Zermatt – The Ski Guide
If you’re a snow aficionado and haven’t taken your skis to this resort, you are in for a treat. Mrs Auree is a regular visitor. Located in the german speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland, Zermatt boasts 200km’s of piste, more off-piste than you can shake a ski pole at and no cars in the resort. Oh and a lot of Apres Ski.
Where to Stay?
The Riffelalp | Zermatt the old way
65 Bedrooms and at 2222 meters, this is as Alpine as you get, plus all the frills. With a view of the Matterhorn, it’s only fitting that they offer Matterhorn shaped pizzas which you can enjoy while admiring their namesake from the terrace.
The Cervo | Zermatt the new way
A new kid on the block compared with the Riffelalp, if you like Antlers, this is for you. If not, you can make do with it being one of the best hotels in the Alps. The hotel consists of a main building with satellite chalets and a restaurant that will make all meat eaters die of overfed ecstasy.
Scott Dunn Chalet | Zermatt the Apres Ski Way.
If restaurants and post ski snoozing in front of a fire aren’t really your thing, then Scott Dunn have some of the best chalets in town. The Old House is a particular favourite. Situated in the old town, you can always head out to find something to curb your hunger and they will bring you fresh bread and pastries in the morning to soak up last nights Jager shots.
The Resort Tick List
Iglu Dorf | For Alpine Eskimos
BEST VIEW EVER. Stay for 1 night – cool in both meanings of the word, this is a series of interconnecting igloos up the mountain. Enjoy warm cider as a resident or visitor. All good things come in small doses, stay for a night, as your fingers won’t thank you otherwise.
Vernissage – Backstage Hotel Cinema
This is a particularly decadent option if you are here to ski but this is Zermatt’s answer to the Electric Cinema. Perfect whether you have over done it or want to do something a bit different. Watch a film and have dinner at the same time.
Where to eat while out Skiing.
The Zum Zee Restaurant
Probably one of the top alpine restaurants in world. Order truffle pasta and rosti. There is a very cool little private room upstairs and it’s three “shoop shoops” to the Hennustall. You can also walk up here in the evenings for supper and take an adrenaline filled sledge ride back into town afterwards.
Fluhalp Restaurant
This serves up the best fondue you will find in the resort and its Carpaccio is pretty insane as well. The Fluhalp is smack in the middle of the ski area Sunnegga-Blauherd-Rothorn on the slope and for no skiers you can walk back from here to Zermatt town.
Where to Eat in town?
Chez Heini | Euro Vision Wonder Man
This is unmissable and will surprise the life out of anyone unsuspecting – Dan Daniell, the owner was a swiss contestant from Eurovision song contest – he gives a rendition every evening of “matterhorn” and you can watch it live you lucky thing.
Apres Ski
The Last Run down | One stop, every day
This is the daddy of Apres Ski life. Live music and shots from skis (obviously). The end of season party is amazing. The Hennustall is impossible to ski past without going in. There is a short amount of skiing you have to do to get back to village (usually in the dark) and if you don’t make the turn…
