If you’re planning a winter getaway to Zermatt for the 2025/2026 season, get ready for one of the most spectacular skiing experiences in Europe. This iconic resort at the foot of the Matterhorn is luxurious, atmospheric, impeccably maintained—and also demanding when it comes to organization and budget. Below you’ll find a comprehensive lifestyle guide that combines essential information, practical tips, and intriguing facts. Here are five things you need to know before you hit the slopes.
1. Zermatt – a skier’s paradise at 3,883 m
Zermatt is a Swiss alpine gem located at 1,620 meters above sea level, surrounded by as many as 38 four-thousand-meter peaks. Here you’ll find one of the highest ski areas in Europe – Matterhorn Ski Paradise – offering over 350 km of slopes stretching all the way to the Italian resort of Cervinia. For the 2025/2026 season, the slopes open at the end of November and remain accessible until mid-April, but thanks to the Klein Matterhorn glacier, you can ski even in late spring conditions.
Who is it for?
- beginners will find wide, gentle sections here,
- intermediate skiers will find the perfect mix of long, panoramic runs,
- experts – iconic, steep descents and high-altitude reds and blacks.
This is a resort where everyone can find their favorite slope, and the view of the Matterhorn accompanies you almost all day long.
2. A city without cars – and with perfect logistics
Zermatt is a car-free zone. You get here by train from the town of Täsch, and once you arrive, you mainly get around on foot, by electric taxis, or shuttle buses. It’s not only eco-friendly but also incredibly atmospheric—peaceful, with fresh air, no traffic jams, and no noise.
When planning your trip, be sure to determine:
- how far is your hotel from the train station,
- do you have convenient access to the entrance to Gornergrat or Sunnegga,
- whether you’ll need to allow extra travel time during peak hours.
Zermatt runs like a precise Swiss watch—as long as you know its logistics well.
3. Ski passes, prices, and the 2025/2026 season – what you need to know
The regional skipass starts at around 88 CHF, but if you want to access the Italian side and enjoy the longer, wider slopes in Cervinia, it’s worth choosing the international option. By purchasing online, you have better control over the price, availability, and you can avoid queues.
Good to know
- In the winter of 2025/26, the most reliable snow will, as usual, be found at altitudes above 2,500 m—head there first.
- In November and early December, focus on glacier routes.
- In spring, plan to ride earlier in the day—the lower slopes may be soft.
- If you’re traveling with your family, look out for packages and attractions for children – Zermatt is renowned for its family-friendly offers.
4. Zermatt is more than just skiing – top attractions, restaurants, and hotels
Although Zermatt is an icon of skiing, it is truly a lifestyle paradise. The après-ski scene, restaurants, and hotels here are among the most renowned in the Alps.
What are the must-see attractions?
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – the highest cable car station in Europe, featuring an ice palace hidden inside the glacier.
- Gornergrat Bahn – the iconic cog railway with views of a lifetime. The panorama of 29 four-thousanders is simply breathtaking.
- Riffelsee – often covered in snow during winter, but if you catch the right weather, it’s one of the most beautiful spots to photograph the Matterhorn.
- Igloo Village – a bar, restaurant, and even a hotel carved out of ice.
Most famous hotels:
The Omnia – contemporary luxury perched on a rock with breathtaking views of the village,
Mont Cervin Palace – an icon of Alpine elegance,
CERVO Mountain Resort – boutique mountain luxury with a slow-living vibe.
A delight for the palate
Chez Vrony – a famous slope-side restaurant, both stylish and rustic,
Findlerhof – a classic of mountain cuisine with the best view of the Matterhorn,
The North Wall Bar – perfect for an après-ski drink.
In Zermatt, gastronomy is a sport of its own—here, every dinner turns into an event.
5. Practical tips – making the 2025/26 season perfect
The final point is a set of tips that will truly make a difference once you’re there:
- Book early. Zermatt is one of the most popular resorts in the Alps – the best hotels and restaurants get booked up months in advance.
- Allow yourself some extra time. Lines for the gondola can be longer on weekends and during school holidays.
- Be flexible with the weather. If the wind closes the connection to Cervinia, have an alternative plan for the Swiss side.
- Don’t skip relaxation. Spas, museums, and restaurants can be just as special as skiing itself—give yourself time to experience Zermatt in all its dimensions.
A luxury icon of winter relaxation
Zermatt is an Alpine icon—luxurious, beautiful, a bit demanding, but absolutely unique. The 2025/2026 season promises to be as vibrant as ever. However, a well-prepared plan will let you make the most of everything this resort has to offer: excellent slopes, breathtaking views, world-class cuisine, and the unique atmosphere of a car-free destination.
