25 tough kilometres of piste: deep black sections, glaciers and breathtaking heights.
At 3,883 metres above sea level, the going is comfortably flat at first which is just as well because the air is thin. After the first large bend, the skier is taken by surprise by a really steep slope. Definitely not for beginners! Then: pleasant carving as far as Trockener Steg. Time for a rest at Europe's highest pizzeria before continuing on past the glacier chairlift. Carve to Furgg, and then brace yourself! It becomes black, steep and narrow. After 4 km, a reward in a delightful mountain bistro offering Valais specialities. Snow is absolutely guaranteed on this piste (glacier or snowfall). A real professional races down in 10 to 15 minutes!
Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. The town's touristic development is closely linked to what is most probably the world's most famous mountain. The vacation destination is a car-free zone, has preserved its original character and offers nearly unlimited possibilities as far as excursions are concerned.

Description
The location of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn and in the middle of an enormous hiking and ski region makes it one of the world's most attractive vacation villages. The ski region encompasses 54 mountain railways and lifts as well as 360 kilometers of pistes. The region called "Matterhorn glacier paradise" is Europe's largest and highest lying summer skiing region. Numerous national ski teams train here in the summer.

The region is legendary amongst mountaineers: the Haute Route, a challenging international route that takes several days to complete, leads from Mont Blanc to Zermatt. Over 400 kilometers of hiking trails lead through and out of the Matter Valley, including the mule traders' trails, which date back to the 13th century (a part of these paths is paved).

Winter
In winter, the snow-assured ski region offers 360 km of pistes in three varied ski areas: the Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, Schwarzsee and Matterhorn glacier paradise. Snowboarders and freestylers are able to hone their skills in the Snowpark Zermatt in which Olympic hopefuls also train. A crossover to the Italian ski region of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche is possible from the Matterhorn glacier paradise / Theodulpass.

Those in search of something different can try their hand at paragliding or off-piste heli-skiing accompanied by an experienced mountain guide.
Summer
Walking, cycling, climbing and high-Alpine tours are popular activities in summer and autumn. Every year, the four-thousand-metre summits attract many Alpinists. 400 km of walking trails also guide guests who are not overly adept at climbing through the mountainscape around Zermatt.

The cog railway operates between Zermatt and the 3089-metre-high Gornergrat. The summit offers up spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the glaciers and the Monte-Rosa massif.

At 3883 metres in altitude, Europe’s highest vantage point able to be reached by cableway also offers a fascinating panoramic vista of the Matterhorn (4478 metres) and summits of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. The glacier palace can be admired 15 metres beneath the ice surface. Six ski lifts as well as a cableway provide access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest summer ski region of the Alps on the Theodul glacier.
Family
Child-care is offered throughout the year in the Zermatt – Matterhorn family resort. And everywhere you see the fun loving «Wolli» mascot, children come first! Lamb Wolli accompanies you on the climate theme path, kids under 9 ski for free in the whole region - and whoever wants to ice-skate at the rink, investigate a cheese dairy or hang around in the climbing hall can! Crystal-clear mountain lakes to swim in further entice, adventurous nature days and exciting visits to the Forest Fun Park.
News
The news listed here is maintained by the regional / local tourist offices, which is why Switzerland Tourism can not guarantee the content.

Experience the “Home of Winter” in Zermatt
A snow-covered village panorama, views of three countries, 360 kilometres of runs and the best choice of gastronomy in the Alps: the Zermatt – Matterhorn destination really has it all! Whether you are a speed demon, a leisurely winter hiker or a food lover: Zermatt is absolutely the right place for you. Alongside much-loved highlights such as the views of the majestic Matterhorn or the popular Ski Test, this year the “Home of Winter” also promises new gourmet delights and your chance to discover the Ski World Cup’s highest “Gran Becca” run.