Zermatt is intricately tied to one of the most famous mountains in the world, the Matterhorn. This majestically imposing mountain straddles the Swiss-Italian border with an almost perfectly shaped peak that hangs above the resort at 4,478m. Zermatt holds some of the most striking views of the Swiss Alps, leading it to be described as the “Jewel in Switzerland’s Crown” and referred to as a luxury ski break destination in a class of its own.

Zermatt is an ideal location as it offers access to the Italian resort of Cervina as well, meaning that guests will be able to explore the combined 360km of varied ski terrain with thrilling vertical drops and stunning views. In Zermatt, you may find a wide selection of luxury chalets and hotels in Zermatt to choose from, and we have hand-selected the very best to exceed any expectations.

Beneath the iconic mountain's snow-capped peak, Zermatt is sheltered in the valley below and is a trendy and ideal base for enthusiastic skiers to explore the varied ski terrain available in both Zermatt and the Italian Cervina area across the border. This is one of the best ski resorts in the world, with 183km of groomed pistes ranging in altitude from 1,620 metres at the resort to 3,883 metres at the Matterhorn glacier paradise. There is truly something for everyone with 394km of off-piste terrain for advanced skiers to explore and a ‘Gravity Park’ freestyle area for snowboarders.

Rest assured in the expertise of our luxury holiday specialists, and we will personally arrange for you a bespoke luxury ski holiday in Zermatt. Get in touch to discover how we can organise for you the best luxury accommodation, chalet chefs, transportation, and dinner reservations to make your luxury ski holiday one to remember. 

Piste Map

Luxury Ski Holidays in Zermatt: What to Expect

The dramatic scenery accented by the Matterhorn peak is a reason in itself to travel to Zermatt to ski or participate in all-year-round activities, such as summer glacier skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. This is a resort every skier should visit at least once, with a vibrant and picturesque village and hard-to-beat après-ski.

The Zermatt village is nearly surrounded by the Pennine Alps and is a delight to explore with its bustling car-free cobbled streets and ‘chocolate box chalets’. Expect a stylish, well-heeled international clientele that looks equally at home mingling in a chic café and dining in an upmarket restaurant as they do taking on the more formidable descents that Zermatt has to offer.

When is the Best Time for Skiing in Zermatt

Zermatt is known as a year-round ski resort with its high altitude, reliable snow, and groomed pistes. Although some lifts will close in May, the best time to ski in Zermatt is truly up to your own schedule and preferences on crowds and environment. For example, April could be the perfect time to go skiing for those who are looking for longer and warmer days. December and January see the most snowfall, and you can expect colder temperatures and a magical environment as the Zermatt village becomes a picturesque winter wonderland.

Our Luxury Ski Chalets and Hotels in Zermatt

The team at Oxford Ski Company have been visiting Zermatt since 1998, and we have taken our time to build connections and work closely with the owners and operators of the best lodgings and hotels in town. As a result, our team of luxury travel specialists know Zermatt better than most. Get in touch today to find out more about our luxury ski chalets and hotels available.

Explore some of the best Zermatt luxury chalets and hotels below.

Luxury chalets in Zermatt

We have thoughtfully selected a dazzling and varied collection of luxury Zermatt chalets which you can choose from for your luxury ski holiday. Each is unique and offers lavishly appointed facilities, amenities, and features - from home cinemas and heated pools to cigar rooms and hot tubs.

Chalet Grace, one of the many Zermatt luxury chalets we can arrange for you, is a prime example of a chalet designed and built to the highest of standards. Spacious, luxurious, and with uninterrupted views of both Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn from its picture windows, it’s been aptly described as the epitome of luxury and style.

Luxury Ski Hotels in Zermatt

We offer an impressive selection of four and five-star luxury hotels in Zermatt, distinguished in refinement and sophistication. These hotels are sure to offer stunning views, luxurious amenities, and direct access to the slopes. As leading luxury travel specialists, our experts have the experience, connections with the best hoteliers, and the passion to arrange for you the perfect luxury ski holiday. We believe you’ll be more than impressed with the luxury ski holidays we can arrange for you.

Below, we have specifically chosen our favourite luxury hotels in Zermatt for you to choose from. Please click to view more details on pricing, location, and facilities, or contact a member of our team to discover more about our offerings.

• CERVO Mountain Resort - 54 rooms and suites
  One of the many five-star hotels our discerning customers have loved, boasting a perfect setting above the town and providing guests with exquisite views of the Matterhorn.
• Mont Cervin Palace - 150 rooms and suites
  This grand hotel is found in the centre of Zermatt and is a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World.” Expect the finest Swiss hotel tradition, alpine charm, spacious rooms, and even a red horse-drawn carriage.
• Grand Hotel Zermatterhof - 78 rooms and suites
  This elegant grand hotel offers sumptuous amenities for guests to enjoy such as an alpine wellness spa, complimentary transportation from Zermatt station in a horse-drawn carriage, and gourmet Michelin-Star meals at the Prato Borni.
• The Omnia - 30 rooms and suites
  This iconic hotel is situated on top of a granite rock face that overlooks the Swiss village. Guests will enjoy the luxurious and contemporary interiors, stunning views, private glass elevators, and private Scandinavian suites with private Jacuzzis and saunas.

Skiing in Zermatt: What to expect

Visitors from all over the world travel to Zermatt to ski against the stunning backdrop of the Matterhorn peak. The resort and skiing area are perched at an elevation from 1,620m to 3,889m - offering some of the most challenging, varied, and extensive terrain available in Europe as well as off-piste options. Combined with the Italian Cervinia ski domain, there is a total of 360km of slopes available for adventurous skiers to explore and enjoy on their luxury ski holiday.

In the Zermatt-Cervinia range you can expect:

Ski terrain in Zermatt 

Pistes: 200km
Resort height: 1620m
Skiing Elevation: 1620-3899m
Blue: 16%
Red: 58%
Black: 26%
Longest run: Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche - the longest red ski run in the world at 22km long

Snowfall Levels in Zermatt 

Snowmaking coverage: 60% with 350 cannons
Average snowfall: 300cm per year

November: 62cm
December: 78cm
January: 94cm
February: 71cm
March: 43 cm

Zermatt ski lift information

Across the Zermatt -Cervinia ski area you will find a total of 51 lifts, including:

Gondola: 18
Chairlifts: 21
Drag lifts: 10
Cable car: 10
Mountain railways: 1
Funicular: 1

Zermatt lift pass cost

The price of a Zermatt six-day lift pass can be anywhere from £320 to £412, and you can expect a child’s lift pass to cost around £186. Some other costs to consider will be ski schools, equipment hire, and lift pass and equipment bundles. Our expert luxury ski team will have up-to-date knowledge on current prices for your luxury Zermatt ski holiday. Please contact us for accurate prices.

Intermediate Skiing in Zermatt

The Zermatt side of the ski domain is perfect for intermediates, offering almost limitless options of long reds and blues with stunning views of Matterhorn peak all the way down. On sunnier days, intermediates can take their pick between skiing on the snow-sure glacier runs or cruising into the rolling terrain found on the Italian Cervina side. More adventurous intermediates can push their skills on the long reds found at the top of Gornergrat and Hohtälli.

Advanced skiing in Zermatt 

Zermatt is the perfect place for expert skiers to challenge themselves, push their skills, and get a thrill from exciting off-piste runs and one of the largest heli-skiing operations in the Alps. Here, you will find plenty of challenging black and red runs to keep any advanced happy - from the wide and steep Sunnegga piste that was once used for Swiss championships to the exciting 1000 vertical metre descents behind Gornergrat and around Hohtalli and Rote Nase.

Off-piste Skiing

When the conditions are right, Zermatt offers excellent off-piste runs with well-preserved snow on the north-facing slopes. You can find a number of powder stashes, off-piste descents, and stunning glacial skiing. Contact a member of our expert skiing team to arrange hired guides or for advice on taking full advantage of Zermatt's off-piste opportunities.

Zermatt Skiing for Beginners:

Although Zermatt is well-known as a haven for serious skiers, there are accessible beginner areas in all three of the main sectors, such as Lessee with three moving carpets and two rope tows. From there, you may take a special pass to ski the blue run down to Findell. Zermatt is also well known for the wide variety of activities available to non-skiers. The mountain is easily accessible for pedestrians and they can easily get up the mountain to meet skiers for lunch, enjoy high-altitude winter walking near the village, or take a cable car ride to the top of Klein Matterhorn to enjoy the spectacular views.

Zermatt for Families

Be it snowy hikes, thrilling toboggan descents, or sunny ski days, Zermatt is the perfect luxury ski destination for families. With the Wolli Card, Children can travel free on all of the mountain lifts and practice at the Wolli Beginner’s Park at Sunnegga. The park is sunny, sheltered, and easily accessible on the Leisee Shuttle funicular. Within this ski area, you will find five magic carpets and a range of fun attractions for the whole family.

The Best Après Ski in Zermatt

The charming and picturesque Zermatt village has become a world-class mountain resort with an array of vibrant events and après-ski options. Be it sophisticated socials or lively and informal fun, Zermatt visitors can have a good time at any time of the day or night.

The Hennu Stall

This popular resort bar is often considered the Swiss Folie Douce, and it starts the party early at four in the afternoon. The Hennu Stall is found right on the slopes with refreshing beer, an outdoor DJ, and tabletop dancing.

Papperla Pub

This large and well-established venue attracts a younger crowd with its Irish-style party grotto, outdoor terrace, incredible location, and live music.

Elsie’s Bar

This charming wine bar is found at the heart of Zermatt and attracts a more relaxed and sophisticated crowd. This is the perfect cosy atmosphere to unwind in after a long day skiing.

Snowboat

This après ski bar is hard to forget with signature cocktails, sushi, sofas on the roof, and its boat-shaped structure.

Broken Bar Disco

This is one of the most famous discos in the alps where you can party in their cellar with a barrel of wine until five in the morning!

Zermatt Boutique Shopping 

Find incredible variety and a luxury shopping experience by walking along the Bahnhofstrasse. Here, you will find shop windows filled with baked goods, alpine jewellery, watches, and the best skiing equipment from knowledgeable local experts and artisans. Find classic luxury brands and shop in Zermatt's outlets to buy designer clothes and more.

Luxury Dining in Zermatt

At Zermatt, you can enjoy the best and most luxurious mountain restaurants available in the Alps - from lunch on the slopes with incredible views of the Matterhorn at the Chez Vrony, to wonderfully atmospheric hideouts with Michelin stars such as the Capri or After Seven.

Winter Activities in Zermatt

Aside from incredible skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of winter and snow activities available in Zermatt for those of all ages and abilities to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy outdoor ice-skating, VIP gondola experiences, snow tubing, hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering and climbing and much more.

Oxford Ski Company Recommends…

See below for a quick list of Zermatt essentials and some of our favourite recommendations: