{"id":13058,"date":"2017-04-17T10:09:30","date_gmt":"2017-04-17T09:09:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=13058"},"modified":"2025-08-24T04:34:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T11:34:23","slug":"zermatt-switzerland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/zermatt-switzerland\/","title":{"rendered":"THINGS TO DO IN ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND, BESIDES SKI"},"content":{"rendered":"

By now, you\u2019ve probably heard of all of the amazing winter-weather destinations that Switzerland has to offer, like St. Moritz, Gstaad, Verbier\u2026 the list goes on. And I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard of the mountain resort town of Zermatt due to its proximity to the \u201cworld\u2019s most photographed mountain\u201d aka The Matterhorn.<\/p>\n

The Matterhorn, which soars 4,478m in the air, is on the Swiss-Italian border and is one of the more recent mountains to be conquered by fearless climbers. The Matterhorn sure is beautiful and the photographs\u2014no matter how many you see on Instagram or in guidebooks\u2014do not do her justice.<\/p>\n

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Zermatt is located in the Visp district in southern Switzerland, easily accessible by train from all of the major airports in the country, like Zurich and Geneva. The area is German-speaking but all workers in town will also have a proficient understanding of English, French and Italian, making it easy for international travelers.<\/p>\n

The Swiss Franc is the official currency although Euros are widely accepted.<\/p>\n

In winter, temperatures average around 6 – 10 degrees celsius and will get colder at night. But during the day, there is a good chance you\u2019ll be in luck with sunny weather while you explore, so be sure to pack layers.<\/p>\n

SO, what is a girl to do in Zermatt, besides skiing? Whether you want a break from snow sports or simply don\u2019t do them, there are lots of options to keep you busy in this picturesque mountain village. <\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>What To Pack For A Ski Trip<\/a><\/div>\n

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Blauherd-Fluhalp Hike<\/h2>\n

Speaking of sunny weather, the Blauherd-Fluhalp hike is considered to be the area\u2019s sunniest trail, with pristine views of\u2014you guessed it\u2014The Matterhorn! To reach the summit, simply hop on the Sunnegga funicular<\/a> to the Sunnegga stop at 2,288 meters, then continue onto a cable car that will bring you to Blauherd station.<\/p>\n

You will quickly realize\u2014as with everything in Switzerland\u2014how convenient and well thought out transportation is in Zermatt! Once you get off the cable car, walk outside towards Blue Lounge (you can\u2019t miss all of the skiers lining up for a coffee or glass of wine) and right past it.<\/p>\n

It will be tempting to stop and stare at The Matterhorn, but don\u2019t, as even better views are yet to come! The trail immediately begins behind Blue Lounge. A good way to tell?<\/p>\n

If skiers are zipping past you, you are in the wrong area! This trail is for hikers only! You\u2019ll even start to see signs for local wildlife like the chamois, an antelope-like animal you can sometimes spot.<\/p>\n

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Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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The trail is around 2,500 meters high and is considered an easy hike (for anyone above the age of 4). It should take roughly an hour to hike, although factor in plenty of extra time because you\u2019ll be stopping every 5 minutes to take photos of the Matterhorn as well as the frozen Lake Stellisee below.<\/p>\n

Finally, end your hike at Fluhalp Restaurant<\/a> with a nice plate of local food and wine. You\u2019ll need the energy to hike back!<\/p>\n

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Rotenboden-Riffelberg Hike<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve ever dreamed of being completely alone in the Swiss Alps with a perfect, close up view of the Matterhorn, then this is the trail for you!<\/p>\n

Start by taking a ride on the famous Gornergrat Train from Zermatt and getting off at the Rotenboden stop, near the top. Luckily, most people on your train will be getting off to ski or snowboard down the mountain, leaving you all by your lonesome to hike down!<\/p>\n

Simply scoot past the skiers to the trail and head off towards the Riffelhorn, a beautiful mountain in the Pennine Alps range.<\/p>\n

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This trail will snake down and in and out of the sun. All of a sudden\u2014BOOM!\u2014there she is, The Matterhorn, in all her glory. Look around and listen. Save for the sounds of the skiers on a nearby path, there will likely be no one else around. Jump in the snow, slide down one of the icy hills, make it your winter wonderland playground. This is a once-in-a-lifetime scenario.<\/p>\n

The hike should take no more than an hour and is also considered to be easy. Truly, you won\u2019t realize if you\u2019re huffing and puffing a little bit\u2014it\u2019s too beautiful to notice. End up at the Riffleberg station and get on the train to head back to town!<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget: Proper winter hiking clothes and shoes are strongly recommended for any outdoor activity in Zermatt.<\/p>\n

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Apres-Ski At Chez Vrony<\/h2>\n

You can\u2019t go to a ski resort and not participate in apr\u00e8s-ski (basically any social activity after a day spent skiing), especially one that involves such a special restaurant like Chez Vrony.<\/p>\n

What started as a farmhouse up high in the Alps has transformed into Zermatt\u2019s most beloved restaurant and hang-out place. The only caveat? You must ski, sled or hike down a ski path to get there. Easy! From Zermatt, take the funicular to Sunnegga<\/a> and either ski or sled down the slopes for about 5 minutes or head off on foot for about 20.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind, skiers will be flying past you, but most of them will be of the mini variety\u2014this is known as one of the easier slopes in the area and is filled with children learning to ski (it\u2019s adorable!).<\/p>\n

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Arrive at Chez Vrony and be prepared for an experience unlike any other. Situated in perfect view of the Matterhorn, with skiers on all sides and lush forest in front, you\u2019ll either sit at a picnic table or on a wooden lounge chair for two, complete with soft blankets to keep you warm.<\/p>\n

Order up some glasses of ros\u00e9 wine, regional fares like homemade cured meats and cheeses, and settle in to admire the view!<\/p>\n

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Auf Wiedersehen, Zermatt!<\/h2>\n

All in all, whether you are in town for winter sports, simply admiring the views or just for post-ski socializing, Zermatt is one cold-weather destination not to be missed. Have fun!<\/p>\n

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We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Zermatt. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Do you want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our <\/i><\/b>Contribute<\/i><\/b><\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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Read About Skiing<\/em><\/h4>\n