The 10 coolest winter activities in Zermatt
Zermatt is a place like no other. Surrounded by majestic four-thousand-meter peaks and dominated by the legendary Matterhorn, this car-free mountain village offers unforgettable experiences in winter. Whether hiking, skiing, enjoying yourself, or marveling at the scenery, here are the ten most beautiful things you should definitely experience in Zermatt.
❄️ 1. Overnight stay in the Iglu-Dorf Zermatt
Spend a unique night in a cozy igloo surrounded by snow and enjoy the winter silence of the Alps. The Iglu-Dorf Zermatt is located at 2,727 meters above sea level and offers such a perfect location that you have a breathtaking view of Switzerland's most famous mountain from both the sun terrace and the whirlpool.
Incidentally, you can not only stay overnight at Iglu-Dorf Zermatt, but also relax and enjoy a fondue or a drink on the spacious sun terrace.
🚠 2. Take the Gornergrat Railway
The Gornergrat Railway is Switzerland's first electric cog railway and was opened in 1898. It runs from Zermatt at 1,604 meters to the Gornergrat at 3,089 meters. The journey offers unique panoramic views of the Matterhorn and other four-thousand-meter peaks. Along the way, the railway passes through Swiss stone pine forests, alpine meadows with black-nosed sheep, and alpine vegetation zones until it reaches the rocky terrain and glacier landscape of the summit.
🎿 3. Skiing or snowboarding
At almost 4,000 meters, Matterhorn Ski Paradise is the highest ski mountain in the Alps and offers skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year. Breathtaking slopes, impressive views, first-class restaurants, and state-of-the-art infrastructure ensure unforgettable experiences for everyone. Swiss hospitality meets Italian lifestyle here.
🥾 4. Snowshoe hike from Gornergrat to Rotenboden
Explore a unique mountain panorama on the panoramic snowshoe trail. Covering around 2.5 kilometers and descending 233 meters in altitude, the marked trail leads through untouched winter landscapes, past the snow-covered Riffelsee lake. Away from the ski slopes, pure powder snow awaits you. The route can be walked without a mountain guide and is marked every 100 meters.
📸 5. Zoom the Matterhorn
The interactive exhibition on the Gornergrat lets you experience the Matterhorn in all its dimensions. Three zoom levels allow you to get up close to the mountain, while exciting installations will thrill you even in bad weather. Admission is included in most train tickets.
🚶♀️ 6. Hiking from Rotenboden to Riffelberg
The Riffelsee lake is a must-see in Zermatt, especially in the morning or evening hours when the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in the water. The hike starts at the Rotenboden station, which can be reached by the Gornergrat railway, and takes about an hour to walk past two lakes and through the peaceful winter landscape to Riffelberg. Along the way, you will discover the “Bruder Klaus” chapel, whose shape is modeled on the silhouette of the Weisshorn.
❄️ 7. Crystal Ride
With the Crystal Ride supplementary ticket, you can enjoy an unforgettable gondola ride between Trockener Steg and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or between Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Testa Grigia. The Matterhorn Glacier Ride I and II are the highest 3S cable cars in the world. The exclusive crystal cabins are particularly impressive: during the ride, the darkened glass floor suddenly becomes clear, revealing spectacular views of the glacier landscape below.
🍽️ 8. Dining with the Stars
Enjoy a fondue chinoise at the Saycheese! restaurant in the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, accompanied by a star guide. Admire the clear starry sky above the Matterhorn and 28 other four-thousand-meter peaks, and take advantage of the rare opportunity to visit the observatory and look through the telescope.
🚞 9. NostalChic Class by GGB
Experience an unforgettable trip to the Gornergrat in a nostalgic carriage from 1961. Enjoy comfortable interiors, exclusive views, and a regional 4-course meal at Ristorante Al Bosco. Accompanied by a multilingual concierge, discover the majestic mountain world, stop at exclusive photo stops, and learn exciting anecdotes about Zermatt and the surrounding area.
🛷 10. Sledding from Rotenboden to Riffelberg
The toboggan run on the Gornergrat is the highest in the Alps and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn. The descent takes around ten minutes and promises fast-paced fun for young and old alike.
Book an overnight stay or a fondue at the Iglu-Dorf Zermatt now!
Is spending the night in an igloo in Valais not yet on your bucket list? Then it's high time it was!