Zermatt

Area Profile

Zermatt is one of those rare ski resorts that has it all and, as such, is the favoured destination of many skiers from around the world. To begin with there's the huge ski area, with the world's second biggest lift-served vertical drop and skiing 365 days a year with a 1000 metre (9280 feet) vertical on its glacier even in the summer months. Then there's the village itself, peaceful thanks to the absence of the combustion engine (only small electric vehicles quietly hum around the streets along side horse drawn carriages), and picturesque with traditional buildings and many visitors arriving by the spectacular mountain railway. Thirdly there is the international resort quality and variety of accommodations, restaurants, après ski, off-slope facilities and shopping. Fourth there's the sunny location, sheltered from the wind and finally there is the spectacular backdrop to it all - the 4000m full face of the Matterhorn, one of 38 mountain peaks surrounding the village.

The Gornergrat offers fantastic sights and insights. The highest rack railway in Europe to be constructed in open countryside ascends slopes covered in deep snow from Zermatt to its destination at 3100 metres: a winter wonderland of 29 four-thousand-metre peaks packed with ice and snow! Among them are famous giants like the Matterhorn (4478 m), Liskamm (4527 m) and the Dufour-Spitze (4634 m). The exciting “Gornergrat Peak” climbs from the railway station to the mountain top where restaurants, a shopping mall and the viewing platform await. The winter hiking trails also start here.

From 1 December 2007 until 31 March 2008 you will be able to book the Gornergrat RailAway ticket from any Swiss railway station. It includes a 20% reduction off the train journey from any Swiss station and the return trip aboard the Zermatt – Gornergrat mountain railway. The train ticket is valid for 3 days. The Junior Card entitles children to travel free; holders of a general season ticket will just pay CHF 30.40 at the station of departure.

For further information: www.railaway.ch

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Lodging Profile

Slopeside lodging of 13,000 beds is available; additional lodging facilities available nearby. If you fancy a night in the snow on the Gornergrat, there is actually an igloo village in this snowy white world! The igloos, artistically enhanced by sculptures carved by Inuit Bill Nasogaluak provide the backdrop for an unforgettable night high in the mountains. At 2727 metres above seal-level, below the Gornergrat, the Igloo Village offers romantic suites for two and igloos for groups of 6. It’s certainly one of the most specialised hotels in the world. To get them in the mood, guests are presented with a cool glass of champagne in the heated whirlpool as the magnificent panorama high above Zermatt spreads out before them. Sheer luxury in an unspoilt natural setting! More information is available from: www.iglu-dorf.ch

Services Profile

Restaurants, ski schools, shops, banks, post office, gas stations, public library, disco dancing, nightclubs, alpine garden, museums, billiards, and cinemas. For those who want to discover the fascinating mountain world of Zermatt without taking part in winter sports, there is the Peak Pass. Winter hikers and mountain lovers can purchase this 3-day pass cheaply and travel aboard all mountain cableways to the peaks. It also includes travel on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway between Randa, Täsch and Zermatt. The Peak Pass is CHF 171.00 for 3 days (adults).

Area Recreation Profile

Zermatt is one of 12 classic Alpine resorts have joined forces to establish the ‘Best of the Alps’ group. They represent the most prestigious winter sports and summer holiday destinations in the Big Five of Europe's Alpine countries.

Toboggan

It takes just ten minutes to whizz down from Rotenboden at 2819 metres above sea-level to Riffelberg, 237 metres below. A toboggan day pass includes the journey to and from Zermatt aboard the Gornergrat Railway and as many trips as you like from Riffelberg to Rotenboden. Toboggans can be hired at the Rotenboden station. The toboggan run itself is open from about mid December to mid April, depending on snow conditions. Visitors can choose between a day or a half-day pass. The day pass costs CHF 54.00 for adults while youngsters between the ages of 9 and 16 pay CHF 27.00 and the pass is free for children under 9. The half-day pass is offered at a cost of CHF 42.00 for adults and CHF 21.00 for youngsters. Toboggan rental is CHF 15.00 for a whole day and CHF 8.00 for a half day. Further information is available from: www.gornergrat.ch/winter

Moonlight Ski

The 29 four-thousand-metre peaks surrounding the 3100-metre Gornergrat look even more majestic by the light of the full moon. A cheese fondue in the Hotel Kulm will set you up for a ski descent to Zermatt in the magical glow of the full moon. The Gornergrat Railway brings walkers back down to the valley. Full moon dates in winter 2008 are: Tuesday, 22 January, Wednesday, 20 February and Wednesday, 19 March 2008. Prices: Adults CHF 63.00; for holders of a half-fare card or general season ticket: CHF 53.00; for holders of a Zermatt Ski Pass: CHF 43.00 and for youngsters (9-16 years) CHF 43.00; children up to 9 years: CHF 29.00. For further information: ww.gornergrat.ch/winter

Snowshoeing

Experience the sheer joy of snow-shoe walking through the unspoiled natural beauty of the Gornergrat winter wonderland with breath-taking views of 29 four-thousand-metre peaks! These magical landscapes are reached from Rotenboden railway station, and you can enjoy them independently or on a guided walk. The winter walking trail from Rotenboden to Riffelberg is signposted and, without a professional guide, responsible snow-shoe walkers are advised not to leave the marked trails. Further information is available from: www.gornergrat.ch/winter

Snowboarding Profile

Snowboarding is available with a terrain park and halfpipe. Lessons are available.