ZERMATT GUIDE
Newport Travel Guide
ANCIENT VILLAGE
A village for the jet set, steeped in history
The dramatic mountains and picturesque, car-free lanes of Zermatt are only a few of the reasons why the village is perhaps the most exclusive ski resort in Switzerland. This alpine hamlet has attracted celebrities and tourists alike for over 150 years. Zermatt has 330 days of sun per year, making it the sunniest spot in all of Switzerland. It is also dry, with minimal precipitation. The high altitude and northern slopes ensure that the snow here lasts and lasts, yet still maintains its high quality.
HORSE POWER
Car-free and exclusive
Zermatt has been car-free since long before the environment became a hot topic. The lack of traffic shrouds the village in silence, making it one of the most peaceful places in the Alps. The teams of horses and carriages clip-clopping through the narrow streets make a visit to Zermatt feel almost like a trip back in time.
The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is Zermatt’s hub. It is lined with luxury boutiques, fabulous bars and divine restaurants.
THE GLACIER EXPRESS
The most scenic train ride in the world
The world-famous Glacier Express is the obvious choice for anyone who wants to experience the stunning Swiss countryside and the Alps by train. The route of the Glacier Express has been dubbed “the most scenic train ride in the world.” The train began running between Zermatt and St. Moritz all the way back in 1930. The image of its red wagons chugging through the splendid snowy landscape has made the train a renowned symbol for all of Switzerland.
MATTERHORN LANDMARK
Renowned alpine peaks
The Swiss resort of Zermatt is surrounded by nearly forty alpine peaks soaring to heights of over 4,000 metres. One of the most famous is the Matterhorn, whose pyramid-like appearance is said to have inspired the triangular shape of Toblerone chocolates. The Matterhorn is of little interest to skiers; it’s a mountain for climbers, marketing execs, and photographers. Still, the free skiers Stian Hagen and Christ Davenport did their best to change that when they skied down the Matterhorn’s eastern slope, a feat that was documented in Matchstick Productions’ 2008 ski film, Claim.
DANGEROUS BEAUTY
A well-managed ski system
The ski lift system in Zermatt is the highest in all of Europe, and its exceptionally good management consistently wins praise. Here, visitors can enjoy superb high alpine skiing with every type of piste, from sunny and simple to tough and challenging competitive slopes. Zermatt’s soaring cliff faces, ice blue glaciers, vast snow fields and enormous drops – 2,217 metres in the lift system alone – all provide ample explanation for the many mountaineers buried in the cemetery of St. Peter’s Church in the heart of the hamlet.