Ultimate Swiss Alps getaway: European Ski Vacation in Zermatt, Switzerland
Where to fly in/How to get there:
- By plane, you can fly into either Zurich or Milan. We personally chose to fly into Milan and rented a car and drove to Tasch, where we stashed our car in one of their plentiful parking spaces and took the mandatory train from Tasch to Zermatt (as Zermatt is a car free town). This train ride from Tasch to Zermatt is approximately 10-15 minutes. Renting a car was affordable and the drive from Milan to Zermatt was easy to maneuver and quite painless. The drive is a little under 3 hours and roads in Switzerland are excellently maintained. Plenty of signs to follow and snow/tricky mountain passes were not an issue. If you choose an electric car, there are plenty of reliable charging stations along the route.
- If you’d prefer to be more hands off, the public transportation system is excellent and user friendly. Switzerland has a well connected train network to make traveling easy. Go online and buy the “Swiss Travel Pass” to get unlimited travel by train, a necessity for your journey if you choose not to rent a car.
- If you want a private transfer: For Milan: https://www.viator.com/tours/Zermatt/Zermatt-to-Milan-one-way-Private-Transfer/d5014-320547P334. For Zurich: https://www.viator.com/tours/Zermatt/Private-Transfer-From-Zermatt-to-Zurich-English-Speaking-Driver/d5014-137266P901
Where to stay:
1. 22 Summits Apartments or 22 Summits Boutique Hotel
This is where we stayed and we absolutely adored the 22 Summits. There are several reasons why you should stay here. First, location, location, location. This hotel is perfectly located between town and the main gondola used to access Zermatt ski resort. You are about a 5 min walk or less from the slopes and 5 minutes from town, the perfect happy medium. Second, the amenities. The apartments came with a free breakfast that was filling and had plenty of options, incredible room service, and a steam room/sauna to use after a long day on the slopes. Walk out the front door to views of the Matterhorn on a clear day! The hotel also has a cozy common room and bar to order beverages at night. Third, price. Switzerland can be expensive, and the pricing here felt very fair for what you get during your stay. Self tested and approved, couldn’t recommend more.
2. Schloss Zermatt
Another incredible option. I’ve personally stayed here as well during the summer months and I give it 5 stars. This location also includes free breakfast and the spa here is INCREDIBLE and included in your stay. This hotel is also located within town and is less than a 5 minute walk from the train station.
3. Cervo Mountain Resort
A little pricier, but incredibly luxurious and well worth it. Nice little Italian restaurant located here as well. Comes highly recommended.
Aprés on the Mountain:
1. Chez Vrony
Excellent food and views. Worth it to make a reservation and eat lunch here while up on the mountain.
2. Adler Hitta
This is a must see. Crisp white wine, lovely pasta dishes, direct views of the Matterhorn, and lighthearted après environment. They had a DJ and violinist while we were there! Great vibes.
3. Iglu-Dorf Zermatt
Great spot to pit stop for a drink or eat your own packed lunch on the lawn. Direct views of the Matterhorn and good music. This is a hotel/bar made completely of ice!
4. Hennu Stall
This is for a more rowdy après ski that becomes poppin towards the end of the ski day. It’s on your way down the mountain and easy to access.
5. Restaurant Blatten
Located in a cozy wooden chalet.
6. Blue Lounge
Great spot for a coffee or glass of wine. Views of the Matterhorn. Live music.
Where to eat/drink in town:
1. Manud
2. Soupi
This is under the rated and so underrated. If you want a more affordable dining option that is also delicious, this place is for you. Order soup over the counter, comes with delicious sausage if ordered and a piece of bread. Comes with all the fixings. Also have hot cider and wine here too!
3. Casa Mia
Good spot for romantic date night or a family dinner. The pizza here was to die for. Make a reservation in advance!
4. Harry’s Ski Bar
Catch a crowd here in the afternoons after a day skiing on the mountain. Livly spot.
5. Chami Bar Fire Place
Recommend here for a cozy pre-dinner or after dinner drink or aperitif.
6. Whymper Stube
Go here if you are looking for a more traditional Swiss meal or fondue.
Activities/what to do:
1. Ski, of course!
Skiing in Zermatt is an experience like no other. They have an expansive gondola, furnicular, chairlift, and train system that covers a ton of terrain. Great for long groomers with some options to get off piste. Worth splitting your time skiing into 3 days to explore 3 separate “sections” on the mountain. For private ski lessons: https://www.viator.com/tours/Zermatt/Private-Lesson-3-hours/d5014-320354P1
2. Take the train to Gornergrat. Another great spot for a drink at the top! Link to activity: https://www.viator.com/tours/Zermatt/Zermatt-Mt-Gornergrat-Cogwheel-Train-Ticket-Matterhorn-Railway/d5014-8283P282
3. Take a day to ski the Italian side in Cervinia
The Cervinia ski resort was absolutely stunning and also underrated. A daily pass was only 60 euros as an addition to the Ikon pass. A steal in comparison to skiing in the states! The apres is also more affordable here and just as good!
4. Paraglide with views of the Matterhorn! This is a must if you have never paraglided before.
Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Zermatt/Paragliding-tandem-flight-in-Zermatt-the-Spectacular/d5014-342475P1
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