A few key facts
An introduction to Zermatt ski resort
Zermatt has around 5800 permanent residents yet there are over 13500 guest beds. Although nowadays it is probably most famous for its ski slopes, Zermatt is just as popular a destination throughout the summer months with walking, climbing and summer skiing being the main attractions. In fact Zermatt made its name as a result of Edward Whymper’s successful yet tragic attempt to become the first person to reach the summit of the Matterhorn in 1865. Mountaineering was the primary attraction during the late 19th century as Zermatt progressed from a rural farming village into a popular tourist destination. Alexander Seiler was responsible for developing the hotel trade after taking out a lease on Zermatt’s first hotel – Hotel Cervin – which he later became the owner of, renamed as the Monte Rosa, and then took over the Riffelberg Hotel in 1854. This all happened before Whymper’s success on the Matterhorn, but meant that the beds and facilities were in place and ready for the increased number of visitors resulting from the successful Matterhorn conquest. Seiler knew that hotel rooms would be in more and more demand and so from the late 1850s he began buying more and more land from local farmers and in 1878 he began a brand new project in the Riffelalp area just above the village centre. The Hotel Riffelalp was to be not only the best mountain hotel in Switzerland, but in the whole of the Alps. The lack of mountain railway meant all of the building materials had to be taken up the mountain on horseback, and along with the fact that Alexander Seiler personally financed the whole project, it took six years to complete the hotel.
As per Seiler’s vision, Hotel Riffelalp did attract a number of wealthy visitors from Britain and the rest of Europe and had to be extended in 1898 to cope with demand. During this time, the resort of Zermatt developed and became very popular. The Gornergrat railway had also been built and this opened in 1898 meaning there was now an easy and efficient way for guests to reach the Riffelalp area, although the hotel still had to build an electric tram line to take guests from the station to the hotel. This became the highest tramline in Europe.
In 1908, the Seiler family (who were continuing with Alexander’s vision after his death in1891) decided Zermatt would be the perfect place for winter sports and so organised a visit for the press in 1908. It wasn’t until 1928 that the first official winter season took place and from then on Zermatt grew and grew in popularity. Today it is one of the prime European destinations for skiing and attracts a wealthy crowd. In spite of its popularity, it has managed to retain its traditional charm and village feel. The pedestrianisation of the town centre means people walk far more than they do in other resorts, the air is cleaner, it has a calmer feel, and electric taxis and buses are available for shuttling people around from the lifts and train station.
An overview of the ski area
It has to be said that Zermatt ski resort is one of the best ski areas in the world and one that everyone should experience at least once. It is a mountain paradise for anyone of an intermediate level or above and especially for expert skiers and boarders. There is a small beginners area just above the Sunnegga lift station and the ski schools are good, but it doesn’t offer the variety for beginners that other resorts do though. For anyone who is confident though then there is an amazing amount of pistes and off-piste runs to be explored. The ski pass may be expensive, but the pistes are kept in immaculate condition and the lifts are quick and efficient. Some people complain that the Gornergrat train is slow, but where else in the world can you get a train that runs alongside the piste from resort centre all the way to 3089m? For those who want to get on the piste as quickly as possible in the mornings, then Sunnegga or Klein Matterhorn are the best options.
The Zermatt ski area is joined with Cervinia on the other side of the mountain. There are some amazing blues and reds as you descend from the T-bar that links the two resorts and although Cervinia is the opposite of Zermatt ski resort in its appearance (think 1960s style apartment block construction!) there is an excellent range of slopes and again the lifts are quick and efficient.
Apres ski
The apres-ski scene is not as big as in other European resorts yet there is still an excellent choice of bars and clubs in which to enjoy a drink at the end of the day or party until the early hours. The Hennustall is at the bottom of the Blatten piste as you come back into the resort by the Klein Matterhorn lift. With live bands and Euro-party beats, it is a fun place to end the day’s skiing and with a very gentle 200m or so down to the bus stop you don’t have to worry about navigating the slopes in a semi-drunken state!
In town, the Papperla pub is a popular apres ski haunt with live music and an outside bar for some apres entertainment. In the evenings the downstairs nightclub stays open until the early hours. The Vernissage bar is also a popular bar but attracting a wealthier clientele. This venue is a bar, club and cinema all in one with the old fashioned projector being the centrepiece of the upstairs bar. Underneath the Hotel Post is a variety of different bars suitable for those who just want a quiet after-dinner drink or others who want to dance all night.
Along with the bars, there is a fantastic selection of restaurants in Zermatt serving cuisine from all around the world, and of course the internationally-renowned fondue!
Activities in Zermatt
Although most people in the winter visit Zermatt to experience its impressive ski area, there are many other activities on offer. Walking and snowshoeing are popular for non-skiers, along with toboganning, cross-country skiing and ice skating. For those who are a bit more adventurous, ice climbing, paragliding and heliskiing are also on offer. Walking and mountaineering are popular in the summer and of course the numerous shops, bars and cafes in the centre always attract visitors.
Catered chalets in Zermatt
Although Zermatt has a smaller range of catered chalets than other resorts, there is still something for everyone. From town centre convenience to family chalets to the ultimate in luxury accommodation, please call our sales team who can advise you on the best chalet for you.
