Zermatt is one of the best ski and mountaineering centres in the world. Situated in the Swiss Alps of southern Valais, close to the Theodul Pass on the Italian border, it is in the German-speaking part of the canton. The 5,800 population swells particularly during the winter months when keen winter sports fans head for the pistes.
Zermatt is in a sheltered basin, surrounded by the high peaks of the Pennine Alps, many of which exceed 4,000 metres in height. Standing on the Matter Vispa River, the village is close to several huge glaciers such as the Gorner Glacier. The area still retains its agricultural heritage but is best known for its mountaineering and ski-based tourism.
The car-free town with its cobbled alleyways is very compact and is centred around the station and the church. The delightful chalet-architecture, with red geranium window boxes in the summer, is set against the stunning backdrop of the jagged Matterhorn which stands at 4,478m high. The Matterhorn Museum is particularly fascinating for those interesting in climbing as the Matterhorn was one of the last Alpine mountains to be conquered, in 1865.
In winter, visitors to Zermatt can participate in alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, tobogganing and snowboarding amidst breathtaking scenery. The lively après ski nightlife takes place in many bars and restaurants and the delicious raclette and fondue cuisine is made for socializing. The rack railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe, ascends the Gornergrat with spectacular views while the famous Glacier Express railway connects Zermatt with St Moritz.
The cable cars and chairlifts which carry skiers in winter also transport hikers in summer to the starting point of the Haute Route and the 400km of ancient mule-traders routes in the summer. This dry, sunny area offers superb hiking, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding and adventure sports in the summer months along with gourmet cuisine, designer shopping and luxury spas.