Zermatt, Switzerland

An independent review from Scott Leach

Other Winter Activities > Overview

For those people who are not skiers or who decide to take the day off, the most appealing and available activity is the 18-mile (30-kilometer) trail system that snakes through the lower section of the mountain. These trails can be used for either snow hiking or snowshoeing. The trail system is within walking distance to the village and the trails go past some of the mountain huts, where a hiker can warm up, get something to eat, or meet up with a skier who is out on the mountain for the day.

There are also a bunch of other activities available in the area. There are eight curling rinks in one hall, three ice rinks, and sleigh rides. For the more adventurous, there is paragliding and cycling.

During the summer and winter, Air Zermatt offers breathtaking helicopter rides around the Matterhorn and surrounding 28 mountain peaks that measure as high as 13,100 feet (4,000 meters).

Hiking is extremely popular here during the summer.

Other Winter Activities > Snowmobiling

There is no snowmobiling in Zermatt. These machines are reserved for the ski patrol.

Other Winter Activities > Ice Climbing

The main place for ice climbing in Zermatt is an artificial ice tower located in the center of the village. This is the both the easiest and safest place to go ice climbing during the winter season.

If you're looking for an organized ice climbing trip, local outfitters such as the Alpine Center Zermatt offer guided ice climbing trips during the winter and summer. The trips are for all skill levels and last from four to eight hours. The trips visit such places as Breithorn, 4,164 meters (13,661 feet), Lyskamm, 4,527 meters (14,848 feet), Südlenz, 4,294 meters (14,084 feet), and Hohberghorn, 4,219 meters (13,838 feet).

During the summer months, the Matterhorn attracts experienced climbers. But this is just one of the 28 mountains that can be climbed during the summer; all the climbs in the area are on mountains over 4,000 meters/13,156 feet. For example, Mt. Pollux, 4,092 meters (13,421 feet), is a day tour starting from the top of the Klein Matterhorn that involves both ice and snow climbing.

Other Winter Activities > Tubing / Tobogganing

There is indeed a toboggan run in Zermatt; it's located halfway up the mountain on Gornergrat. This is a great option for those people who have skied too much or don't ski at all. The railway up to mid-mountain offers great views of the surrounding mountains and, of course, the Matterhorn. Toboggans are also available to rent for about $7 (CHF 8) a day.

The other option for tubing is simple recreational tubing on your own. Tubing down the mountain can take place after skiing is over when an energetic group of people bring a sled or toboggan up to one of the mountain huts. There are no chairlifts open for this, and you have to walk up hill for each ride.

Unfortunately, other then the toboggan run (like most other winter sports that do not take place on the upper slopes of the mountain), the snow is limited to natural snowfall. If you are not using the toboggan run, the right conditions for snow sledding during the winter season last from November to March and are dependent on how long the snow lasts.

Other Winter Activities > Ice Skating / Hockey

The village of Zermatt has two natural ice rinks and one artificial ice rink. They are all open during the entire winter season. On all three of these rinks, both recreational ice skating and ice hockey are available.

There is also an ice hockey school that hosts monthly tournaments for different age groups ranging from 10-year-olds to adults.

You can rent ice skates from many of the ski rental shops for $7 (CHF 8). The artificial ice rinks stay open from October to May.

Other Winter Activities > Sleigh Riding

Since no gasoline-powered cars are allowed in the village of Zermatt, the two main forms of transportation are electric bus/taxi and horse-drawn carriage. For this reason, during the winter, almost everywhere you turn you'll find an opportunity to indulge in a sleigh ride. The bells of horse-drawn sleighs can be heard around each corner.

During the summer months, the rides switch over to horse-drawn carriages.

Other Winter Activities > Snow Hiking

Since Zermatt is located at the base of the Matterhorn (and 28 other mountain peaks), it's not surprising that this resort area was originally a mountaineering town. Yes, it has evolved into an international ski resort, but it hasn't shed its mountaineering beginnings.

Toward the base of the ski mountain, just under the tree line, Zermatt has over 18 miles (30 kilometers) of hiking trails that can be accessed during the summer and winter months. During the winter, this is a great activity for non-skiers who wish to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding Alps and the prominent Matterhorn. Plus, since these trails are on the lower part of the mountain, this is a great way to see winter wildlife.

Along this 18-mile trail system, you can hike to and from the village at different points along the way, and you can also stop at one of the mountain huts for a hot chocolate or a quick bit to eat. Many of these restaurants are the same ones skiers stop in at after skiing, making them excellent meeting spots for skiers and non-skiers alike.

For those people who wish to take on a more intense snow hike that removes you from the comfort of the base of the mountain, local guides can be hired. Alpin Center Zermatt is just one of the outfitters that can provide such an extensive hiking trip.

Summer hiking in Zermatt is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience due to the surrounding scenery. If you are coming to Zermatt for hiking (snow or otherwise), summer is by far the best time to experience the 18-mile trail system and the surrounding mountain trails.

Other Winter Activities > Snowshoeing

Snowshoers in Zermatt use the same trails that the snow hikers use. This 18-mile (30-kilometer) trail system loops and weaves just below the tree line, and it can be accessed by first riding up one of the lifts/bus/train, or by simply walking from the village. The location of the trail system allows non-skiers or skiers who are taking the day off to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Alps. You can rent snowshoes can most places that rent skies for approximately $16 (CHF 19) per person per day.

Since the snowshoeing trails aren't at the top of the mountain, there's a good chance you might see wildlife as you stomp through the snow. Also, scattered throughout the trail system are restaurants that can be used for a quick warm-up. These restaurants provide a good meeting place for skiers and non-skiers alike.

The only major problem with snowshoeing in Zermatt is that you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. No snow means no snowshoeing. The lower section of the mountain (this includes the trail system) is guaranteed to be covered from December through March, but snowfall anytime before or after that is unpredictable.

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