Skiing in Zermatt: The Matterhorn Ski Paradise Explained
The three lift bases, glacier terrain, the link to Italy, lift passes and off-piste safety.
In this guide
Zermatt’s ski area is one of the highest and most spectacular in the Alps, with the Matterhorn in view from much of it and a link across the border into Italy. Its size and altitude are a big part of the appeal, but they also make planning worthwhile. Skiing in Zermatt covers a large, high-altitude area.
Skiing in Zermatt: the ski area in numbers
The Matterhorn Ski Paradise describes 360 kilometers of pistes and 52 lifts across two countries. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station, at 3,883 meters, is the highest lift-served point in the Alps, and its glacier allows skiing well beyond the usual winter season.
The main areas
- Sunnegga-Rothorn: reached by an underground funicular from the village. Sunny, with varied terrain, and home to gentler runs and beginner areas.
- Gornergrat: reached by a cog railway, with long runs and famous views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers.
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: the high-altitude area reached by cable car, with glacier skiing and the connection to Italy.
Choose accommodation close to the base you will use most; read our guide to where to stay in Zermatt.
Skiing into Italy
From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise area, skiers can cross the border to Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy. Lunch in Italy is a classic Zermatt day. Check that your lift pass covers the Italian side, watch the time, and confirm that the return lifts are open, because high-altitude connections can close in bad weather.
Lift passes
The lift company offers passes for the Zermatt side and international passes that include Italy. Compare the options with your plans; beginners and families staying on the Swiss side may not need the international pass. Buy online in advance where possible, and check current prices and rules on the lift company’s site.
2026/27 season dates and pass prices
The lift company’s ski pass page gives a winter season from 1 November 2026 to early May 2027, with Sunnegga/Rothorn and Gornergrat opening on 28 November and closing on 11 and 18 April 2027. Adult day passes start from CHF 89 for Zermatt and CHF 104 international, lowest from 1 to 27 November 2026 and 19 April to 2 May 2027.
Beginners and families
The Sunnegga area is generally the gentlest part of the ski area and a good base for lessons. Book ski school early for holiday weeks.
Altitude and weather
High altitude brings reliable snow but also cold, wind and strong sun. Dress in layers, protect your skin and eyes, and take time to acclimatize on your first day. High lifts can close in strong winds, so have a lower-altitude plan ready.
Off-piste safety
Zermatt has impressive off-piste terrain, much of it glaciated. Crevasses and avalanche risk make a qualified mountain guide essential. The lift company highlights avalanche warnings and advises off-piste skiers to use professional guides. Follow the Swiss avalanche bulletin from the SLF and carry avalanche safety equipment.
Special experiences
The lift company advertises experiences including first-track mornings, piste-preparation tours and heliskiing at high altitude. Availability and conditions vary, so book ahead.
Skiing in Zermatt is best planned around weather, altitude and lift status. For seasons and conditions, read when to visit Zermatt. For a comparison with other resorts, see Verbier vs Zermatt vs Courchevel.
