Every ski resort has their own well earned reputation. Some are known for their over the top après ski party life like Courchevel and Chamonix, others are known for their exclusivity and attracting the wealthiest of skiers such as St. Moritz, Megeve and Andermatt.
One could say of Zermatt that it may be the Alps ski resort with the most gravitas, that it has a certain aura based in respect and admiration. Nowhere in the world has this resort’s most famed attribute, the Matterhorn, a rock formation created millions of years ago that juts into the sky and seems to pierce each cloud as they pass by.
Beyond the sheer majesty of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a winter playground for the well-to-do and is today nothing short of the epitome of Swiss ski life.
Zermatt is the highest ski resort in Switzerland, found in the canton of Valais, at the gateway to the Matterhorn glacial ski paradise. Considered one of the most exclusive ski destinations in the world, Zermatt’s slopes are sought after by the crème de la crème of the skiing world who flock to the glaciers and slopes of the Matterhorn.
Zermatt is a ski destination that continues to appeal to families and sport skiers who delight in the year-round skiing opportunities.
Hollywood stars such as Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise Angelia Jolie and global music artists like Robbie Williams keep coming back time and time again. In fact, Walt Disney was a regular visitor to the resort and he was inspired by the idea for his Disneyland theme park ride called ‘The Matterhorn’ after the mountain. Even royalty are bowled over by its charms, with Prince William and Sarah Ferguson staying at one time.
As a ski resort it has everything, from its chocolate box chalets to a lively après ski scene and fine dining reputation completed by an array of Michelin-starred restaurants and five star hotels. It also has rich culture in the old town with its traffic free streets.
This is a place where non-skiers can spend leisurely time away from the slopes, riding in a steed-driven chaise or meandering the old town lanes in search of history.Away from the slopes, Zermatt’s alpine village has a rich cultural history. First-time visitors will immediately notice the pure mountain air, fresh and free of any car emissions as the only mode of transportation in town is battery-operated vehicles or horse and cart.
Back in Zermatt’s old town, sprinkled among the winding lanes, is the famous Bahanhofstrausse with plenty of designer boutiques, chocolatiers, and bakeries for tourists to while away hours shopping. Sightseers can marvel at the Walser buildings made of larch wood. These 500-year-old barns stand on wooden legs to ward off the mice. Other attractions include the Church of St Mauritius and the Kirchbrücke bridge where you can take in a splendid view of the mountains.
It is impossible to get lost in the town, as all paths lead back to the Matterhorn. Well-heeled travellers can take a helicopter or private plane to Zermatt from any of the airports bordering Switzerland, a first-class train from Geneva or a Mercedes-Benz taxi so they can sip their champagne along the journey.
From the first measurement of the Matterhorn by Horace Bénédict de Saussure in 1792 to the first ascent on 14 July 1865 by Englishman Edward Whymper – the legend began. Whymper planned to sketch the mountain, but instead led an ill-fated expedition of seven men to conquer the summit.
Only three came back down after a tragic freak accident caused the rope to snap on the descent plunging four men to their deaths. The north face was next attempted in 1931 and the western side only accomplished in 1962. In its history, 500 mountaineers have perished trying to attempt the peak. Yet intrepid explorers are pulled towards the Matterhorn like a magnet.
Modern day cultural attractions include the Zermatt Unplugged music festival, staged each Spring. With acts such as One Republic, Lionel Richie and James Bay headlining. Zermatt has a lively apres-ski scene and many bars staging events which keep a beau monde audience enthralled.
Two thirds of runs are red, making a great landscape for intermediates to explore and develop their ski techniques. More experienced skiers can scale the heights of Hohtalli in the Gornergrat sector, where the reds are tricky enough to be labeled as “dark red”.
Cervinia is an intermediate wonderland, with scores of broad and empty pistes, including the long run down to Valtournenche village. Meanwhile, experts find exhilaration in the many off piste and yellow routes (runs that are avalanche controlled but not checked by ski patrollers). The Stockhorn section is open for only part of the season with magnificent moguls, while challenging terrain can also be found in the forest runs on Schwarzsee, and the routes from Rothorn also provide interesting variety.
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