Zermatt in Winter, is one of Switzerland’s most popular and stunning destinations.
First, it is hands down one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland, regardless of the season. Zermatt is exceptionally popular in the winter because of the fabulous ski resort and the many Apres Ski opportunities right in town.
There’s more to Zermatt than skiing, though. Activities such as winter walking, snowshoeing, spa treatments, helicopter rides, and igloo stays are some popular attractions worth visiting in winter.
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Winter Weather in Zermatt
Zermatt in winter gets very cold. The temperatures regularly drop below 0 Celsius at night and sometimes even during the day. It also snows quite a bit in the town during the winter, so it’s a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
February is the coldest month of the year, while December usually gets the largest amount of precipitation. The town has 26 snowfall days on average from November to March, with the most snow falling later in the season – March and April.
Winters in this part of Switzerland are cold and harsh, including a lot of snowfall and very little sunlight. There’s an average of 2-4 hours of sunlight during the winter, and it gets dark as early as 5 PM, so keep that in mind. You’ll want to be adequately equipped for such cold weather, especially if you’re not used to such harsh winters, and I’ve included tips on what to pack for your trip to Zermatt in a later section.
Best Things to Do in Winter in Zermatt
Let’s kick things off with an overview of all the top things you can do in Zermatt in the winter. Some of these can also be done in the summer, but there’s something special when experiencing them with snow-covered landscapes all around you.
Ride On The Gornergrat Railway
If you’re visiting Zermatt for only a short time, a train journey on the Gornergrat Railway is a must. I recommend staying on the train to the Gornergrat, even though there are other stops along the way.
An observation deck at the complex built at the Gornergrat station features a Grand Tour of Switzerland viewpoint. In the winter, you’ll enjoy views of the stunning winter landscape, including snow-covered Swiss Alps peaks, glaciers, and even Alpine lakes.
In addition to the fabulous views, you can enjoy a VR paragliding experience over the Swiss mountains if you visit Zoom Matterhorn. It’s situated in a building next to the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, the only place to stay if you miss the last train back to Zermatt.
It is possible to hike down the mountain back into town, but it takes a long time, and it can only be done safely in warm weather. I do not recommend hiking back in cold weather, especially if snow and ice are on the trail.
Make sure you double-check the timetable for the trains of Gornergrat Railway, the hotel’s website, and any other attractions that interest you to ensure everything is open to visitors on the day you’re planning to travel there.
See The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a system of glaciers at Klein Matterhorn, near the border of Switzerland and Italy. It’s accessible from Zermatt by multiple gondola rides, and I would highly recommend looking into daily tickets that offer any discount because all the different gondola tickets can be quite as expensive.
The scenic rides over the Swiss Alps are just one thing to enjoy when visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Once you arrive at your final destination, you’ll get access to an observation deck that offers a sprawling panoramic view of the fourteen different glaciers below. It’s absolutely an astonishing sight, but one best enjoyed on a clear day because clouds and fog can obstruct the views.
The Glacier Paradise also features a restaurant and the iconic Glacier Palace, the world’s highest glacier palace. It features all sorts of ice sculptures, is open year-round, and is fun for visitors of all ages.
Spend A Day In The Spa
Zermatt has its fair share of fabulous hotels, most of which are equipped with amazing spa centers. You can enjoy everything from a Swedish Massage to an ice bath in the Zermatt, so taking a day to relax and unwind is an excellent idea.
If you stay in one of Zermatt’s upscale hotels, you will get access to the spas for free. I was in an apartment hotel last October, and the spa was deserted. So, consider going out of season too.
While you can access the pools and sauna for free, you will usually need to pay for any additional services such as massages, facial treatments, manicures, etc. My friend booked a massage while we were there, and he still can’t stop talking about it!
Those who opt to stay in a different type of accommodation can gain access to a spa center at most hotels in Zermatt for a fee. The fee varies depending on the hotel and starts at around 100 CHF but can go up to more than 500 CHF.
The Mountain Ashram Spa at the Cervo Mountain Hotel is probably the best and most luxurious spa in Zermatt, but also the most expensive one. A day at this fabulous spa with several treatments will cost you 450 CHF on average, with several pricier options available.
Visit The Charming Iglu-Dorf Zermatt
Iglu-Dorf Zermatt is quite a unique attraction located above Zermatt near the Rotenboden train station. It is easily accessible from the Gornergrat train stop – Rotenboden, where they pick you up at 4 p.m. daily.
The Iglu-Dorf is both a hotel and bar, which means you can spend the night in genuine igloos linked via a series of ice tunnels. Some areas double as bars, with tables and chairs where you can sit down for a drink.
On top of that, they hire ice artists to produce unique sculptures on the walls of the igloos, which are a sight to behold!
Although you won’t sit or sleep directly on ice, it can get cold inside the igloos. So, they have some warm-up rooms available just in case.
On top of that, the beds are lined with lots of warm covers and skins, and the sleeping bags will keep you toasty warm. I slept in a self-built igloo some years ago, and it stays far warmer than expected!
Despite that, I wouldn’t recommend this place to people very sensitive to the cold.
The wonderful igloo village is open only in the winter, from late December to mid-April, so a winter visit to Zermatt is a rare opportunity to experience this unique destination.
Go On A Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the charming resort town of Zermatt and its surroundings. I did a helicopter tour in the summer with Air Zermatt, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The experience was incredible, as were the views.
Air Zermatt helicopter tours are available in both summer and winter, depending on the weather conditions. It might be a bit more challenging to secure a tour in the winter, but it should be possible if you’re in town for about a week.
You can choose from multiple options for a Zermatt helicopter tour:
- 20-40 minute flights around the Matterhorn
- 20-60 minute flights around Jungfrau, Aletsch, or the Alps
The team in Zermatt are professionals. I have watched a multi-part documentary on them on Swiss TV (SRF) and they spend most of their year flying, even when not flying tourists. They rescue people from crevasses, ski accidents, hiking accidents and even work on Zermatt projects throughout the year.
I felt completely safe and thrilled to fly with guides who have such in-depth experience.
Try Local Swiss Wine
Swiss wines are far better than most people know. And although Zermatt isn’t in a wine-making region, the town does offer a wide selection of Switzerland’s best wines.
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The Terravigna shop is a wine shop with dozens of different Swiss wines, and possibly the best place to visit if you want to purchase bottles to enjoy during your trip or take home. Most people agree that the best Swiss wines are from the Lake Geneva region, and it’s hard to argue with them when the Lavaux vineyard terraces are deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You should be able to try the local wines in most restaurants in Zermatt, especially in the more upscale locales. And while we’re talking about local cuisine, make sure you try some rosti and fondue for a truly authentic Swiss experience!
Enjoy The Apres Ski Events
Zermatt is a famous ski resort partly because of the excellent pistes in the town’s vicinity but also because of the countless Apres ski opportunities. If you enjoy spending the days on the slopes but relaxing at bars and clubs at night, Zermatt is a great destination in Switzerland.
There are plenty of things to do in Zermatt at night, with many bars opening their doors in the late afternoon and staying open well past midnight. Cocktails and live music are on the menu; just don’t overdo it so you have enough energy to hit the slopes again in the next few days.
Most bars in Zermatt are situated either in the heart of the town or inside its most exclusive hotels. The Cervo Mountain Resort is particularly loved for its Apres Ski events, open to non-guests. The fabulous hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the heart of the town, plus a lift can take you to it if you’re not in the mood for an uphill walk.
Wander Around Zermatt
Although hiking in Zermatt and its surroundings is popular in the summer, you can still explore quite a bit of the town, even in the winter. The two must-visit attractions in Zermatt are the Matterhorn Museum and the Mountaineer’s Cemetary, and both can be visited in a single afternoon.
Visit the museum to learn more about the mountaineers who first attempted an ascent on the Matterhorn and everything that goes into such a grueling adventure. The museum respects many mountaineers who lost their lives trying to conquer this majestic mountain, and the Mountaineer’s Cemetary is just across the street from the museum.
Many people who died during a Matterhorn ascent are buried at this cemetery, and it’s worth it to go there and pay your respects.
Winter Activities
So far, I’ve covered mostly the activities average non-skiers could enjoy when visiting Zermatt. But if you’re more interested in skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and similar activities, this section is for you!
Skiing & Snowshoeing
Zermatt is the epicenter for skiing in Switzerland, with 360 kilometers of various pistes in its immediate surroundings. Numerous lifts, gondolas, and inclined railways can take you to the mountains from the heart of the town.
I think it’s important to note that more than 200 kilometers are moderately difficult red runs, so the pistes are pretty challenging, especially if you don’t ski much. The Zermatt-Matterhorn ski resort also boasts several kilometers of blue and black runs, offering plenty of skiing options for skiers of all abilities.
Snowshoeing is another fun thing to do in Zermatt in the winter, especially for avid hikers. While most hiking trails remain inaccessible in the winter, some can be explored with the help of snowshoes, which you can either rent or buy in the countless sporting equipment shops in and around Zermatt.
Most snowshoe trails are south of Zermatt, between Riffelalp, Gornergrat, and Schwarzsee. Most take between an hour and two and a half hours to complete, and they range in difficulty from easy to very challenging.
Tobogganing
The Rotenboden toboggan run is the highest toboggan run in the Alps. And, it can be descended only in the winter. If you consider yourself adventurous and want to experience an adrenaline rush by descending a steep slope on sleds, Rotenboden is the place for you!
The ride is thrilling, and it only takes about 10 minutes to descend from Rotenboden to Riffelberg. You can rent a variety of sleds at the Rotenboden station.
- Some are slower and easier to steer, so they’re perfect for families with children.
- Others are much faster and harder to steer, making them ideal for experienced tobogganers seeking to have fun.
Cog trains depart every ten minutes from Riffelberg, so you can easily return to Rotenboden to bring back the sleds or go on another run.
Ice Skating
Every year a huge ice rink is set up in the center of Zermatt. It’s popular with ice skaters of all ages, and it’s one of the best ways to have some winter fun if you’re not big on skiing and snowboarding.
The ice rink is usually open to everyone in the evenings, while parts of the rink can be reserved for training during the day. Zermatt has an ice hockey and a curling club that welcomes you to watch the games and training sessions. If you don’t have these sports at home, it’s worth checking out.
The ice skating rink in Zermatt is free for anyone. Which is perhaps the most shocking thing about this expensive Swiss town. It’s possible to rent ice skates on the spot, or you can bring your own from any of the sports shops in the town. I usually get them on the spot, as I don’t require professional skates :>
Paragliding
Zermatt is possibly one of the best places in Switzerland for paragliding, thanks to the stunning mountains above the town. Although paragliding is primarily a summer activity, a couple of operators in Zermatt still do it in winter. Remember that paragliding depends heavily on the weather. So, don’t be surprised if it’s canceled due to snow or rain.
Contact Zermatters to arrange a winter paragliding session. It is usually more expensive in winter than summer. Mostly because there’s so little competition.
Nonetheless, if you’re staying in Zermatt in the winter and yearning for an adrenaline rush, gliding through the crisp winter air is bound to get your blood flowing.
What to Pack for Winter in Zermatt
What you should pack for winter in Zermatt depends quite a bit on what you plan to do there. But at the very least, you will need
- a warm winter jacket
- warm, waterproof winter boots
- a lightweight down jacket or parka – something that offers plenty of warmth but is also breathable and allows you to let some air inside in case you start overheating.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking, winter-approved hiking boots are your best friend. You’ll want to wear something insulated and waterproof but offers plenty of grip and traction to walk around in ankle-deep snow comfortably. Don’t forget also to pack
- gloves
- a warm hat
- a scarf
- Even a balaclava or something similar can protect your nose and chin in extreme cold.
I also recommend packing many layers, including woolen undershirts and T-shirts. Wool is the best insulator, and it’s moisture-wicking, so it’s perfect for wearing under thick sweaters and sweatshirts. Always layer up to remove the warmer clothes when you enter restaurants or bars, which are significantly warmer than the outdoors.
Additionally, don’t forget to layer up on the bottom as well. It gets frigid in Zermatt in the winter, and if you spend most of your time outdoors exploring, you’ll need a warm layer underneath your ski pants or jeans. Ideally, you’d wear waterproof pants for snowshoeing and similar outdoor excursions, but it’s unnecessary. Wearing long underwear (or leggings) underneath your pants will help keep you warm during your stay.
Also, pack a small daypack to always have your necessities handy. Some of the adventures listed in this guide can easily take half a day, and you will need a bigger bag to fit everything you might need when you’re away from your hotel for hours. A backpack allows you to have both hands free to take stunning photos or just to hold onto your trekking poles when you’re out exploring.
Map of Winter Activities in Zermatt
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Zermatt during winter?
Plan to spend at least three days in Zermatt during the winter, but by all means, extend your stay as much as possible. Three days should be enough to see the most essential attractions in the town and its surroundings, but you’ll get to enjoy yourself if you can stay a week or longer.
Is Matterhorn visible in the winter?
The Matterhorn is visible in the winter as long as it’s not foggy or cloudy. There are sunny days in the winter in Zermatt, and if you’re lucky enough to be in the town during one of those days, travel to the mountainside as quickly as possible.
Is it worth going to Zermatt during winter?
Yes, it is absolutely worth going to Zermatt during the winter. There are loads of things to do in the resort town, and you won’t be bored whether you’re into hiking, skiing, adventure sports, or just chill spa days.
