Zermatt Ski Guide: Where Families Ski Under the Matterhorn

Why Zermatt

Zermatt is a car-free village at about 1,600 m at the foot of the Matterhorn. Its ski area, Matterhorn ski paradise, splits into three sectors — Sunnegga–Rothorn, Gornergrat, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise — and links over the border to Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy. The glacier sector reaches close to 3,900 m, so snow is reliable from late autumn into spring, and there is summer skiing on the Theodul glacier. You arrive by train from Visp or Täsch and get around the village by electric taxi, ski bus, or on foot.

The nine pins

When to go

The main winter season runs from late November to around Easter, with the glacier sector often open earlier and later. January brings the coldest, quietest weeks; February and Easter are busiest because of school holidays. Late March and April have long days and soft snow in the afternoons. On the glacier, wind can close the top lifts, so keep Sunnegga or Gornergrat as a backup plan.

With kids

Sunnegga is the best base for small children: short lift rides, sunny slopes, Wolli Park for first turns, and Swiss Ski School and private ski schools that run kids' classes there. Gornergrat is great for non-skiers because the train goes to the top and the sledge run is short. Save Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for a clear, calm day — at nearly 3,900 m the air is thin and cold, so keep visits short for little ones and bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

How to use this on ParkConnect

Open the map, search Zermatt, and tap each card to jump to the pin. Each spot has its own page. After your trip, add a note on the pin — which lifts were open, how busy the beginner area was, and how the kids got on — so the next family knows what to expect.