Lying under the world famous Matterhorn, Zermatt is an idyllic car-free town, in the German speaking Canton of Valais.
Zermatt is famous for mountain gastronomy, using local, traditional and artisanal produce to create delicious and exclusively Zermatter cuisine. Ecology too is important, which uses state of the art solar and hydroelectric technology to power its lift systems and refuges.
Initially a modest farming village with wooden barns and cobbled streets still seen today, Zermatt offers something for everyone. Take the cable car up to 3883m to visit the worlds highest Glacial Palace, stroll in the medieval centre lined with fashion boutiques and chocolate shops. In the evening, take a horsedrawn sleigh from your Chalet to the renowned Chez Heini restaurant to indulge in local lamb specialties and on to the elite Vernissage night club.
Combined with some of the Alps finest skiing and summer hiking, it is no surprise that those in the know return to Zermatt year after year.
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Winter
Famous as one of the best ski areas in the Alps and linked with Cervinia, Italy, Zermatt offers an outstanding 313km of groomed piste. The three main ski areas, Rothorn (3103m), Gornergrat (3405m) and Klein Matterhorn (3820m) are extremely well connected with 71 lifts, cable cars and railways.
Surrounded by some of the worlds most spectacular scenery with 38 mountains over 4000m, high altitude snow and known for sunny days, skiing in Zermatt is a truly marvelous experience.
All levels are well provided for. Ski/play areas at Sunnegga and Schwarzee for the little ones, 15 runs designed for beginners, and intermediates can enjoy a range of wide open pistes and tracks through picturesque pine forests. Extensive blankets of powder await those seeking the ultimate off-piste rush (advisable only with a Mountain Guide) and there are two snow parks for acrobatic freeriders. Zermatt is the perfect place for heli-skiing, especially the descent from Monte Rosa: 16k of fresh tracks over glaciers and snow fields.
Finish the day skiing down Europe’s longest ski run of 13km and a vertical descent of 2200m, back toward Zermatt for well deserved aprés at the Hennu Stall bar. But skiing is not compulsory. Snow shoe, hike, ice climb, paraglide..... Take a helicopter trip around the Matterhorn, or the Gornergrat train to the top to see the view and snow covered glaciers. Après ski is not exclusive to skiers, as Zermatt village offers a plethora of bars buzzing with live music and cocktail shaking.
Click here to see a piste map.
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Summer
There is possibly more to do in Zermatt in summer than there is in winter. The town itself zings with life. Designer shops nestle next to local artisans, and all the best mountain restaurants are open, providing gourmet and exclusively local cuisine.
The philosophy of car-free, environmentally friendly Zermatt invites summer fun centered on endless well marked nature walks, miles of mountain bike trails and all kinds of alpinism accessible to everyone.
Our chalets are perfectly situated for access to walking routes and biking trails, whilst being privately placed enough to soak up the summer sun in peace and quiet. Aside from enjoying the supreme comfort of the chalet and facilities, Zermatt offers: -
- The famous panoramic Gornergrat train takes you up to experience views at 3405m
- An extensive lift system, to whisk you effortlessly up to all mountain activities
- Private guided expeditions for all levels
- Forest rope trail: hop from tree to tree on aerial rope slides and bridges
- Via Ferrata: clipped into the safety of your harness, walk and scramble up challenging but dependable routes
- Rock Climbing: to all levels and capabilities
- Gorge walking: a guided 3-4 hour breathtaking adventure or a more leisurely excursion along the lower walkways
- Climb your first 4000m peak
- Paragliding: take your first tandem flight, catching thermals above the hills of Zermatt
- Horse riding
- Tennis, volley ball, ping pong in the centre of town
- Shopping: Zermatt is famous for its luxury boutiques and proud of its local and artisanal products
- Folklore festivals
- The Zermatt Music festival: 2 – 18 September 2011
And don’t forget, once you have relaxed in the sunshine, climbed the Breithorn and barbequed on the terrace, there is always summer skiing on the glacier: 25 kilometres of pistes.
Elysian also offer exclusive Wellness weeks in Chalet Les Anges. English speaking Yoga teachers will lead sessions in the morning sunshine, prior to a breakfast of health juices and organic foods, especially selected by our chef nutritionist to compliment the day’s programme, energise and cleanse.
