Loading Page...

Why is Zermatt popular?

Zermatt is known throughout the world for its skiing, especially Triftji for its moguls. The high altitude results in consistent skiing continuously throughout the summer. Skiing in Zermatt is split up into four areas: Sunnegga, Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee.



Zermatt's popularity in 2026 stems from its unique status as a "car-free" alpine village that offers a direct, front-row seat to the Matterhorn, the world's most photographed mountain. The village is the ultimate destination for luxury "mountain chic," blending traditional Swiss wooden chalets with high-end boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants. Its popularity is also driven by its world-class skiing; the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise allows for year-round skiing, and you can actually ski across the border into Cervinia, Italy, for lunch. Because only electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages are allowed, the air is exceptionally clean and the atmosphere is serene. Furthermore, Zermatt is the terminus for the world-famous Glacier Express train, making it a bucket-list stop for rail enthusiasts. Whether you are an elite mountaineer, a luxury traveler, or a family seeking a "fairytale" winter wonderland, Zermatt provides an authentic yet polished Swiss experience that is unmatched in its combination of dramatic geography and sophisticated hospitality.

People Also Ask

Zermatt is a true year-round resort. In 2016, 42% of the 487k annual visitors came from May to October, the six months including summer.

MORE DETAILS

Peak glamour at this luxury Swiss ski resort Boasting snow-covered slopes in winter and wildflower meadows in summer, Zermatt is a take-your-breath-away setting whatever the season.

MORE DETAILS

Peak glamour at this luxury Swiss ski resort Boasting snow-covered slopes in winter and wildflower meadows in summer, Zermatt is a take-your-breath-away setting whatever the season.

MORE DETAILS

Zermatt is known for its après-ski activities, which include tea dances, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and discos.

MORE DETAILS

The Bahnhofstrasse is Zermatt's main street, and a delight to walk along at any time with its bars, restaurants, boutiques, souvenir shops, bakeries and shops selling cakes and chocolates.

MORE DETAILS

Unfortunately, this iconic roller coaster will be shutting down very soon for refurbishment. The Disneyland website informs Guests that Matterhorn Bobsleds will be unavailable starting April 17, 2023.

MORE DETAILS

1. Book your trip to Zermatt in the off-season: It gets too crowded and expensive in the summer and winter peak seasons. 2. Take cable cars: Some tourists visit the town and skip seeing Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

MORE DETAILS

As Zermatt is a mostly pedestrianised town, you can walk pretty much anywhere from your accomodation. There are several gondola and mountain railway stations, so make sure that you know which one you need for the hiking route you choose.

MORE DETAILS

The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof lies at the very heart of Zermatt and is host to royalty, Hollywood celebrities and mountaineers.

MORE DETAILS

The car-free village of Zermatt offers a rich variety of mountain romance 365 days a year. And everything packed into a very small area.

MORE DETAILS

A complete guide for visiting Zermatt, Switzerland
  1. See Switzerland's famous Matterhorn mountain.
  2. Learn about the history of Zermatt.
  3. Go shopping on Zermatt's main street.
  4. Snuggle up and enjoy a hot drink.
  5. Hit Zermatt's ski slopes.
  6. Go Mountain biking.
  7. Go for a hike with views over Zermatt's mountain ranges.


MORE DETAILS

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Warm clothing, a windproof jacket, a walking stick and solid footwear are a must, whatever the time of year. And, of course, don't forget your sunglasses, sun cream and your cap/hat . Bring warm, sporty clothes.

MORE DETAILS

No combustion engine vehicles are allowed in Zermatt. In fact, this Swiss municipality has been free of cars for most of its history. The road linking St. Niklaus and Zermatt was closed to automobiles in 1931.

MORE DETAILS

Frida Lyngstad of the music group Abba lives in Zermatt with her partner, while Phil Collins is a chalet owner in the town. Renowned people who ski in Zermatt include Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Angela Merkel, Thierry Henry, and Robbie Williams.

MORE DETAILS