Discover the Magic of Winter in Zermatt: Luxury Chalets, Skiing, and Alpine Charm

Looking for a short break that will serve up lots of winter magic? A luxury stay in Zermatt is full of alpine charm. Stay in this authentic Swiss resort for fairy-tale courtyards, fantastic skiing, and an elegant nightlife scene.

Zermatt, Switzerland has some of the highest pistes in Europe and is a short journey from major airports, offering you the best of both worlds. In a few hours, you’ll be transported from the stress of everyday life to your spectacular chalet perched in the Matterhorn valley.

Ready for a dreamy mountain experience? Discover the delights of Zermatt, including its charming town center, incredible snow sports, buzzing gastronomy scene, and opulent luxury chalets.

A trip to this Swiss oasis is sure to be one of your most memorable mountain adventures. Zermatt sits at 1620 meters (5314 feet). Its altitude and position near the Matterhorn glacier provide spectacular scenery and year-round snow-sure conditions. The quaint village on the sunny side of Switzerland is blessed with 300 days of sunshine a year.

Zermatt is at the foot of the towering Matterhorn. This iconic Swiss mountain ends at a jagged point at 4,478 meters (14691 feet). While it’s not the highest in Europe it’s certainly one of the most recognizable.

As well as once-in-a-lifetime snow sports opportunities, Zermatt is a haven for outdoor lovers. Hiking, mountain biking, and dirt biking on immense alpine trails make Zermatt a spectacular destination any time of year. And if you’d rather relax and savor the mountain atmosphere, the town is full of hidden gems.

The romantic mountain town of Zermatt is one of the most picturesque places in the alps. Cobbled streets and adorable Swiss architecture perch gracefully alongside unbelievable mountain scenery. Some of the buildings here date back 500 years. Pretty chapels, church spires, and traditional squares are woven throughout the historic town.

Cars are banned in Zermatt, so you can completely disconnect from the fumes and noise of everyday life. It’s a joy to explore on foot so that you can immerse yourself in the charming culture. If you’re short on time, milk bottle style etaxis and electric buses will get you from A to B. Or to get the full old-world experience, discover the town via a traditional horse-drawn cart.

Despite its old-fashioned appearance, Zermatt attracts a high-end cosmopolitan crowd. Sit among stylish people in the sun on an elegant patio terrace and shop in the designer boutiques on the Bahnhofstrasse.

Don’t Ski?

If you don’t ski, there are plenty of other ways to spend time enjoying the Matterhorn Valley scenery. Glide on the outdoor ice rink or go husky sledding for an exhilarating adventure. Ride the gondola to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, home to a cave-style cinema room and an ice sculpture museum. Take in the 360 panoramas at the highest viewing platform in Europe or enjoy the views from the comfort of the modern restaurant.

Looking for the Swiss wellness experience? Zermatt has a wonderful selection of exclusive mountain spas. The sparkling spa at Omnia will submerge you into pure bliss. Melt into the aromas in the flower steam room or get Matterhorn views from the steaming outdoor hot tub. The Mountain Ashram Spa by Cervo gives you the very best of Japanese wellness. This holistic centre offers Bhutanese hot stone baths, a tea yurt, and expert mindfulness sessions.

There are plenty of opportunities to delve into Zermatt’s historic core. Learn the ancient secrets of Zermatt and Tasch on a walking tour or discover the tragedies of the Matterhorn at the Matterhorn Museum. Take some time to walk around Hinterdorf. This 16th-century agricultural village has kept its original architecture. Stone homes, barns, and stables are balanced precariously on old stilts.

How to get to Zermatt

Zermatt is an ideal location for a mini break. It has fantastic transport links that make getting there a breeze. Whether you choose to arrive by road, rail, or air, your transfer to the resort will be a seamless experience.

Since Zermatt is pedestrianized, it’s not recommended to bring your own car. But if you want the convenience then you can park 5km away in the garage at Tasch. You can hire a range of transfer services from the nearby airports, including taxis, minibusses, and limousines. The closest airport is Sion which is 1 hour and 30 minutes away. Geneva is a 3-hour drive and Zurich is a 4-hour drive but they usually have more convenient international flights.

Kickstart your mountain experience early by arriving in Zermatt via a train through the stunning Swiss Alps. Weaving through the deepest cleft valley in Switzerland is a beautiful and relaxing way to get to the resort. Regular and efficient services will get you from Geneva or Zurich in less than four hours.

What better way to get your first taste of the mountains than to arrive with an aerial view? If you want to travel in style, Zermatt has its own heliport. This is the fastest way to get there, with transfer times from most major nearby airports being an hour or less.

Chalets in Zermatt: the ultimate luxury

Hidden in Zermatt’s streets are some of the best luxury chalets in the world, available through luxury travel expert The Luxury Chalet Company. Switzerland’s talent for creating thoughtful and high-quality products shines through in every detail. Expert designers combine traditional alpine features with the latest modern technology. Outstanding amenities and the best hospitality meet your every need.

Not sure where to start? Get inspired by three of the most popular luxury chalets in Zermatt.

Chalet Les Anges

A golden example of Zermatt’s luxury chalets, Chalet Les Anges is a cozy alpine hideaway. Seven bedrooms and seven ensuite bathrooms are spread across 700 square meters of living space. It’s in the magical Le Petit Village area, featuring some of the prettiest chalets in Zermatt.

Earth-tone décor invites you to curl up by the fireplace after a day in the cold. The open-plan living area is made special by high timber ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Soft furnishings, impressive flower displays, and a grand piano tie the room together. If your group wants to spread out, there’s a large separate lounge with a TV adjoining the main room.

Build anticipation for the day by taking breakfast al fresco. The large sun trap balcony gives you uninterrupted Matterhorn views. Enjoy them on the terrace from the comfort of your private hot tub.

The chalet spa offers ultimate tranquillity. Healing birchwood is a key material throughout the wellness area. The hammam is crafted from white marble, known to have strong calming effects. A Japanese garden sits at the center to promote ultimate zen.

Chalet Grace

Uplift your senses with the simplicity of Chalet Grace. This five-bedroom chalet is in a secluded location in the Le Petit Village area. The 10-minute walk into the town centre offers you a secluded location when you need it with easy access to the lifts, shops, and après ski.

A mix of timber and cream is flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy views of the Matterhorn by the roaring marble fireplace and from the wrap-around balcony. Or sip champagne in the outdoor hot tub for Matterhorn views framed with frosted alpine trees. A contemporary beam ceiling divides the dining and living areas. Roses, floral upholstery, and spiral ironwork help the spaces flow together and give the property a soft and feminine feel.

Spend quality time together in the games room with a pool table or in the spacious cinema room. The sparkling spa area has a massage room, rainfall shower, and traditional sauna. If you want to prioritize wellness during your stay, you can book personal yoga and Pilates classes in the relaxation area.

Chalet Zermatt Peak

This is one of the most impressive chalets in the alps. Chalet Zermatt Peak has five bedrooms spread over six floors of luxury. A private tunnel at the heart of Zermatt transports you to a secluded location towering above the village.

This opulent architectural achievement offers glamour at every turn. Some of the most coveted Matterhorn views in Zermatt are maximized at every opportunity. The wrap-around balcony creates a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. While glass ceilings open up a sleek open-plan living area. Feast underneath a shimmering chandelier on creations from your personal gourmet chef. Then seek your new favorite tipple at your private bar or from the curated wine cellar.

The shimmering spa is the shining jewel of this property. The indoor/ outdoor jacuzzi has Matterhorn views and is surrounded by golden décor. Unleash tension in the Swedish and Finnish saunas or cure your ailments in the bio steam hammam.

Retreat to the master suite, complete with a walk-in wardrobe and private jacuzzi. Watch TV in any of the deluxe suites or come together in the cinema room. If you haven’t exhausted yourself on the mountains, the gym has ultra-modern equipment and a power shower to round off your workout.

Restaurants and bars in Zermatt: Cozy Chalets and Glitzy Bars

Whether you’re after a hearty mountain meal or parties on the slopes, you’ll find endless opportunities in Zermatt’s après ski scene. There are over 100 restaurants and a great selection of bars to choose from. Zermatt has one of the best gastronomy scenes in the alps and is racking up an impressive score of Michelin stars and Gault Millau points. Wonderful cocktail bars and glamorous parties are the perfect way to wrap up your day on the slopes.

For a romantic afternoon, head up to Zum Zee. The 350-year-old chalet offers authentic Swiss dishes that are wonderful in their simplicity. Chez Vrony will serve you their family recipes but with a fine dining twist. Sit back in the hot tub or explore the snow village at Iglu Dorf. It’s a unique opportunity to feast on fondue at 2,727 m.

Now your belly is warm, it’s time to get the drinks in. Stop at Cervo and Hennuu stall on your way home for sunny terraces, live music, and table dancing. Once you’ve unclipped your skis, make sure to visit the iconic Snowboat Bar and Yacht Club Restaurant. This boat-shaped bar is the place to be seen in town. Sip on chic cocktails or sample their elegant sushi menu.

For evening feasts, Zermatt has a balance of sleek fine dining and hearty Swiss fare. Head to the renowned After 7 for culinary excellence. The Michelin-star restaurant creates a four, five, or seven-course surprise menu with intuitive wine pairings. If you’re looking for an authentic evening, Chez Heini is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Twinkling lights adorn wooden wheels while Sizzling lamb hangs over the fire.

Grab a post-dinner drink at Elsie’s Bar. The 1920s wine and champagne bar also serves an elegant Sunday brunch and fantastic lobster spaghetti. If you want to continue the party, look no further than Broken Bar. Descend into the catacombs for one of the best parties in the alps.

Skiing in Zermatt: endless choices with mountain vistas

People from all over the world flock to Zermatt for its unparalleled skiing. 360km of piste offers exceptional terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers. But when you’re surrounded by so much beauty, you might find it difficult to concentrate on the slopes.

Beginners are well catered for with sheltered nursery runs separate from the main slopes. Intermediates seeking progression will find that this resort is made for them. Long, cruisy reds and blues will take you to heights you’ve never seen before. Glide along the gentle slopes on the Klein Matterhorn or challenge yourself on the top of Gornergrat. The wide pistes in Zermatt are also great for snowboarders and the Klein Matterhorn is home to one of the best snow parks in the alps.

Experts will find opportunities to challenge themselves in all of the ski areas. There aren’t many black runs in Zermatt, but you can maximize your time here by attempting the enviable off-piste itineraries. Yellow-marked areas are off-piste slopes that the resort has marked as safe. You can find these on Rothorn and Schwarzee. There are backcountry routes packed with trees, ridges, and gullies at the front of Rothorn if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush.

If you want to squeeze out every thrill Zermatt has to offer, book a heli-skiing tour. This is one of the best destinations for heli-skiing in the world, taking you to dizzying heights of 4000m. Nothing beats the feeling of carving through the untouched snow. With six official drop points in Zermatt, your guide will help you navigate glaciers, gorges, and ice waterfalls as you make your once-in-a-lifetime descent.