The Ski Resort
Zermatt and Christmas probably go hand in hand and here at Ski Christmas we think traffic free Zermatt has to be one of the most perfect Christmas ski destinations anywhere in the world. Sophisticated, stylish and traditional would be the three words we would use to describe this historic town that sits right under the Matterhorn. Picture a beautiful mountain ski resort, with no traffic, wood chalets and boutique shop fronts, Christmas lights and decorations, no traffic accept the horse drawn sleighs (and electric taxis), understated style and wealth in abundance and you have Zermatt at Christmas.
Whilst it can be an expensive choice, we think it is worth every penny, safe in the knowledge that the resort only attracts the well heeled and being Christmas, you may be mixing with a count or countess, or even royalty such is the attraction of Zermatt at Christmas. But what sets Zermatt above the other luxury ski resorts is simple unwritten rule that in Zermatt, if you have it, you do not need to shout about it and hence it only attracts a better standard of clientele.
Zermatt is a truly beautiful luxury ski resort, but its winter fame is also a result of its skiing too. Zermatt itself is situated at an altitude of 1,620m and has the highest lift station in Europe for on-piste skiing which is 3,820m. At Christmas Zermatt is therefore one of the most snowsure ski resorts in the Alps and at Christmas Ski we have skied Zermatt quite often at the beginning of November, Zermatt nearly always one of the first ski resorts to open for the ski season. Linked with Cervinia in Italy, you can ski both Switzerland and Italy in the same day and on the same lift pass. The ski runs are predominantly suited for intermediates and advanced, although recent developments have improved the beginners access and ski slopes. The blue and red runs are nearly always immaculately groomed and ideal for intermediate cruising.
Zermatt for advanced skiers prefers to use an itinerary system rather than blacks which is un-pisted in bound skiing. You will find black runs, but just not too many of them as a result. If you think the on-piste however is good, the off-piste backcountry terrain is out of this world and the main reason this resort alwaya rates in peoples top 5 luxury ski resorts in Europe. br/>
Worth Knowing
Not just for the New Year ski holidays, but all year round, Zermatt is a car free luxury ski resort so visitors arrive at Tasch which is about 5km from Zermatt where they take the train or a certified taxi to Zermatt. This ensures that with the exception of horse drawn sleigh and electric taxis there is no traffic to worry about and during the New Year skiing holidays reveller walk carefree through the picturesque streets. In respect of the taxis, whilst few and far between, do however watch out for these as being virtually silent they can take you by surprise and are one of the only negatives we have of Zermatt, especially as some drivers can be a little impatient and too quick in them in our opinion.
Off Piste Skiing
If you are going to ski the off-piste in Zermatt over the New Year ski holidays you are in for a treat. The Stockhorn area is one of the favourites but glacier terrain and a Mountain Guide is therefore strongly recommended. The Rothorn is another with very challenging descents. Down a level or two in the extremities stakes and amongst the trees is Furgg.
Ski School
There are many in Zermatt but being New Year, ski lessons are best secured in advanced. ES (European Snowsport), Stoked and the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School are just a small selection of the Zermatt ski schools.
Snow Boarding
A great place for snowboarding New Year as the pists are beautifully prepared and for intermediates absolutely perfect. The itinerary runs and off-piste backcountry for advanced snowboarders is of legendary so in summary, its reputation for world class skiing extends nicely to snowboarding too.