Zermatt is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Alps.
Its tourism history is closely linked with the history of the Matterhorn; the mountain considered unclimbable due to its steep walls.
Today Zermatt is a well-developed village, and resort for both winter and summer activities.
Along with the 350 km of slopes spread over 3 mountains on the Swiss side, the ski area also reaches out into Italy in both the Cervinia and Valtournenche valleys.
The slopes on the glacier start at 3,800 meters and are open pretty much all year round from the Swiss town (Cervinia shuts a few months per year), and includes a large snowpark at 3,600m.
Sport Activities
Skiing beside, Zermatt also offers a number of other activities.
In the winter there are two ice rinks, cross country tracks, walking trails in the forest for snowshoeing and paragliding take-off and landing platforms.
In the summer the ice rinks becomes 5 tennis courts, and a beach volleyball court, there is also a full size football field, a well displayed Vita Parcours forest assault/fitness course and a large range of mountain bike and hike trails.
Events
Great sport events are hosted each year such as:
- Zermatt Marathon
- International Orienteering Week
- Swiss Wrestling Competition
- Matterhorn Mountain Bike Trail Week
2015 is be the celebration year of the 150th anniversary of the first successful climb of the Matterhorn. Some great events and parties have been organized for the winter, this looks like the year to be in Zermatt!