Best Snow Ski Resorts

Zermatt, Switzerland

Some say this is the resort of ski resorts. Zermatt has become the resort to ski in Europe. Classified as a peaceful getaway due much to its car-free environment, Zermatt lies in the grandeur of the famous Matterhorn.

It has the second biggest lift-served vertical drop in the world, and is blessed with huge snowfalls during season, thanks to its perfect altitude (and some help from the snowmakers at lower altitudes).

But it wasn't always this great. Zermatt recently decided to upgrade its lift system and ski area to world class. Improvement continue to take place. So, yes, it always had the beauty, but now it has the world class resorts. When you arrive by train you're in for a breathtaking experience with the sheer awesomeness of the beautiful and majestic Alps.

Zermatt has been around since the early Middle Ages. You will find the century old wooden mazots, those barns on stilts used for shearing sheep, right next to the resort hotels. Horse-drawn carriages and electric taxis on main street add to the atmosphere of wonder. Don't worry, complimentary ski buses link the ski areas.


From Zermatt you can go from the back of Klein Matterhorn to Cervinia, but it can get expensive. You can buy a joint Italy/Switzerland lift pass if you plan to visit more than once. The skiing at Klein Matterhorn is open all year round.

One of the more famous black runs in the Alps is Triftji. However, you may not have enough snow early on in the season. If that happens, expect them to open only in January.

Snowboarders love Zermatt - it's a paradise. Freeriding is probably the tops in the world and Blauherd's terrain park has an area built for beginners. Another great park, Trockener Steg, has both slides and tubes. Klein Matterhorn has a half-pipe, open year-round.

SKI INDEX:

• Lifts: 62 with Cervinia: 2 funiculars, 19 gondolas, 20 chairlifts, 21 draglifts
• Trails: 200km in Zermatt (10% easy, 54% intermediate, 36% difficult), 400km with Cervinia
• Closest airport: Sion 1½hrs, Geneva 4hrs
• Notes: Ski buses reported inadequate last year, lift system is organized but ski areas are poorly linked, Cervinia offers wider trails.