<p>Sitting at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, Zermatt offers a wide variety of winter attractions.</p>
Photo: Pascal Gertschen

Top 5 Things to do in Zermatt

Sitting at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, Zermatt offers a wide variety of winter attractions.

Resort Guides
Published at: 8 Sep 2020
Last updated at: 9 Nov 2023

Are you wondering what to do in Zermatt this winter? If so then read on to discover the wide variety of attractions available. From glorious hikes and sightseeing flights to music festivals and long lunches, we've picked out five of the best things to do in Zermatt on your mountain holiday.

Serena Norton
Serena Norton
Scenic flights in ZermattPhoto: Air Zermatt

1. Get up close & personal with the Matterhorn

Founded in 1965, Air Zermatt offers scenic flights around the Matterhorn. Experience this magnificent mountain from all angles as you soar 4,000 metres high in the Valais Alps. Choose from a 20, 30 or 40-minute flight, taking off from Heliport Zermatt and experience unique views of the Weisshorn, Dent Blanche, Gornergrat and more. Weather permitting, flights run from 9 am to 12 noon and 1.30 pm to 5 pm in groups of at least four people. Prices start at 220 CHF per person for this unforgettable trip.

Matterhorn Glacier RidePhoto: Andrea Soltermann/Zermatt Bergbahnen AG

2. Ride the highest 3S cable car in the world

Since the 2018/19 winter season, the Matterhorn Glacier Ride has been transporting passengers from Trockener Steg to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883 metres above sea level. Combining innovative design with the latest technology, guests can enjoy the nine-minute journey in supreme comfort with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. For a special surprise, four of the cabins are studded with thousands of Swarovski crystals and during the ride, the opaque floor clears to reveal a breathtaking view of the glacial landscape.

At the top, admire the view from the highest viewing platform in Europe. From here you have a 360-degree view of 38 peaks over 4,000 metres high and 14 glaciers across France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as famous peaks including Mont Blanc, Eiger and Jungfrau. You can also step into the highest Glacier Palace in the world. Wander through the tunnels and admire the natural ice formations and ice sculptures. If you're feeling a little peckish then try "En Guete", the world's highest mountain restaurant. Enjoy a number of Swiss specialities whilst gazing out at the wonderful view through panoramic windows.

Snowshoe trek in ZermattPhoto: Marc Weiler

3. Enjoy an unforgettable hike through the Swiss Alps

With nearly 400 km of marked hiking and mountain trails around Zermatt, Täsch and Randa, plus 38 4000-metre peaks in the area, hiking in Zermatt is a paradise for keen walkers and snowshoers. There are routes for every level of hiker or climber, whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll or a real work-out.

Easy winter hiking trails include Blauherd to Fluhalp, Rotenboden to Riffelberg and Sunnegga to Tufteren. For something a little more challenging, the Zermatt Circular Trail takes you from the train station to the far part of the village and up to Moos via Blatten. You will then cross the spectacular 93-metre long Findelbach Bridge before making your way through the forest back to Zermatt. For the best view of the Matterhorn, the 2.5 km hike from Schwarzee to Stafel takes you directly underneath the North Wall.

Michelin-star restaurant in Zermatt

4. Tantalise your taste buds at a Michelin-star restaurant

Often referred to as the “Gourmet Capital of the Alps”, Zermatt has a wide variety of dining options. Whether you prefer a traditional mountain restaurant serving local classics or the ultimate gastronomic experience, Zermatt has it all.

With four Michelin-star restaurants to choose from, foodies are spoilt for choice here. Awarded 1 Michelin star and 15 Gault Millau points, The Omnia uses the highest quality ingredients to create stylish, vivid cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Another relative newcomer to the Michelin-star scene is Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni in the Hotel Zermatterhof. Showcasing products from Valais, the menu includes freshwater fish from the waters of Lake Geneva, game, local cheeses and outstanding wines from the region. Bringing the Mediterranean to the Alps is head chef Giavanni Bavuso at Ristorante Capri in Mont Cervin Palace. Finally, After Seven at the Backstage Hotel offers a creative mix of locally inspired and international cuisine

Band playing at Zermatt Unplugged music festivalPhoto: Leander Wenger

5. Soak up acoustic sounds at Zermatt Unplugged

Since 2007, Zermatt Unplugged has been entertaining the masses with its winter music festival. Taking place in April, the festival features a number of well-known acoustic artists from around the world. Concerts take place around the village and on the mountain. A Zermatt Unplugged pass provides access to the festival site as well as entrance to some of the venues around the village and on the mountain. This pass does not, however, include access to the headliners.

This year's big acts include pop singer/songwriter Dido, German rapper Cro, US rock legend Richard Marx, UK rock band the Kaiser Chiefs and Irish singer Rea Garvey.