Nestled in the Swiss valley of Valais under the shadow of the majestic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a resort with a reputation. Famous as a favourite haunt of royalty, wealthy socialites, and celebrities du jour, Zermatt sits at an elevation of 1,620m, making it one of the few year-round ski resorts in Europe. The skiing is, as you’d expect, as spectacular as the scenery, and it has gained renown as one of the best places on the planet to ski. But rest assured, Zermatt is not a one trick pony.
Contents:
- 3 Memorable Highlights of Zermatt
- Take the Train to Gornergrat
- Ride the Glacier Paradise Cable Car
- Conquer the Skies in a Helicopter
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
As part of one of the largest ski areas in the world (under the banner of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, which also encompasses the Italian resorts of Cervinia and Valtournenche over the border), keen snow sports enthusiasts will find Zermatt pretty hard to beat, with a vast network of pistes and a host of off-piste trails. But alongside that, in the summer months, the resort is the ideal base for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and getting amongst the stunning wildflowers.
The village itself is chocolate-box charming, embraced by dramatic peaks and featuring classic timber chalets, ritzy boutiques, and high-end restaurants and bars. It’s also car-free, so you can wander the streets in peace and be as distracted as you like by the views (and you will be!) without fear of being run over. The Matterhorn is ever-present, its pyramid-shaped peak visible from almost everywhere in town (at 14,692ft) — dominating the landscape as an icon to some and a challenge to others…
Whether you’re an adrenaline chasing, black piste loving thrillseeker, a keen hiker or walker, a lover of the rich and famous, or a gourmet foodie looking to treat your tastebuds, Zermatt will charm the ski socks off you — guaranteed.
3 Memorable Highlights of Zermatt
There’s so much to love about this shining star of the Swiss Alps, but for those on a ski break for just a few days, below are three highlights (aside from the skiing, of course!) that come impeccably recommended.
Take the Train to Gornergrat
If this isn’t one of the most picturesque train trips in the world… well it is! The journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat on the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train takes in magnificent views of the Matterhorn, Lake Stellisee, the Gorner Glacier, and the surrounding alpine peaks. It climbs through the landscape up to 3,100m, to Gornergrat — where you’ll experience the most sublime close-up views of the Matterhorn. You can explore a range of viewing platforms and also take part in an interactive 3D exhibition called “Zooom the Matterhorn”, a virtual reality paragliding experience that takes you flying over the Alps.
This glorious train route has been operating since its construction in 1898 and it takes around half an hour to traverse the 9.4km each way. Allow at least a couple of hours up at the top to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Ride the Glacier Paradise Cable Car
This 40-minute ride in a cable car takes you from the centre of the village, past various stations (where you can alight to explore) up to Europe’s highest mountain station — which sits at a dizzying 3,883m — and then a little bit further, to the summit, from where you’ll take in panoramic views over the entire region. At the top station, a highlight of the experience is a visit to the Glacier Palace, where you’ll ascend 15 metres below the glacier to an enchanting “palace” of ice sculptures, crevasses and tunnels — it really is like stepping into a fairy tale.
For an added treat, book your ride up to the glacier in one of the new Crystal Ride cabins, which gives you unimpeded views that will take your breath away. Check your fear of heights at the door!
Conquer the Skies in a Helicopter
For those looking for a different perspective, nothing brings home the vast scale of the Alps like seeing the landscape from the air. There are several options flying a range of routes, depending on your budget, and you can book a sightseeing tour for 20, 30 or 40 minutes leaving from the heliport in Zermatt. Naturally, the Matterhorn features heavily in any aerial itinerary, but you’ll also get to see a host of other peaks and glaciers — some tours even include a stop for lunch. This unforgettable experience is a wonderful way to finish a short break in Zermatt.
So there you have it: three memorable highlights to deliver three different views of the Matterhorn that just may help you decide. Is it an icon, or a challenge…?
Where to Stay
CERVO Mountain Resort: Lap up the world-class service of this lovely resort set within picturesque surroundings. The luxuriously appointed apartments are equipped with the highest quality furnishings, and provide spectacular views of the famous Matterhorn. The resort has three restaurants and a wellness spa offering a range of treatments. In a perfect location 10 minutes from the train station and adjacent to the ski slopes, you’ll get the guaranteed celebrity treatment at CERVO!
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof: Straight out of the pages of a fairytale, this stunning hotel delivers the perfect blend of tradition and luxury. Centrally located against a backdrop of mountain scenery, the hotel features individually designed rooms with magnificent views of the Matterhorn. There are three superb restaurants (one with a Michelin star), plus wellness facilities onsite. Close to everything, yet tranquil in ambience.
Mont Cervin Palace: Set right in the centre of Zermatt, this 5-star accommodation leaves nothing left to want. South-facing rooms offer balconies or terraces with stunning views of the Matterhorn, while every luxury is in place, including some suites with hot tubs and open fireplaces. There’s a fine dining restaurant onsite as well as a cocktail bar, sun terrace, pool and extensive wellness facilities.
How to Get There
From the UK, getting to a short break in Zermatt is easy to organise. Your best bet is to fly into Geneva Airport (GVA). From various UK airports it will take just over 1 hour and 40 minutes to arrive in Switzerland, and carriers that offer the route include Tui, easyJet, Jet2, and British Airways. With nearly 400 flights a week, you won’t find it hard to find the one that suits your needs.
When you land at Geneva Airport, the most convenient way of getting to Zermatt is by pre-booking a shared or private Shuttle Direct airport transfer. A friendly driver will meet you at the airport, then you’ll travel in a safe, comfortable vehicle to your final destination. The trip from Geneva Airport to Zermatt takes 2.5 hours, but you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Overview
UK to GVA Flight Time: 1 hours, 40 mins approx.
GVA to Zermatt Distance: 240 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 2 hours, 35 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
When you book with Shuttle Direct, getting from Geneva Airport to Zermatt will be reliable, comfortable and very cost efficient. But we know that there are many different kinds of travellers, so we strive to make ours the best service it can be, which means offering a range of options to suit everyone.
We’re not the market leaders for no reason, and our value for money shared shuttle services are part of that. When you land in Geneva you’ll meet your friendly, professional driver, then board a clean, well-maintained vehicle with other passengers and head to your destination. While the service isn’t door-to-door, you’ll be taken to a designated central drop-off point. This is one of the cheapest ways to get from Geneva to Zermatt.
When you pre-book a local taxi with us, you’ll get a punctual service in a clean, modern vehicle at a very reasonable price. This is a good option for those looking for the convenience of a door-to-door service who don’t mind paying a little extra. Once you’ve landed, instead of standing in the taxi queue with everyone else, your driver and vehicle will be ready and waiting to get you on your way.
For anyone travelling with a large family or a group of friends, pre-booking a minibus to get from Geneva Airport to Zermatt is a good door-to-door solution. This larger capacity vehicle means all the passengers and luggage can travel comfortably together in comfort. Logistical headaches are a thing of the past when you book with Shuttle Direct. Our great communication and reliable, punctual services make a minibus transfer a very convenient choice for groups.
A private Geneva transfer offers a touch of luxury and the ultimate in convenience. If you don’t mind paying a little more, this is the ideal way to start and end your holiday. A professional driver will meet you punctually inside the terminal when your flight lands, then you’ll be escorted to a high-end vehicle to start your private Zermatt transfer without delay.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Shuttle Direct is one of the most respected providers of onward ground transport. We pride ourselves on great communication and a prompt, reliable service every step of the way. That’s why we offer a range of options to get you from Geneva Airport to Zermatt, but only you can decide which one suits you best. Basically it will come down to whether the most important thing to you is cost or convenience.
Convenience: If a door-to-door service and not sharing with other travellers are your priorities, one of our private transfers from Geneva Airport to Zermatt will suit your needs perfectly. You’ll pay a little more than for one of our shared shuttles, but you’ll have the vehicle to yourself and take the quickest possible way to your accommodation with no other stops.
Cost: If keeping to a holiday budget is the most important thing for you, one of our shared services will be more cost-effective, but just as punctual and reliable as a private one. You’ll travel in a modern, safe and comfortable vehicle to a central drop-off point. Affordable and professional and never a compromise.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is proud to be known as one of the most professional, cost-effective providers of airport transfers on the market. Our value for money services range from budget beating shared shuttle buses to top-of-the-range luxury private transfers. Always value for money and committed to great communication and convenient onward ground transfer services, when you book with Shuttle Direct, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery.
