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Search for information on Zermatt and usually the first thing you’ll see is a picture of one the most iconic mountain peaks in the world. The Matterhorn is instantly recognisable and towers above the swiss ski resort of Zermatt making it a real bucket-list destination for many. Although the chance to stay and ski within view of this famous peak is just one of the many things that makes Zermatt special.

This region of Switzerland has world-class ski resorts around every corner, but Zermatt is still the jewel in the crown. The resort itself sits at 1620m with an ear-popping summit of 3883m meaning snow is reliable across it’s 360km ski area and it has a long season, usually from early November until May.

Zermatt is best suited to intermediate skiers and above, those able enjoy the testing high-altitude runs, some of which are leg-burningly long. There are beginner areas however, such as the one on the Sunnegga plateau, but if you’re coming here exclusively to learn you might find it a bit of waste. Particularly as the lift pass is so expensive. If you're a non skier, the town itself has plenty to offer including excellent restaurants. 

There are three inter-linked ski areas at Zermatt: Sunnegga-Rothorn; Riffel-Gornergrat-Hohtalli; and the Klein Matterhorn area. It’s this last area that is the main attraction as it has the highest pistes in Europe and it’s from here that you can cross over to the Italian area of Cervinia.  

The town itself is a blend of traditional and new. In the main it’s charming and a great place to spend a week or longer. It’s a car-free zone, but it’s busy, with both plenty of people and electric buggies which are a nice novelty at first then quickly become a bit annoying. There’s no denying Zermatt is a favourite destination for the more wealthy mountain visitor. Prices are high across the board so it’s not the place to come if you’re looking for value. If you want some of the best skiing in the world and are prepared to pay for it then Zermat will be near the top of your list.

If you’re coming by car you need to park at the Täsch car park then take the train up to the resort. If you’re coming by taxi then they’ll be able to drop you at the resort though.

Ski passes come in three varieties, one for the main Zermatt Matterhorn area, then two international pases, one including Cervinia and one including Val d'Aosta as well. The 6 day International Aosta pass gives you access to Zermatt and Cervinia then 2 days in Val d'Aosta. Day tickets to Cervinia and Val d'Aosta can be had for 42 and 49 CHF respectively.

6 day Zermatt pass: 380 CHF
6 day International (includes Cervinia): 434 CHF
6 day International Aosta (includes Val d'Aosta): 463 CHF

Passes can also be bought which include transfers to and from Täsch/Randa.

Up to date lift pass prices can be found at http://www.zermatt.ch/

​380 CHF is currently an eye-watering £290, making it one of, if not the, most expensive lift pass in Europe.