Zermatt… The crown jewel of the Swiss Alps, beckons skiers with its legendary slopes, charming village, and of course, the iconic Matterhorn. There’s a certain aura that might make the whole thing feel a bit unapproachable, especially if you’ve never, well, approached it before. Fear not, my notes will have you carving turns and ordering fondue like a seasoned pro.
Transportation: Train, Not in Vain
Forget the stress of navigating mountain roads. Zermatt is a car-free zone, which means cleaner air and a more relaxed atmosphere. It also means it’s best to embrace the scenic route and travel by train. Consider purchasing an SBB Swiss Travel Pass Half-Fare Card (don’t worry, it’s a mouthful but worth it, because, let’s be honest, saving money in Switzerland doesn’t happen often), which gives you 50% off train travel in Switzerland for two weeks, perfect for exploring the region beyond Zermatt.
The Village: Where Time Stands Still (Almost)
Upon arrival at Zermatt (the last stop for cars before Zermatt would be Täsch, but seriously, just take the train from Zurich or Geneva), you’ll be whisked away to your hotel in style. Most hotels offer transfers in fancy enclosed electric golf carts or, for a touch of fairytale charm / if your name is Cinderella, some even have horse-drawn carriages. 👑⚔️ Zermatt village itself is a postcard come to life. Nestled in a narrow valley dominated by the majestic Matterhorn, the car-free streets are perfect for strolling and soaking up the quintessential Swiss charm.
Fueling Up: Food Fit for Royalty (& Ski Bums)
A ski trip isn’t complete without indulging in some serious après-ski feasting. Zermatt village boasts a wide range of restaurants, from traditional Swiss fare to international cuisine. Here’s the thing: forget about grabbing a quick burger in between runs. Lunch in Zermatt is an experience, often accompanied by breathtaking views and a well-deserved glass of wine (because, Switzerland). Here are some of my top picks for both on and off-piste dining, reservations are highly recommended:
Our Recommendations
Stafelalp
Stafelalp
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one has the best Matterhorn view and scrumptious coq au vin. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Matterhorn Trail, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Aroleid
Aroleid
Why we like it
Our favorite place for lunch on the mountain while skiing. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. Spectacular, creative, and unusual flavor combinations. Passion on a plate even at altitude! Coffee is roasted in-house, and all of the crockery is made in-house and for sale at their shop. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Furi 151, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Chez Vrony
Chez Vrony
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one has a fabulous Matterhorn view and terrific food. It’s a little bit of a scene in a good way – owners Vrony and Max still direct front of house service. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Findeln, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Findlerhof
Findlerhof
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one is a bit heavier and more traditional and wonderful after a morning of skiing. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Findeln, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Sonnmatten
Sonnmatten
Why we like it
This is our go-to restaurant for dinner. It’s owned by a husband and wife and you feel like you’re at their dinner party in the warm space with a raging fireplace and wood walls and ceiling. Sometimes an a la carte menu and sometimes a set menu that changes every few days. They use only Swiss ingredients. The schnitzel is out of this world. This is the kind of neighborhood place you could return to once per week.
Where to find them
Winkelmattenweg 96, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Brasserie Uno
Brasserie Uno
Why we like it
This is exactly what you want in one of the most romantic ski villages in the world. The exceptional 1-Michelin tasting menu and masterful service combine for a friendly, delicious dinner celebrating local, sustainable ingredients served on antique white and blue dinnerware.
Where to find them
Kirchstrasse 38, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
The North Wall
The North Wall
Why we like it
Great salad and pizza place. Super casual, friendly, and fun. A crowd pleaser without breaking the bank.
Where to find them
Steinmattstrasse 71, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Zermatt Kitchen
Zermatt Kitchen
Why we like it
From the amazing folks behind the Michelin bib gourmand Aroleid up on the mountain, this in-town place is just wonderful. Big menu for lunch or dinner. They roast their own coffee and craft their own crockery (also for sale), and the food is beyond. We love the duck and melon salad, wild fish tataki, aubergine and harissa, chicken and almonds, and Asian greens.
Where to find them
Uferweg 1, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Chämibar
Chämibar
Why we like it
Great cocktail bar and a place to grab a wine, beer, or tea. Gathering place après ski or pre-dinner.
Where to find them
Bahnhofstrasse 28, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Stafelalp
Stafelalp
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one has the best Matterhorn view and scrumptious coq au vin. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Matterhorn Trail, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Aroleid
Aroleid
Why we like it
Our favorite place for lunch on the mountain while skiing. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. Spectacular, creative, and unusual flavor combinations. Passion on a plate even at altitude! Coffee is roasted in-house, and all of the crockery is made in-house and for sale at their shop. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Furi 151, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Chez Vrony
Chez Vrony
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one has a fabulous Matterhorn view and terrific food. It’s a little bit of a scene in a good way – owners Vrony and Max still direct front of house service. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Findeln, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Findlerhof
Findlerhof
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one is a bit heavier and more traditional and wonderful after a morning of skiing. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Findeln, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Sonnmatten
Sonnmatten
Why we like it
This is our go-to restaurant for dinner. It’s owned by a husband and wife and you feel like you’re at their dinner party in the warm space with a raging fireplace and wood walls and ceiling. Sometimes an a la carte menu and sometimes a set menu that changes every few days. They use only Swiss ingredients. The schnitzel is out of this world. This is the kind of neighborhood place you could return to once per week.
Where to find them
Winkelmattenweg 96, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Brasserie Uno
Brasserie Uno
Why we like it
This is exactly what you want in one of the most romantic ski villages in the world. The exceptional 1-Michelin tasting menu and masterful service combine for a friendly, delicious dinner celebrating local, sustainable ingredients served on antique white and blue dinnerware.
Where to find them
Kirchstrasse 38, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
The North Wall
The North Wall
Why we like it
Great salad and pizza place. Super casual, friendly, and fun. A crowd pleaser without breaking the bank.
Where to find them
Steinmattstrasse 71, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Zermatt Kitchen
Zermatt Kitchen
Why we like it
From the amazing folks behind the Michelin bib gourmand Aroleid up on the mountain, this in-town place is just wonderful. Big menu for lunch or dinner. They roast their own coffee and craft their own crockery (also for sale), and the food is beyond. We love the duck and melon salad, wild fish tataki, aubergine and harissa, chicken and almonds, and Asian greens.
Where to find them
Uferweg 1, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Chämibar
Chämibar
Why we like it
Great cocktail bar and a place to grab a wine, beer, or tea. Gathering place après ski or pre-dinner.
Where to find them
Bahnhofstrasse 28, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Accommodation: Rest and Relaxation in Style
After a day conquering the slopes, you deserve a comfortable and luxurious place to unwind. Zermatt offers a variety of hotels, from charming family-run establishments to opulent five-star resorts. Here are a few of our favorites, catering to different budgets and preferences:
Our Recommendations
Cervo Hotel
Cervo Hotel
Why we like it
A small, hip, expensive chalet complex featuring 4 and 5 star rooms, private villas, and more. Two great restaurants, spa, and the best après ski scene in Zermatt. Perched on the mountain with direct Matterhaorn views.
Where to find them
Riedweg 156, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Beausite
Beausite
Why we like it
A new, 5-star twist on a classic 1907 hotel. Recently gutted and reopened, featuring stunning rooms, many with Matterhorn views, a gorgeous spa with indoor and outdoor pools, a fabulous bar, and a cool, hip vibe. (Photo credits: © BEAUSiTE Zermatt, Switzerland.)
Where to find them
Brunnmattgasse 9, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Omnia Hotel
Omnia Hotel
Why we like it
The Omnia is high above the village accessed through a pedestrian tunnel and elevator. It is not close to the lift systems but this 5-star, luxury hotel will drive you the few minutes and pick you up everyday depending on where you ski down. Luxury, minimalism, warmth, modernity, service. It’s a quiet escape from the village.
Where to find them
Auf dem Fels, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Schonegg
Schonegg
Why we like it
We have stayed here many times. It’s a Relais & Chateaux property that mixes modern and traditional styles. The modern wing looks at The Matterhorn from rooms 212 and 312. Great breakfast, bar, and an enormous terrace for après ski staring directly at the Matterhorn. Great access to the Sunnega lift system. Friendly staff and service.
Where to find them
Riedweg 35, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Hotel Matterhorn Focus
Hotel Matterhorn Focus
Why we like it
There are two major lift systems from Zermatt up to skiing. This hotel is just by one of them. It’s a little crazy modern and also classic but offers incredible views of the Matterhorn, great breakfast, relaxing spa with indoor/outdoor pool, and a great location for skiing. Our favorite rooms are 503 and the Focus suites. Lovely staff.
Where to find them
Schluhmattstrasse 131, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Stafelalp
Stafelalp
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one has the best Matterhorn view and scrumptious coq au vin. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Matterhorn Trail, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Aroleid
Aroleid
Why we like it
Our favorite place for lunch on the mountain while skiing. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. Spectacular, creative, and unusual flavor combinations. Passion on a plate even at altitude! Coffee is roasted in-house, and all of the crockery is made in-house and for sale at their shop. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Furi 151, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Chez Vrony
Chez Vrony
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one has a fabulous Matterhorn view and terrific food. It’s a little bit of a scene in a good way – owners Vrony and Max still direct front of house service. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Findeln, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Findlerhof
Findlerhof
Why we like it
Among the best lunch restaurants on the mountain. You MUST make a reservation a few days (if not longer) in advance. This one is a bit heavier and more traditional and wonderful after a morning of skiing. Sit outside on a sunny day, put on your sunglasses, eat, drink, and take in the view.
Where to find them
Findeln, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Sonnmatten
Sonnmatten
Why we like it
This is our go-to restaurant for dinner. It’s owned by a husband and wife and you feel like you’re at their dinner party in the warm space with a raging fireplace and wood walls and ceiling. Sometimes an a la carte menu and sometimes a set menu that changes every few days. They use only Swiss ingredients. The schnitzel is out of this world. This is the kind of neighborhood place you could return to once per week.
Where to find them
Winkelmattenweg 96, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Brasserie Uno
Brasserie Uno
Why we like it
This is exactly what you want in one of the most romantic ski villages in the world. The exceptional 1-Michelin tasting menu and masterful service combine for a friendly, delicious dinner celebrating local, sustainable ingredients served on antique white and blue dinnerware.
Where to find them
Kirchstrasse 38, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
The North Wall
The North Wall
Why we like it
Great salad and pizza place. Super casual, friendly, and fun. A crowd pleaser without breaking the bank.
Where to find them
Steinmattstrasse 71, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Zermatt Kitchen
Zermatt Kitchen
Why we like it
From the amazing folks behind the Michelin bib gourmand Aroleid up on the mountain, this in-town place is just wonderful. Big menu for lunch or dinner. They roast their own coffee and craft their own crockery (also for sale), and the food is beyond. We love the duck and melon salad, wild fish tataki, aubergine and harissa, chicken and almonds, and Asian greens.
Where to find them
Uferweg 1, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Chämibar
Chämibar
Why we like it
Great cocktail bar and a place to grab a wine, beer, or tea. Gathering place après ski or pre-dinner.
Where to find them
Bahnhofstrasse 28, Zermatt, 3920, Switzerland
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Hitting the Slopes: A Skier’s Paradise
For the main event, Zermatt has some of the most incredible skiing in the world, with runs appropriate for all skill levels. The Matterhorn glacier paradise offers year-round skiing, while the vast network of interconnected lifts ensures endless exploration. Zermatt isn’t about breakneck speeds — take your time, soak in the breathtaking scenery, savor everything, and take loads of photos. Oh, and you can ski into Italy for lunch, because why not add a little international flair to your day?
Pair It With
- Music: Fan the flames of your pre-trip anticipation with the soaring energy of Mahler’s Third Symphony performed by the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Gustavo Dudamel (2021) — it gives Matterhorn energy.
- Movie: Also, revisit the classic spy thriller, The World Is Not Enough (1999). While the film’s iconic skiing scenes were filmed in Chamonix, France, it will very much put you in the mood. Plus, who can resist the old shake of the head at Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.
Article by
Jason Claire
