Skiing at Zermatt

Matternhorn-Zermatt is the best all-round ski resort in the Swiss Alps. In fact there are even people who have no hesitation whatsoever in calling Zermatt the best skiing resort in the entire world. The natural beauty, the lack of pollution (Zermatt is a car-free zone) and the traditional look-up makes this ski resort a top favourite destination among visitors time and again.

Skiing at Zermatt:

The skiable area at Zermatt is truly vast and great. The spectacular scenery that accompanies one while ascending the mountain is simply unforgettable. The surrounding mountains (the highest in Europe) at Zermatt ski resort are bedazzling. There are as many as 29 peaks with elevation of over 13,100 feet. Cable cars are commonly used means of communication among the high elevations. Many just soar up the cliffs silently. But moving in a suspended manner above the skiis is just the beginning of the thrill. The real fun begins when one reaches the top. Once at the top, skiing the snow is the only alternative. There is no just witnessing the fun but to be part of it.

Ski areas at Zermatt:

All the three ski areas of Zermatt’s soar to a height of at least 10,200 feet. The ski areas feature magnificent snow conditions and long runs measuring about 8 to 13 km. The long slopes remain open throughout the day (8 till 4:30 pm in winter and till 6 pm in summer). All the three skiing areas remain open from late November till early May and it is just great fun skiing at the huge glacier area.

The longest run at Zermatt begins from Klein Matterhorn. At an elevation of 12,500 feet, Klein Matterhorn lift is in fact the highest cable car in the entire world.

Zermatt is located about 13 km from Klein Matterhorn and about 7,250 feet vertical metres of varied terrain. This run again, is one of the highest and longest in the world (remains open from late November to mid-April). Exploring this particular run exposes one to Zermatt’s incredible diversity.

After stepping out of a rock-cut tunnel, one comes into a blinding white glacial world of the Alps. The panoramic views extending over Switzerland and intruding into neighbouring Italy and even distant France are simply fantastic.

Freshers will have a great fun in skiing broad, safe and beautiful areas that are ideal for learning. However, for exploring the greater lengths, the beginners need to be technically well-equipped. The ski resort holds endless appeal for the intermediate and advanced level skiers.

The intermediates can zoom across the vast open snowfields as well as gun down the forest motorways. Zermatt’s long and varied slopes would continue to surprise the skiers to no end.

For the expert skiers, Zermatt is particularly more appealing. The skilled skiers can engage in some speed skiing before diving into some of Europe’s best moguls.

Zermatt also has extensive off-piste terrain. The ski resort’s high altitudes and a large number of north facing slopes make powder snow a perennial feature here. Particularly during spring time, large areas of powder and spring snow can be found off piste.