Zermatt In Winter: Ultimate Guide For First-Timers [2025/2026]

Zermatt in winter is a true fairy tale. I don’t think I’ve been to any other place in the winter that would give me such chills and the winter wonderland vibes like this small Swiss town. It was one of my best visits and I’d love you to have the same experience (or even better).

So in this post, I’ll give you all the information you need to know if you’re visiting Zermatt in the wintertime. It has activities for non-skiers, the best ski slopes for skiers, hidden gems to visit, and how to get the most out of your time, where to eat, and stay.

Let’s explore it together!

Why Should You Visit Zermatt In Winter?

Zermatt is one of the most charming winter towns in Europe overall. It will give you the fairy tale vibes and provide activities for all types of interests. Couples, families, solo travelers – everyone will find their own activities. If you are in a group and your friends/family members want to ski, but the rest of the group doesn’t, Zermatt still offers many options to have fun.

It’s also well-connected to major international airports such as Zurich, Geneva, and Milan (Italy).

Is It Worth Visiting Zermatt If You Don’t Ski?

Yes, 100%. Zermatt offers many activities for non-skiers, such as sledding, winter hiking, or just enjoying the cable car rides, indulging in local cuisine, visiting museums, or enjoying a wonderful day in a spa with stunning views.

What To Do In Zermatt In Winter: Zermatt In Winter For Non-Skiers

There are all possible things you can enjoy in Zermatt during wintertime. These are all activities for non-skiers (scroll down for the skiing section if you’re as eager to go skiing as I was). I’ve enjoyed almost all of them during my time in Zermatt in the winter, and had the best time ever.

Here are 16 great things to do in Zermatt in winter for non skiers:

1. Have Fun Sledging
2. Go Winter Hiking
3. Ride On The Gornergratbahn
4. Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
5. Cross From Switzerland To Italy In A Day
6. Visit The Iglu Dorf
7. Explore Sunnegga – Blauherd & Rothorn
8. Wander Around Zermatt & Go Shopping
9. Visit The Matterhorn Museum
10. Relax In A Spa
11. See The Glaciers From A Helicopter
12. Go Paragliding
13. Wander Around Findeln & Enjoy Fondue
14. Indulge In A Local Cuisine
15. Have Fun At Après‑Ski
16. Enjoy More Local Events

1. Have Fun Sledging

Sledging in Zermatt is honestly one of the best things to do in the winter. There is nothing quite like it when you sit on the slopes in the winter wonderland, while overlooking the stunning Matterhorn.

It’s possible to go sledding between the station Rotenboden and Riffelberg (on the Gornergratbahn). Take the Gornergrat train, get off in Rotenboden, take the sled there, and have fun!

NOTE: You can also enjoy Husky sledging!

2. Go Winter Hiking

Zermatt offers multiple winter hikes you can enjoy. You don’t need proper equipment, but make sure to have good boots and maybe a winter jacket (it might be very cold).

Here are some of the best hikes to enjoy:

📍 Rotenboden – Riffelberg (stunning views of Matterhorn)
📍 Blauherd – Fluhalp (incredible winter trail with breathtaking views)
📍 Sunnegga – Findeln (enjoy lunch at Chez Vrony – reservation needed) – Zermatt (nice views of Matterhorn)
📍 Sunnegga – Tuftem (foresty trail, not so many views)
📍 Riffelalp – Furi (foresty trail, not so many views)

3. Ride On The Gornergratbahn

If you’re not an outdoor enthusiast but still want to enjoy nature and stunning views, take the Gornergrat train to the top of Gornergrat. The station is located opposite the main train station in Zermatt, and it takes about 40 minutes to get to the top.

There is a hotel with a restaurant and an observatory – but honestly, it’s simply worth taking this ride for the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also get to see some major glaciers from the top, like Gornergletscher and Grenzgletscher.

The 2 main middle stations are Rotenboden and Riffelberg – I also recommend getting off at Riffelberg, which has 2 restaurants. You can enjoy a Swiss lunch or sit in a cafe while sipping hot chocolate or a cocktail overlooking the Matterhorn.

NOTE: If you have some skiers in the group, they can enjoy skiing in this area while you enjoy the train rides & mountain huts.

4. Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Another great mountain excursion to make from Zermatt is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It’s the highest cable car station in Europe (3883m/12740ft.) and let me tell you – riding the cable car above the glaciers is unlike any other experience.

You’ll have to take the Matterhorn Express cable car from Zermatt to Trockenersteg (via stations Furi & Schwarzsee – stay seated). In Trockenersteg, change to the 3S cable car above the glaciers to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

There is a cinema, a 360-degree viewing platform, an ice cave you can walk through, and a restaurant. It costs 2 CHF to use the bathroom in the restaurant.

This entire experience is more about the stunning cable car rides, and it feels like being on the top of the world once you make it up there.

It’s also a perfect excursion if you’re in a group where some people are skiing – you can all go together. As a non-skier, you can enjoy the same ride while enjoying the experience, as the others can ski around.

5. Cross From Switzerland To Italy In A Day

Once you’re at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can either take the same cable cars back to Zermatt or continue the adventure from here.

The excursion isn’t complete if you don’t make it to Italy, lol. Yes, you heard me right – you can cross from Switzerland to Italy and back to Switzerland in a day, only riding cable cars. How insane is that :D.

If you’re up for it (which I think you should), take another 3S cable car from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station to Testa Grigia station. You can walk out there and visit a small mountain hut called ‘Rifugio Guide del Cervino’. This is a much better place to enjoy lunch and drinks – you’ll also get some Italian food, it’s not so overpriced as at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and it’s overall a more unique experience. Or just walk to the mountain hut and chat to some skiers.

From Testa Grigia, take another cable car to Plan Mason. This is another great area to have lunch or just walk around. From there, you can take the last cable car to Cervinia, which is the closest first Italian village.

I don’t think it’s necessary to go all the way down to Cervinia (I found the town a bit boring), so you can easily just end in Plan Mason, get some Italian food, and take the same cable cars up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

NOTE: As you are enjoying the cable car rides, skiers can ski down to each of these mountain stations, where you can catch up with each other.

👉 READ ALSO: Epic Zermatt Itinerary For 2 Days: Full Guide

6. Visit The Iglu Dorf

Iglu Dorf is a tiny igloo village in the middle of the mountains, between Rotenboden and Riffelberg stations. You can enjoy a night sleeping in an igloo and waking up to the stunning sunrise, or watch the stars at night (no lights here).

You can also just hike there during the day, see the village, and enjoy some Swiss fondue and Raclette. If you want to have lunch there, I recommend making a reservation in advance.

7. Explore Sunnegga – Blauherd & Rothorn

Another mountain excursion you can do (shorter and more on a budget) is to take the funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga station.

In Sunnega, you can keep going and take a cable car to Blauherd. There is not much in Blauherd except a mountain hut where you can have lunch. So if you have already made it up here, I highly recommend taking the last cable car to the top of Rothorn.

Honestly, Rothorn is a hidden gem in Zermatt for me. The views are unlike any other. I think it might be my favorite mountain, just because most people go either to Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

You can enjoy a delicious lunch in a mountain hut in Rothorn and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and other mountains.

Another option is to hike from Blauherd to Fluhalp mountain hut (max. 2 hours – easy hike, slightly uphill), and enjoy lunch there – highly recommend this hike, too.

NOTE: This is another area for skiing, too. The ski slope from Rothorn to Blauherd is indeed my favorite in all of Zermatt.

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8. Wander Around Zermatt & Go Shopping

Zermatt, as a town, is very charming in the winter, so even if you don’t go up to the mountains, you’ll still have a blast.

Wander around its tiny streets and walk through ‘Hinterdorfstrasse‘ street, full of traditional wooden houses.

Then walk towards the church and enjoy nice views of the Matterhorn from the ‘Kirchbrücke‘ bridge. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you walk alongside the river and stay cozy.

Don’t miss out my favorite viewing spot in Zermatt ‘Matterhorn Viewpoint‘ – it’s even more beautiful at night with the lights.

Zermatt also offers a great shopping experience – you’ll find many local and luxury shops on the main street from the train station – Swiss watches, delicious chocolate, local fashion boutique shops, you’ll find it all.

👉 READ ALSO: 5 Best Panoramic Trains In Switzerland: Ultimate Guide

9. Visit The Matterhorn Museum

If you want to learn something new, visit the Matterhorn Museum in the middle of the main square in Zermatt.

You’ll learn about mountaineering, glaciers, and even local life. It’s quite a nice experience, especially if the weather is gloomy or it’s snowing a lot. It might be a great activity if you have a family with children.

If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you can enter free of charge.

10. Relax In A Spa

What could be better than enjoying a hot tub and jacuzzi after a cold ski day or hiking day? Zermatt is quite freezing in the winter, so nothing beats a warm pool and hot sauna after you explore.

I highly recommend booking a hotel that already has a spa/wellness (la couronne Hotel & Spa, 22 Summits Boutique Hotel & CERVO Mountain Resort are some of my favorites). But if your hotel doesn’t have one, you can go to Wellness & Spa Alpen Resort or Hotel Sonne as an external guest.

Definitely don’t miss this experience. There is just something magical about sipping a champagne in a hot tub while overlooking the majestic Matterhorn.

11. See The Glaciers From A Helicopter

Another fascinating excursion you can make from Zermatt is to ride on a helicopter and see all the mountains, including the town, from above.

What a place to experience a helicopter ride, isn’t it?

You can enjoy a classic sightseeing flight around the Matterhorn for 20, 30, or 40 minutes. For more adrenaline, you can even go heliskiing around the Testa Grigia or Unterrothorn areas.

➡ Book the helicopter sightseeing & heliskiing here

12. Go Paragliding

For even more adventure, you can go paragliding – yes, it’s also possible in the winter.

If riding a cable car or a helicopter above the glaciers sounds still quite boring, why not fly above them? Experience the thrill with one of the nice instructors, who will fly with you – it’s an experience of a lifetime.

➡ Book Your Paragliding Experience Here

13. Wander Around Findeln & Enjoy Fondue

Findeln is a tiny village above Zermatt. It takes about 2 hours to walk/hike from Zermatt to Findeln. The easier way is to take the funicular to Sunnega and then walk downhill from there to Findeln (about 30 minutes).

You’ll see cute wooden Swiss mountain chalets – and one of the best things to do here is to enjoy a brunch or a lunch at Chez Vrony restaurant overlooking the Matterhorn. They have some of the best fondue, and the entire experience is on another level.

NOTE: Chez Vrony is very busy and they can be booked up to 3-4 months in advance, so make sure to make a reservation before.

14. Indulge In A Local Cuisine

Zermatt offers one of the best culinary experiences in all of Switzerland. In fact, some say, it’s the best spot to enjoy fine dining and local cuisine.

So, don’t miss a chance and enjoy local dishes like Swiss Fondue and Raclette. The best places to get them are Restaurant Spycher and Du Pont.

For delicious snacks and brunch, head to Zermama Bistro. For a lunch with stunning views, I recommend the restaurant at the Chalet Hotel Schönegg (on their terrace).

And if you want to indulge in a fine-dining experience, book a table at Potato Fine Food Restaurant or Restaurant Saveurs by Schönegg.

My favorite coffee shop in Zermatt is Backzeit bakery & café Zermatt – they also sell sourdough bread and great pastries – super delicious.

15. Have Fun At Après‑Ski

What would any mountain destination in winter be without a proper après‑ski experience, right?

For those of you who don’t know, après‑ski is an experience after skiing in a local bar on the ski slopes or in a town to have fun partying with some drinks and just celebrating life. Sometimes they even have live music. And of course, you can participate even as a non-skier.

The best après‑ski spots in Zermatt are: Hennu Stall Après‑Ski Bar, Harry’s Ski Bar, and Snowboat.

16. Enjoy More Local Events

Zermatt is alive in the winter as well as in the summer, and the tourism board, with local communities, is doing such a great job organizing extra activities for guests.

So check out the calendar for any current events happening on the dates when you’re visiting. You might be able to enjoy some live concerts, parties, winter hikes with a guide, curling, or learn something new.

Skiing In Zermatt: Best Areas & Ski Resorts With A Map

If you can’t wait to go skiing, I understand you – my main reason for visiting Zermatt in winter was to explore its ski slopes. It has been a lifelong dream, and I finally made it happen. Safe to say, Zermatt has been one of my absolute favorite ski destinations in Europe so far.

I always say, skip Austria if you’re a very good skier and are looking for ‘something more’ and head to the Dolomites or Switzerland instead. But now, after experiencing skiing in Zermatt, I can almost say, it outranked even the Dolomites (not quite sure though). I still haven’t skied in the French Alps, though; it’s still on my bucket list (hopefully fulfilling this dream very soon).

With that said, if you are asking whether skiing in Zermatt is worth it, don’t even hesitate anymore – absolutely YES. Zermatt has one of the longest/most vertical ski runs in Europe, so that says it all.

These are the 3 main ski areas in Zermatt (all of them are well-connected):

🏂 Gornergrat
🏂 Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Cervinia
🏂 Rothorn

👉 READ ALSO: Skiing In Switzerland: Full Guide With Top Resorts & My Experience

🏂 Gornergrat

If you want to enjoy easier slopes, head to Gornergrat. You can ski from the top of Gornergrat between Rotenboden and Riffelberg stations. The slopes are great for beginners. You’ll also have stunning views of the Matterhorn.

You can easily switch from here to other ski areas like Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Rothorn.

If you want to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, take the Riffelberg Express cable car to Furi and keep going up.

If you want to get to the Rothorn area, ski from Rotenboden to Breitboden-Eja and take a cable car up to Blauherd, followed by another one to Rothorn.

🏂 Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Cervinia

This is the main and biggest ski area in Zermatt. It’s the one when you can cross from Switzerland to Italy within a day.

Take the Matterhorn Express cable car from Zermatt via Furi and Schwarzsee (stay seated) all the way up to Trockener Steg. You can stop here and ski down to Schwarzsee and Furi, all the way down to Zermatt. Or keep going up on the 3S cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

The ski slope between Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Trockener Steg, all the way to Schwarzsee, is one of my favorite – stunning views and very long (which is what we love, right)?

On the Italian side, you can ski from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise via Testa Grigia and Plan Mason down to Cervinia. This part was not my favorite, but it’s just a preference. I preferred skiing on the Swiss side – the slopes were better, wider, more challenging, and fun.

🏂 Rothorn

Rothorn has a great mixture of easy slopes for beginners and more advanced skiers.

If you’re a beginner, the slopes between Blauherd and Sunnegga will be amazing for you. If you want to enjoy longer and steeper slopes, head up to Rothorn and ski down to Blauherd (my favorite ski run in Zermatt).

From Rothorn, you can also ski to the other side (close to Fluhalp) to Eja and take a cable car up to Breitboden, which is connected to the Gornergrat ski area.

Is It Possible To Ski In All 3 Areas In Zermatt Within A Day?

Yes, it is. I did it – not all the slopes, that’s insane as there are so many.

I started my day on top of Rothorn, then skied down to Eja, took a cable car up to Breitboden, and went up to Gornergrat, then I skied down to Riffelberg, took the Riffelberg Express to Furi, and then I managed to ski from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise down to Zermatt.

And here you have it, that’s how you can cover all 3 areas within a day while skiing. So much fun!

BONUS: Skiing In Zermatt: My Experience

If you want to learn more about how skiing is in Zermatt and the best slopes + my insider tips – check out my separate article about it by clicking on the picture below. I truly had the best time skiing there and I’d love you to have the same (or even better) experience.

Practical Tips For Visiting Zermatt In Winter

Here are some practical tips for visiting Zermatt in the wintertime.

Where To Stay In Zermatt

Zermatt is home to some of the most beautiful hotels and traditional alpine cottages in all of Switzerland. Even if you’re not planning to do many excursions, it’s the perfect place to slow down, treat yourself to a spa resort stay, and simply relax in the winter wonderland.

Here are a few of my favorite hotels to stay in Zermatt — from budget-friendly options to cozy mid-range spots and luxurious mountain hotels:

🏠 Bolero Apartments – budget-friendly apartments – book here
🏠 Alpine Hotel Perren – budget-friendly hotel – book here
🏠 Hotel Holiday – budget-friendly hotel – book here
🏠 Hotel Cheminee – budget-friendly hotel – book here

🏠 Hotel ZERMAMA – mid-range hotel – book here
🏠 22 Summits Boutique Hotel – mid-range hotel – book here
🏠 Matterhorn Lodge Boutique Hotel – mid-range hotel – book here
🏠 La couronne Hotel & Spa – mid-range hotel – book here

🏠 Matthiol Boutique Hotel – luxury resort – book here
🏠 Nomad by CERVO Mountain Resort – luxury resort – book here
🏠 Relais & Chateaux Schönegg – luxury hotel – book here
🏠 La Vue Luxury Living Apartments – luxury apartments – book here

How To Get To Zermatt

Getting to Zermatt is fairly easy. You can take trains from Zurich, Geneva, or even Milan (major international airports).

Wherever you’re traveling from, you’ll always have to change trains in Visp (a town close to Zermatt). There is a direct train between Visp and Zermatt that runs every 30 minutes.

➡ From Zurich, take the IC 8 train that runs directly between Zurich Flughafen (airport) via Zurich HB (main train station) to Visp. You can take any other train, but you’ll most probably have to change trains before you arrive in Visp. Then change to a local train to Zermatt.

➡ From Geneva, there is a direct train, IR90 or IR95, that runs between Geneva Airport (stopping at the main train station in Geneva) and Visp.

➡ If you’re traveling from Milan, I recommend taking the EC train that runs between Milano Centrale (main train station) and Basel SBB – get off in Visp, and take the local train to Zermatt.

Check out the SBB website for all train connections within Switzerland to Zermatt (it also shows some international connections).

If you’re traveling by car, you’ll have to leave it in a small town close to Zermatt called ‘Täsch’. Zermatt is a car-free town, and so you’re not allowed to drive there. Park your car in the big garage in Täsch and then take the local train to Zermatt (10-minute ride).

Discounts For Getting To Zermatt

Paying for a single train ticket within Switzerland (especially to Zermatt) can be very expensive. So if you don’t want to be overcharged, I recommend getting some of these travel passes/cards:

👉 Swiss Travel Pass: Valid for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days – it’s better to get it if you’re visiting at least a few other places in Switzerland (not just Zermatt) and want to travel for that number of days.

👉 Swiss Half-Fare Card: This card costs 120 CHF per person and is valid for a month. Once you have it, it will give you a 50% discount for all trains, buses, and cable cars you’ll take in Switzerland.

👉 My secret little tip: Get a Saver Day Pass for the day when you travel to Zermatt (if you’re not exploring anything else in Switzerland) – it costs 52 CHF per person and you can travel for 1 day within Switzerland. You’ll need to get it at least a month before the day you travel (otherwise it gets more expensive).

👉 READ ALSO: 11 Cheapest Ways To Travel Switzerland On A Budget

How To Get Around Zermatt

Zermatt is a tiny car-free town. The only way to get around is on foot or on a small shuttle (taxis or hotel shuttles). If you arrive at the train station and want to get to your hotel, use a hotel shuttle or a local taxi shuttle to get you there.

To explore the town, it’s best to walk around. You can walk within 30 minutes from the beginning of the town to the end.

To get to the nearby mountains, hop on local cable cars like Matterhorn Express, Sunnegga funicular, or Gornergratbahn train.

Best Winter Months To Visit Zermatt

For winter, January and February are ideal. That’s when the ski and winter hiking seasons are in full swing, with all lifts and facilities open and the best chance for plenty of snow.

January is generally great for fewer crowds and amazing snow conditions. February is the busiest due to the school holidays. March is still nice with a lot of snow on the slopes, but you might not experience as much winter wonderland magic in the town, as there might be less snow.

If you plan to visit in December, make sure to come in late December. Many ski slopes and facilities are still closed in early December.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Time To Visit Switzerland: Monthly Guide By A Local

Zermatt In December

December is generally a great month to visit Zermatt. Early December is quiet and less crowded, and the majority of the slopes are open. It’s not as busy with fewer events in the town, so if you’re looking for a busy season, come late December.

Around 20th December, that’s when Zermatt opens a full winter season, when all the slopes are open and many events start taking place.

December is also one of the best times to visit to experience the Christmas magic with some markets in the town, lights, and even to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Zermatt has a lot going on with parties or hotels with special Christmas packages.

Winter Temperature In Zermatt

Zermatt gets quite cold in the winter. Temperatures range between 0°C/32°F and -10°C/14°F, it can get down to -15°C/5°F around Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

I used to wear all the layers of clothes I brought :D. Especially on the slopes, I was pretty cold. You’re skiing while being surrounded by glaciers, so make sure to pack winter gear and have good hiking and skiing gear.

How Many Days In Zermatt Is Enough?

4 – 5 is the perfect number of days for Zermatt in the winter. There is a lot going on in the winter months. Especially if you’re skiing, plan a full 3 days to enjoy all the ski areas without a rush, and stay an extra 2 days to enjoy Zermatt with its culinary experiences or some winter hikes.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about the wintertime in Zermatt, so check my answers below:

Is It Worth Visiting Zermatt If You Don’t Ski?

Yes, 100%. Zermatt offers many activities for non-skiers, too. It’s a great destination for groups and families, where some people want to go skiing and some don’t.

Everyone will find activities that will match their interests, such as shopping, winter hiking, riding on cable cars and trains, enjoying local cuisine and coffee shops, etc.

What To Do In Zermatt In Winter Other Than Skiing?

Zermatt offers many activities other than skiing, such as visiting Igloo village, riding on the cable cars and trains (enjoying some mountain excursions), winter walking/hiking, dog sledding, sledding, enjoying local cuisine, and relaxing in a spa.

Which Is Better, Grindelwald Or Zermatt?

Both of these mountain towns are charming in their own way, and so we can’t say that one is better than the other.

If you’re looking for better and more ski slopes, Zermatt is better than Grindelwald.

If you’re looking for more open areas with slightly more activities, Grindelwald is better.

Which Is Better, Zermatt Or St. Moritz?

I personally prefer Zermatt over St. Moritz. Zermatt, to me, feels cozier and offers a lot more than St. Moritz.

The main difference between these two is that St. Moritz is more luxurious, and Zermatt offers a wider range of activities for everyone, from budget-friendly spots to luxury.

WRAP-UP: Zermatt In Winter

This is my full guide on visiting Zermatt in winter. Whether you’re a skier or not, you’ll have a great time, I’m sure. Zermatt is truly one of my favorite winter destinations in Europe, and I highly recommend you experience it.

Even if you just stayed there for a couple of days and enjoyed your hotel facilities and the town, it’s gonna be very charming.

If you have any questions or need help planning your time in Zermatt, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I also create customized travel itineraries, so if you want me to plan your journey within Switzerland, let me know.

Happy Stay In Zermatt!