A Skiers Guide to Zermatt: The Ultimate European Ski Destination

Zermatt Ski Resort

@kathuber

Zermatt is one of the most sought after ski villages in Europe, and it certainly does not disappoint. I've experienced some of the best skiing in my life, as well as the best Chinese food. Zermatt has something to offer for everyone. Take a peak into this guide to learn more about all of the best spots.

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Where to Stay in Zermatt 

Chez Nous Zermatt

@kathuber

For families or larger groups, this is the place for you. With balcony views of the Matterhorn, and an easy walk to the gondola, and large fully equipped kitchens, Chez Nous is a great place to stay for a bigger ski trip. They have a dedicated mudroom with boot warmers and heated floors downstairs to ensure your gear is always ready to go, and elevators to each flat so you don't have to walk up stairs after a long day on the slopes. These apartments are clean and the staff is lovely.

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Hotel Firefly

@kathuber

For those who are looking for an elevated or romantic stay, Hotel Firefly in Zermatt provides luxury and convenience. Not only does it have a prime location just steps away from the main gondola and village, the interior is mountain chic, boasting beautiful and modern fireplaces with nods to Swiss culture. The spa is 5 stars and deluxe suites are spacious for families or a group of small travelers.

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CERVO Mountain Resort

@kathuber

For a more unique stay and exclusive stay, CERVO Mountain Resort is for those seeking culture, luxury, and nature. The ski in ski out resort is located up the hill from the village, making it a bit more difficult to access especially after dark. With that said, it is breathtakingly beautiful and has a buzzing après scene. The exclusive resort has a village of its own with curated alpine taste.

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BEAUSiTE Zermatt

@kathuber

BEAUSiTE Zermatt is an incredible hotel with a chic European feel in the heart of the Zermatt ski village. With classy and elegant rooms as well as an expansive spa, this hotel is friendly to families and couples. At a bit of a more reasonable price point than Firefly, you still get amazing amenities and location with your stay at BEAUSiTE.

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Where to Eat in Zermatt

China Garden

@kathuber

China Garden is one of the best Chinese food experiences I have ever had, and I lived in Manhattan, food mecca of the world, for 6 years. I was blown away to find such good Asian Cuisine tucked away in the Swiss Alps. The spare ribs, the duck, & the Szechuan beef to name a few were outstanding. Everything is served family style and if you snag a booth in the back, you are guaranteed to have a great meal.

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Grampi’s Bar & Restaurant

@kathuber

After a long day on the slopes, there is no better way than to refuel with some quality comfort food. Grampi's has delicious pizza and pasta that truly hit the spot on a cold evening. With a modest and cozy mom and pop feel, Grampi's is an easy win for a larger group or a quick meal before enjoying the nightlife of Zermatt. Highly suggest the meatballs!

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Potato Fine Food Restaurant

@kathuber

If you are looking for a fine dining option for a special occasion or a romantic evening, Potato is the restaurant for you. Serving a 3 or 5 course menu with locally sourced ingredients, Potato is one of the more upscale restaurants in Zermatt. Similar to a popular "Say Cheese," I would choose Potato over Say Cheese as I found the food to be more enjoyable as the chef had such great attention to detail.

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Restaurant Julen

@kathuber

For traditional Swiss food, I found Restaurant Julen to most excellent. I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the convenient location in the village as well as the option for traditional Swiss fondue and beef. All of the food we ordered was delicious while we dined fireside.

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McDonald's

@kathuber

Hear me out. I know this may seem like a crazy recommendation, but this is the best McDonald's I have ever been to. They have such different offerings than they do in the US, and not to mention FABULOUS desserts. It is absolutely worth popping into the Mickey D's in Zermatt for a snack or a quick meal before hitting the après scene. They have surprisingly healthier options as well.

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Where to Après in Zermatt

Hennu Stall Après-Ski Bar

@kathuber

On your last run of the day, be sure to stop by Hennu Stall for the ultimate Après party. Ensure you are up for the challenge as you will still need to ski down a small hill (or take a lift) to get back to the village, but Hennu Stall is an absolute party and attracts locals and visitors alike. If you're looking to have a good time, this is the place to go.

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Harry's Ski Bar

@kathuber

Harry's is a great spot for a casual Après ski in the village. This spot definitely gets more crowded as the ski day comes to a close, but certainly doesn't bring the same type of party energy as Hennu Stall due to it's small and cozy atmosphere. They do have a big outdoor bar that provides additional space with heaters. This is a great option if you are with some family members or a smaller group.

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Adler Hitta

@kathuber

Adler Hitta is a must for Après ski aficionados in Zermatt. Located between Sunnegga and Findeln, DJ's and live bands perform outdoors for the crowd filling the sundrenched patio. This is an idyllic location for Après with incredible views and music, I also found Adler Hitta to be a bit more tame than Hennu Stall if that is what you are looking for.

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Where to Drink in Zermatt

Papperla Pub

@kathuber

During my stay in Zermatt I went to Papperla Pub everyday. Whether it was for Après or after dinner, this place was always buzzing. It boasts a large round bar inside finding it easy to grab drinks and mingle. They also have a nice outdoor area with heaters if it gets a bit busy. They often have live music as well. Papperla Pub is a great local spot in the center of the village.

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Club Mamacita

@kathuber

Club Mamacita was surprisingly fun as the upstairs acts as a casual cocktail bar with live music, high tops, and booths, and downstairs is a club that opens later in the evening. Starting your night with friends and family upstairs is a great option, then head downstairs when you are ready to dance and close out the evening!

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Skiing in Zermatt

Expert skier? This is the place to be. Never skied before but interested in learning? This is still a place for you. The ski guides and instructors in Zermatt are all super talented, specifically the guides at Summit. I skied with an Off Piste (off trail) ski guide who kept us safe in the rough, snowy conditions and took us down incredible, once in a lifetime fresh powder! 

Private Guiding

summitskischool.com

Never ski off piste without a guide, when Zermatt experiences a lot of snow there are risks of avalanches. 

From the Zermatt village, the Matterhorn is easily accessible. You will need to reach Furi by gondola. From there, there are two easily accessible gondola routes to the top of the mountain. 

Be sure to grab a ski pass ahead of time, and ensure it is an international one so you can ski between Switzerland and Italy. This is one of Zermatt's most unique features. If you are an IKON pass holder in the States, this will cover Zermatt as well.

Not a skier? Ride the gondolas. The incredible views will take you to the mountain side villages and Après destinations without ever having to clip into skis. 

Zermatt Ski Passes

www.matterhornparadise.ch

Spas in Zermatt 

If you aren't staying at a hotel with access to a spa, the BEAUSiTE has a lovely spa for at a decent price point at 80 CHF for adults, 40 CHF for kids.

You can buy a spa pass to access their outdoor hot tub overlooking the village & Matterhorn, that includes access to an indoor pool, whirlpools and outdoor infinity pool, plus Finnish sauna, hammam, infrared cabin, vitarium, hay sauna and access to the gym. They also provide terry towels, bath robes and slippers, shampoo and shower gel, soft drinks and snacks.

BEAUSiTE Spa

www.beausitezermatt.ch