The must-ski & must-see in Zermatt in 2026

Iglu-Dorf sits pretty at 2,727 metres. Easily reached on foot, or by skiing down the gentle blue slope from Rotenboden, this hand-carved snow village is the ideal spot to soak up the alpine atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of good wine or a hot chocolate at the iconic snow bar, admire exquisite ice sculptures, and take in the panoramic views of the Matterhorn.

For experienced skiers seeking untouched morning runs and crystal scenery, the Hirli area is a hidden gem. Easily reached via the Furi and Schwarzsee lifts, the Hirli chairlift gives you an up-close view of the Matterhorn as you ascend one of the most iconic sights in the Alps. 

The freshly groomed red and black pistes are often quiet, even on busy days, making this a go-to spot for smooth, scenic skiing. After your run, be sure to stop at Staffelalp. This peaceful mountain hut comes with Matterhorn views and a sunny terrace, great for a coffee away from the crowds.

Take the scenic ski route to Cervinia, crossing the Theodul Pass with the Matterhorn as your backdrop. Once you’re in Italy, you'll find the terrain shifts: while the Swiss side offers steeper and more challenging runs, Cervinia comes with wide-open pistes that are famously friendly. 

Beginners can easily find their rhythm on the gentle slopes around Plan Maison, while the expansive, calm terrain means that virtually the entire area can be enjoyed by competent intermediate skiers looking to find their long-distance FLOW. There’s also the finest Italian espresso and delicious local dishes to be tried.

Head from Zermatt to the picturesque Valtournenche - a traditional-style valley village across the border. You’ll glide down the Swiss slopes with views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks, before crossing into Italy. Once you arrive in Valtournenche, the alpine air is a little more peaceful.

The main ski terrain begins high above the valley floor, right where the Salette gondola reaches its upper terminal at 2,245 metres, well clear of the tree line. The pistes are mostly gentle blue runs, with an excellent beginners' zone and a spacious snowpark situated within easy reach of the gondola.

For the adventurous skier, few things are better than the 20-kilometre descent from the Klein Matterhorn (at 3,883 metres) down to Zermatt village. This route winds you through alpine glaciers into wide-open slopes, before descending through serene forest trails.

Best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, the run has an impressive vertical drop of over 2,200 metres, truly one of the greatest ski runs in the Alps and a must for any winter sports enthusiast.