Zermatt ski holidays
Overview
A Zermatt ski holiday combines spectacular high-altitude skiing, the iconic Matterhorn and a unique car-free Alpine village. Set beneath the 4,478m Matterhorn on the Swiss-Italian border, Zermatt is one of the world's most famous ski destinations, with access to around 360km of pistes across Switzerland and Italy.
From beginner-friendly slopes and family ski areas to challenging high-mountain terrain, Zermatt offers skiing for all abilities. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise reaches 3,883m, while the lift-linked ski area extends across Zermatt and into Cervinia in Italy.
Whether you're planning a family ski holiday, a trip with friends, a romantic Alpine escape or a luxury ski break, Zermatt offers an exceptional combination of skiing, mountain scenery, restaurants, après-ski and year-round activities.
Plan your Zermatt ski holiday and find accommodation for your dates.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1620 m |
| Top lift | 3883 m |
| Piste (km) | 360 km |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Nearest airport | Sion (90 km) |
you stay can make a difference to access to the lifts, village centre and ski-in/ski-out routes.
Compare Zermatt accommodation by areaAccommodation for your Zermatt ski holiday
Looking for a chalet or apartment to rent in Zermatt?
Browse all holiday rentalsSkiing in Zermatt
Zermatt is a high alpine resort with terrain to suit a wide range of abilities. The resort is lift-linked to over 360km of pistes allowing visitors to explore the ski areas including the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883m.
Beginners have dedicated learning areas and gentle pistes, while intermediate skiers can enjoy a huge choice of blue and red runs. Advanced skiers can explore more challenging terrain and high-mountain areas, with off-piste opportunities available with a qualified professional. For more information on Zermatt, see our zermatt ski resort guide and Zermatt piste map .
Ski-in, ski-out accommodation
Due to the layout of Zermatt and its various quarters, there are limited properties that offer ski-in and / or ski-out opportunities. The main hamlets that do have some ski-in, ski-out chalets and apartments are in Winkelmatten, Steinmatten and Petit Village and are subject to having good snow conditions.
Zermatt ski area
The vast ski network in Zermatt is collectively known as the Matterhorn Ski Paradise. It has the highest skiing in Europe at 3,883m and boasts over 360km of interconnected slopes for all levels of skier and snowboarder. With such a large connected ski area, Zermatt is an excellent base for skiers and snowboarders who want to explore the spectacular mountains. The resort is divided into 4 main Swiss sectors, plus cross-border routes into Cervinia in Italy. You can see the various possibilities on the Zermatt piste map. To get the most out of your ski holiday, you can book a guided ski tour or hire a local guide.
Sunnegga-Rothorn Sector (3,103m)
The Sunnegga-Rothorn sector is a family-friendly ski area with south-facing slopes that rise up to 3,103m at Rothorn and provides spectacular views of the Matterhorn.
Gornergrat Sector (3,089m)
This ski area has stunning views of the Matterhorn and is great for intermediate skiers and groups of mixed abilities. You can access this ski area via the cogwheel Gornergrat Railway from the center of Zermatt. There are plenty of red and blue pistes around Riffelberg which are great for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The Gornergrat ski area is also lift-linked to the Stockhorn and Hohtälli areas which is where advanced skiers will find Zermatt's toughest off-piste trails.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883m)
This is the highest ski lift in Europe just above the famous Aiguille du Midi top station in Chamonix which stands at 3,842m. The routes back to Zermatt take you via the Theodul Glacier toward Trockener Steg, and then through forests to Furi and Zermatt. Alternatively, you can ski over to Cervinia in Italy.
Schwarzsee (2583m)
Sitting at 2,583m, Schwarzsee sits below the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ski area. The skiing mainly caters for good intermediate and advanced skiers as there are many high speed red pistes and challenging blacks.
When to go on a Zermatt ski holiday?
You can ski in Zermatt 365 days a year due to high altitude skiing on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883m. However, the main ski season typically starts at the end of November and runs until the first week of May.
- Christmas and New Year are popular for a festive ski holiday in the Swiss Alps, although these dates are among the busiest and should be booked well in advance and the snow levels are not always good at this time of year.
- January can offer excellent winter skiing conditions and is often a quieter alternative to the Christmas period
- February is particularly popular with families because of the school holidays, so accommodation and travel can be in high demand
- March combines good high-altitude snow with longer daylight hours and increasingly sunny conditions, making it a popular time for skiing
- April means Spring skiing where temperatures can often reach 20°C where you can ski in a T-shirt
Always check current lift operations, snow conditions and season dates before travelling.
Summer skiing holidays in Zermatt
Summer holidays in Zermatt can be as relaxing or action packed as you like but a big bonus if you are going in summer is the extensive summer skiing on the Theodul Glacier at 3,883m. There are 21km of pistes available during the summer season. However, whilst the aim is to operate 365 days a year, the high altitude ski area can temporarily close due to adverse weather conditions.
Family ski holidays in Zermatt
Zermatt is a popular choice for family ski holidays, with beginner areas, ski schools and accommodation suitable for different group sizes.
Families can choose from apartments and chalets and combine skiing with activities away from the resort centre yet still close to the ski lifts.
For information about children's and adult ski lessons and mountain guides, see our Zermatt ski schools guide.
Why choose a Zermatt ski holiday?
Zermatt is a fantastic choice if you want a high-altitude ski holiday with generally reliable snow conditions from the end of November onwards and plenty of terrain to explore. The resort provides skiers and snowboarders access to around 360km of pistes which you can see on the Zermatt piste map.
There is also something for every type of skier. Beginners can learn on dedicated nursery slopes and gentle pistes, while intermediate skiers have an enormous variety of terrain to explore. Advanced skiers can enjoy challenging pistes, high mountain terrain and extensive off-piste opportunities with a qualified ski guide or as part of an off-piste ski lesson.
Whether you're planning a family ski holiday, a trip with friends or a couples' getaway, Zermatt combines excellent skiing with a good choice of accommodation, restaurants, bars and activities away from the slopes.
Why choose Zermatt rather than Cervinia?
We think Zermatt is a particularly good choice if you prefer a cosmopolitan and international experience. The apres-ski in Zermatt is sophisticated with lively bars and gourmet restaurants. However, the price of everything in Zermatt is expensive from the lift passes to eating out. Cervinia is certainly far better value. In terms of the skiing, Zermatt and Cervinia share the same ski area spanning both sides of the Matterhorn. Cervinia has 20 lifts accessing 160km of slopes whilst there are 34 lifts in Zermatt with 200km of pistes.
Zermatt ski holidays FAQ
Is Zermatt good for a ski holiday?
✔ Zermatt offers extensive high-altitude skiing for a wide range of abilities, together with restaurants, après-ski, off the slope activities and a choice of holiday accommodation.
Is Zermatt good for family ski holidays?
✔ Zermatt can work well for family ski holidays, with beginner areas, ski schools, family-friendly activities and accommodation for different group sizes.
Is Zermatt good for intermediate skiers and snowboarders?
✔ Definitely, Zermatt is a mecca for intermediate skiers and snowboarders with over 360km of pistes spanning both sides of the Matterhorn, most of which are red and blue.
Can I rent a chalet or apartment in Zermatt?
✔ Mychaletfinder has a dedicated selection of Zermatt holiday rentals, including self-catering chalets and apartments.
How many ski areas are there in Zermatt
✔ Zermatt has 4 ski areas: Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee. You can also ski over into Cervinia in Italy.
Is it easy to get to Zermatt?
✔ Yes, transfers to Zermatt are very easy. The closest airport is Sion which is 90km from Zermatt. Airport transfers take approximately 1 hour to Täsch and then you take the train up to Zermatt. From Geneva airport, it takes 3.5 hours by train. By taxi, unless it is a licensed taxi to drive up to Zermatt, all airport transfers stop at Täsch then you need to take the train. See our how to get to Zermatt guide.
Is there summer skiing in Zermatt?
✔ Yes, there is summer skiing in Zermatt. See our guide to summer skiing holiday in Zermatt.
Can you ski 365 days a year in Zermatt?
✔ Yes, subject to weather conditions, you can ski on the Theodul Glacier every day of the year. See our guide to summer skiing holiday in Zermatt.
Our view on ski holidays in Zermatt
An exceptional ski resort, Zermatt is charming and picturesque, offering fantastic skiing holidays, a wide selection of self-catering chalets and apartments, lively apres-ski, superb food and breathtaking views - definitely a ski resort to visit any time of year.
For more information on Zermatt ski holidays and accommodation options, please see our resort guide.
Ski holiday extras
If you are looking for an airport transfer, hire ski equipment or rent a car for your ski holiday in Zermatt, we have teamed up with leading providers where you can book directly online.
