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Planning a winter trip to Zermatt? You’re in for something special.
Zermatt is the ultimate Swiss winter wonderland. It’s framed by the iconic Matterhorn and offers gorgeous scenery and lots of cozy chalets. It’s an alpine destination that really belongs on the front of a holiday card, so get ready to fall in love!
To make the most of your time in Zermatt, we’ve rounded up the 8 best things to do here, from paragliding around the Matterhorn (yes, really!) to skiing and eating fondue—of course! Whether it’s your first time here or you’ve been before and are looking for new experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this tandem paragliding flight! Soaring past the Matterhorn felt unreal. Plus, sweeping alpine views made this the ultimate winter adventure we still can’t stop talking about!
Check out the 190+ five-star reviews and book this tour here!
Things to do in Zermatt
1. Take the cableway to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Time: 12:30 pm
- Highlights: Ride a series of gondolas and cable cars to Europe’s highest mountain station, enjoy 360° views of 38 Alpine peaks, explore the Glacier Palace ice cave, visit the panoramic viewing platform
- Inclusions: Round-trip cable car ticket, entry to Glacier Palace and viewing platform, English-speaking tour guide, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
It’s no secret that Zermatt is stunning in winter, and we think that this Matterhorn Glacier Paradise tour is the best way to experience its magic. We loved this tour because it takes care of everything, including the cable cars, the Glacier Palace, and even a stop at the Cinema Lounge, so you can just focus on enjoying the mountains.
The tour starts on a high note because the ride up in the gondolas is really exciting. Each section takes you higher over the snowy slopes, and the village slowly disappears below. As we went up, our guide pointed out famous peaks and shared lots of interesting stories about the Matterhorn and the cableway.
Then, when we got to the top, the Glacier Palace was something else entirely. It feels like Elsa’s ice palace from Frozen! It’s a maze of ice tunnels featuring lots of ice sculptures, and even a slide! Then, when we got to the observation deck, the views of the Matterhorn in front of us and the Alps stretching in every direction were just breathtaking.
This tour is such a unique thing to do in Zermatt, and it’s truly the ultimate wintery adventure. We love it because it’s super family-friendly and it’s an awesome way to enjoy the Swiss winter even if you’re not much of a skier or hiker! It’s fun and lighthearted, with lots of beautiful views involved.
Book this tour here and get ready to experience the magic of the Glacier Palace!
2. Go paragliding around the Matterhorn
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Range of times between 8:20 am and 5 pm
- Highlights: Soar in tandem above Zermatt with the Matterhorn in view, enjoy panoramic alpine scenery, suitable for beginners and experienced flyers
- Inclusions: Helmet, gloves, flight suit (if needed), all necessary equipment provided, professional Swiss pilot
- Rating: 5 stars (check 190+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This tandem paragliding flight is the ultimate winter adventure in Zermatt! Not only does it deliver a serious adrenaline rush, but you get insane panoramic views of the Matterhorns and the surrounding Pennine Alps.
What’s great about this tour is the fact that no experience is needed. Flights are suitable for both beginners and more adventurous visitors, and they depart from Rothorn, Gornergrat, or Riffelberg, depending on the season and weather conditions.
It’s only natural to be nervous but don’t worry, because the professional pilots will guide you through safety instructions and explain the procedure before takeoff. Then, once you’re airborne you’ll glide for between 20-25 minutes, which is actually a pretty long paragliding flight. And the views of Zermatt and the surrounding Alps are absolutely spectacular.
One of the best things about this flight is that it can be tailored to your comfort level. Your pilot will ask you whether you prefer a calm, scenic glide or a slightly more dynamic descent, and operate accordingly. Oh, and keep an eye out for wildlife below because deer and other alpine creatures are sometimes visible!
You will need either a one-way cable car or railway ticket to the takeoff point, which isn’t included with the price of your tour. However, your pilot will meet you at the funicular station on the day and help you to buy the right ticket, so no worries there. And we definitely think it’s worth it—as do hundreds of other happy reviewers!
Book this epic paragliding flight here before it sells out!
3. Take the train to Mount Gornergrat
Taking the train up to Mount Gornergrat is one of the most popular things to do in Zermatt, and it’s easy to see why! Taking the open-air cogwheel train up the mountain is such a charming, quintessentially Swiss experience, and the views of the Matterhorn are just incredible.
The Gornergrat Railway Station is right across from Zermatt’s main train station, so it’s easy to get to. You can either buy your tickets online in advance here or just show up and buy them when you’re ready on the day. Even if you purchase them in advance, you don’t have to book a particular time slot.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you go early, some restaurants and attractions at the top may not be open yet. You’ll also probably be sharing the train with skiers, which can make it a bit crowded. Round-trip tickets cost 96 CHF, which equates to about €105.
But whatever time of day you go, the views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking. You can see 29 peaks, which reach over 4,000 meters (13,123 ft)! There’s also a multimedia experience called “ZOOOM the Matterhorn” that’s interesting for those who want to learn more about the area, and kids are sure to enjoy it!
There’s also a hotel, multiple restaurants, a bar, and some shops at the top. We recommend suggesting a few hours exploring up here and just soaking up the beautiful snowy scenery. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your camera!
4. Check out the Matterhorn Viewpoint
The Matterhorn Viewpoint is a great spot to visit for a few reasons. For one, it’s not a full-on hike, but more of a steady uphill walk. However, you still get maximum rewards for fairly little effort! We love admiring the view over Zermatt from here, and it’s so easy to fit into your schedule. What’s not to love?
It only takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the viewpoint from the village. The walk itself is very pleasant, as you’ll enjoy alpine scenery on the way up until you reach the panorama at the top. It’s basically a picture-perfect view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. We recommend visiting at sunset if you can, as that’s an especially stunning time of day.
This is the perfect little hike for those who don’t consider themselves to be hikers! The trail is usually very well groomed during winter, so all you’ll need are regular hiking shoes with good grip.
5. Private ski lessons
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Private, customized ski lesson tailored to your level, improve confidence and technique on the slopes, instruction in multiple languages, suitable for beginners and experienced skiers
- Inclusions: 3-hour ski lesson, professional instructors
- Rating: 5 stars (check 230+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re visiting Zermatt and want to boost your skills on the slopes, a private ski lesson is the way to go! These 3-hour lessons are fully tailored to your level and needs, so whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to refine your technique, you’ll get guidance designed just for you.
What sets these lessons apart is the one-on-one or small-group format, which means you get plenty of personalized attention. Your instructor will take you through each step at your own pace to help you build confidence. This is the perfect way to start or to master new techniques without feeling rushed.
The lessons take place in the scenic Sunnegga ski area, so not only will you get to practice new skills, you’ll also enjoy some seriously pretty views. The instructors speak multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian, so it should be easy for most travelers to follow along!
The meeting points are close to public transport, so it’s easy to get to the slopes, and by the end of the session, you’ll be zipping through with confidence. As all of the glowing reviews attest, the individualized approach ensures that you make noticeable progress. If you want to make the most out of Zermatt’s ski scene, these private lessons are the way to go.
Book your private ski lessons here, with free cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Eat fondue
The best way to warm up during the winter in Zermatt is by digging into some cheesy goodness—no doubt about it. Fondue is the classic choice; we also love raclette, which is a similar but slightly heartier option that generally involves potatoes and cured meats. Here are three excellent fondue and raclette spots in Zermatt:
- Restaurant Schäferstube – Schäferstube is located in the heart of Zermatt with a rustic feel that reminds me of an alpine chalet. Their cheese fondue is locally sourced, rich, and creamy. We like to pair it with the traditional bread cubes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Pöstli Stübli – This charming spot has a more intimate vibe, with small tables and warm lighting. This is THE place to go for raclette, which comes served with crispy potatoes and pickles (basically my foodie dream) as well as unique cheese variations that you don’t often find elsewhere. Just note that Pöstli Stübli is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Restaurant Julen – Located slightly off the main street, Julen boasts a lively atmosphere and that classic Swiss charm that people come to Zermatt for. Best of all, it offers mountain views from some of the tables, and thick fondue served with regional specialties.
7. Learn about Zermatt Village on a walking tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: Explore Zermatt village with a knowledgeable guide, see historic streets and landmarks, learn about local culture and history, small-group experience
- Inclusions: English-speaking Swiss guide, 2-hour walking tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to get to know Zermatt beyond the ski slopes, this small-group walking tour is the perfect way to explore the village. It’s an intimate 2-hour experience that takes you through the streets of old town, past historic buildings, and to a viewpoint with one of the most iconic backdrops in the Alps. Yes, of course I’m talking about the Matterhorn!
The tour starts at Bahnhofplatz, right by the train station, which is the only way to reach Zermatt. From there, you stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, Zermatt’s main shopping street, before veering off the beaten path to quieter alleys. You’ll pass the Gourmetweg, which doubles as an ice rink in winter, and Hinterdorfstrasse, which is home to centuries-old buildings and flat-stone rooftops.
There’s also a stop at the Monte Rosa Hotel to learn about the first ascent of the Matterhorn, as well as a visit to the Mountaineers’ Cemetery to reflect on the climbers who lost their lives attempting to climb Zermatt’s surrounding peaks. Finally, the tour wraps up at the Kirchbrücke bridge viewpoint, which is the classic spot for Matterhorn photos. I’m willing to bet you’ve seen some photos that have been snapped there on Instagram before!
We think that this walking tour is such a great way to get to know Zermatt, thanks to its small-group format and knowledgeable guides. It’s also an easy walk, so it’s suitable for most fitness levels. It would be a great thing to do on your first day in Zermatt to get to know the town.
Book your spot on this small group walking tour here!
8. Relax at the spa
You truly can’t beat unwinding at a spa after a day on the slopes. And even if you’re not in Zermatt to ski, it’s just a nice indoor activity to indulge in during the winter. The village has plenty of luxury options, and many resorts and hotels offer day passes so you can enjoy 5-star treatments without booking an overnight stay.
We absolutely loved Cervo Mountain Resort. It’s a gorgeous spa with a modern, alpine design, and day passes start at 85 CHF (just over $100 USD). These give you access to multiple saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, and then you can opt to add extra treatments like massages and facials. Having a massage here really helped to soothe my sore muscles after skiing!
Schloss Spa is another top-rated option. This place is known for its serene atmosphere and skilled therapists. You can enjoy massages and wellness treatments without committing to a full-day resort package, so it’s a more affordable way to relax and recharge.
Both spas offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of the village and a chance to pamper yourself while taking in stunning mountain views. I mean, what better way to warm yourself up during winter in Zermatt?
Where to Stay in Zermatt, Switzerland
So now that you know what to get up to in Zermatt during the winter months, you just need a warm and cozy place to stay. Luckily, there are plenty of those here! We suggest staying in the village area because it’s super central with lots of cute restaurants to warm up. And with that in mind, we’ve outlined our top picks for every budget below:
Luxury – $$$
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is a fantastic choice for luxury travelers in Zermatt. We love this palatial hotel because it perfectly blends historic charm with modern comforts. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with sleek bathrooms and beautiful mountain views.
And as if that weren’t enough, the hotel has an incredible spa and wellness centre. There’s an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, hot tub, and a fitness centre, so you can fully unwind after a day on the slopes. On top of that, the on-site restaurant and bar make it easy to enjoy local and international cuisine without leaving the hotel.
The location is unbeatable, too. You’re right in the centre of Zermatt, just a short walk from the train station and the Matterhorn Museum. It’s also perfect for skiing, hiking, and exploring the village.
Rooms here start at around €800 per night, and there’s a 5-night minimum stay. Secure your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Alpen Resort & Spa is a fantastic choice for travelers looking to stay close to the ski lifts in Zermatt. We love this hotel because it combines modern comfort with easy access to the slopes. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the hotel also boasts excellent dining options. The Matterhorn Restaurant serves traditional Swiss cuisine paired with a great selection of wines, and the Grill restaurant Hornox offers both meat and vegan dishes.
Other perks include free WiFi throughout the property, free transport from Zermatt Train Station, ski storage with boot dryers, and even an outdoor tennis court. The spa and wellness facilities also make it ideal for relaxing sore muscles after skiing.
Rooms here start at around €300 during winter. Check Booking.com for the best prices!
Budget – $
Youth Hostel Zermatt is one of the few good budget options in a town known for luxury hotels. We love it because it’s practical, comfortable, and ideally located just a 10-minute walk from both the ski lifts and Zermatt city centre. It even offers views of the iconic Matterhorn from some rooms!
The hostel offers dormitory beds, private rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms, and even barrier-free options, making it perfect for solo travelers, friends, or couples. We think this is an ideal choice for travelers who want to spend most of the day skiing or exploring the village without spending a fortune on accommodation.
Dorm beds start at around €60 during ski seasons, and double rooms with private bathrooms cost around €200. Find out more and reserve your stay here!
Want more great options? Check out all the hotels in Zermatt listed here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
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That wraps up our guide to the best things to do in Zermatt in winter! From paragliding past the Matterhorn to cozy fondue dinners and glacier views, this alpine village delivers one unforgettable moment after another. We hope these ideas help you plan a trip filled with snowy adventures, good food, and plenty of mountain magic.
If you’re exploring more of Switzerland or looking for even more Zermatt inspiration, check out our other Switzerland travel guides here—or browse the Zermatt posts below to continue planning your dream winter getaway!
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How to Spend THREE DAYS in Reykjavik, Iceland in the Winter: The Best 3-Day Itinerary