Matterhorn ski paradise

The reason so many people love skiing in Zermatt is the breathtaking scenery. And they couldn’t be more right! These slopes are guaranteed to impress:

• Rothorn - Sunnegga, showing the Matterhorn from its most photogenic side (pistes 11 and 7)
• Tufternkumme, long, wide and with views of the Matterhorn at the end (piste 15)
• Hirli area, you won’t get any closer to the Matterhorn than this (pistes 52 and 54)

The descent to the valley is the culmination of a successful day’s skiing. The pistes from Europe's highest mountain station, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, down to the village of Zermatt combine to form a unique downhill run. At 25 kilometres, it is the longest prepared descent in the world, covering an amazing 2263-metre drop in altitude without interruption. Can you manage the entire run without taking a break?

Pistes: 85, 84, 73, 66, 65, 64, 62 and 50

Do you feel happiest on the black runs, or are you looking for a challenge? Then test your skills on the steepest slopes in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise:

• piste 59 - Pista Nera del Cervino: maximum gradient 65%.
• piste 8 - Obere Nationa:maximum gradient 61%
• piste 54 - Hörnli: maximum gradient 55%.

Close to the beginners' ski areas there are the "slow slopes", which are clearly marked. All snow sports enthusiasts should use them in a controlled manner and keep their speed down. Ideal for leisurely skiers and beginners, so that they can enjoy the pleasure of the slopes at their own pace.

• Rothorn area: pistes 5, 6 and 7
• Matterhorn glacier paradise area: piste 56 
• Gornergrat area: piste 38

The Matterhorn Ski Paradise is home to many gourmet restaurants and beautiful sun terraces with views of the Matterhorn, earning the Zermatt-Matterhorn resort its reputation as an Alpine hotspot for lovers of fine food. Enjoy regional delicacies of excellent quality, with many of the venues in fact being recognised with GaultMillau points. So rest assured: gastronomy at the side of the slopes is writ large in Zermatt. 

Even at almost 4000 metres above sea level there are culinary highlights to enjoy. In our self-service restaurant at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise we serve gastronomic delights with the unique Alpine panorama providing added enjoyment. Choose from an array of regional and international delicacies. Take a look at the menu – you’re sure to be impressed by our wide-ranging cuisine.

The unforgettable adventure in the Igloo Village of Zermatt includes more than just sleeping in an igloo. Your experience consists of a cheese fondue, a guided snowshoe trek under the starry sky, time to enjoy the hot tub and breakfast in the mountain restaurant. Our portfolio ranges from shared rooms for families, friends and groups to the Romantic Igloo, with private toilet if desired, up to the exclusive suite with private hot tub. 

Stand on the summit early in the morning, let your gaze wander over the untouched piste and plunge into the freeride adventure. The ultimate feeling of freedom can be found in Zermatt on 36 km of marked freeride trails. In the areas of Rothorn, Stockhorn and Schwarzsee, the full powder snow experience is guaranteed without exposure to the risk of avalanches. The downhill trails are secured against all alpine dangers and so offer even inexperienced off-piste skiers the perfect setting in which to learn the art of freeriding.

You thought the mountains were taken over by hikers in the summer? Think again! In Europe’s highest and biggest glacier ski area you can ski to your heart’s content even in the summer season. In Zermatt hikers and skiers just share the mountains, it’s as simple as that. That’s because while it’s sunny and warm in the valley and on the Alpine pastures, there is still a glorious wintry scene to enjoy on the Theodul Glacier.

The summer ski area is located between Trockener Steg station at 2'929 metres and the Gobba di Rollin, the highest point on the Breithorn plateau at 3'899 metres. It has up to 21 kilometres of perfectly maintained pistes and the conditions are so good that national teams and alpine athletes from all over the world come to Zermatt for summer training.

• 21 kilometres of pistes
• 14 training runs for 100 teams from 22 nations
• 1 Snow Park
• 68 Zermatt Bergbahnen employees
• 4500 piste groomer hours and 1‘000 excavator hours to prepare the pistes