day

The accommodation cost in Zermatt can vary from as little as Chf 220.- to a staggering Chf 1000.- + per night.

What is the best month to ski Zermatt?
As Zermatt has glacier skiing and is a high altitude resort you can already ski in Zermatt as early as November on most of the pistes. You can ski even during the summer months at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

January and February are normally the best months for snow falls, allowing great skiing on the pistes and itinerary runs.

Is Zermatt difficult to ski? If you have read our article here than you can see that there is something for everyone. So, I would say, no,  Zermatt is not difficult to ski.

Is Zermatt good for experts? If you are an expert skier, you will find many possibilities to fulfil your needs in Zermatt.

Best places to stay in Zermatt for skiing? This is difficult to answer as the best accommodation in Zermatt for you, may not be the best for a family for example.

I would say try to stay somewhere close to a lift station so you have easy access.

Read  Where best to stay in Zermatt

How many days should I spend in Zermatt?
If you are splitting your ski holiday in Zermatt with another Swiss ski resort or simply have not got too long, I would say make sure you have at least 3 nights.

Does Zermatt have ski in/ski out accommodation  Yes, you can find ski-in accommodation in Zermatt at the Riffelalp, as well as at Gornergrat, the pretty Kulmhotel. Also on the Gornergrat side you have the amazing Iglu Dorf where you can book an overnight stay. Furthermore, will you be able to find cute chalets dotted around the Furi station.

How high is Zermatt Ski Resort?
The highest area is at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with 3883m.
Over at the Gornergrat ski area you will be at the highest at the Hohtälli station at 3286m.
The highest point at the Sunnegga ski area is at Rothorn with 3103m above sea level.
Zermatt Village is at 1620metres.

You may also like these Family Activities in Zermatt & the Valais

• Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt
• 13 Best things to do in Zermatt
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – An Epic Family Experience
• Zermatt – A Family Day trip to Zermatt
• Evolène – Ferpècle – Bike ride to the Mont- Mine Glacier, Val D’Hérenes
• Nendaz -Activities for Families – Tracouet Station Lac Noir
• 20 Family Friendly Things to do in Valais 

I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when you are planning your Skiing in Zermatt Holiday.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

NOTE: We discovered the Zermatt Ski Domain in a collaboration with Zermatt Tourism and Zermatt Matterhorn Bergbahnen. These great collaborations are here for us to show you the best there is and to test it all out so when you are planning your Skiing Holiday in Zermatt you know already where to find the best slopes, where to eat and what to do in Zermatt.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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