Zermatt

No mountaineer worth his or her salt has not dreamt of scaling the daunting peaks (over 3,000m above sea level) that surround Zermatt.  Most mountain climbers dream of following in the footsteps of Edward Whymper who conquered the majestic Matterhorn. Zermatt is a famous mountaineering and skiing resort is found in the German-speaking part of Switzerland in a district called Visp. The town itself is home to a number of suburbs, some of which were once mountain hamlets. More of these hamlets are found higher up above Zermatt, though a number of them are not inhabited all year round. Looking at how the place is abuzz with tourists milling about hotels and restaurants, it’s difficult to believe that Zermatt was once a simple agricultural village.

Sightseeing and activities

Whether you decide to take your skiing holiday in winter or summer, Zermatt’s high altitude ensures that you get optimal conditions throughout the year. There are four designated skiing areas in Zermatt; Gornergrat, Sunnegga, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee.

Each has unique features that attract skiers of differing abilities. Sunnegga, for instance, is more suited to beginners as its slopes are not too steep. But all of them are well served with cable cars and chair lifts. Those who would rather attack the slopes with a snowboard are welcome to do so

There is a museum at Testa Grigia, an area on the Theodul pass that stretches into Italy which tells the story of the first mountaineers to climb to the top of The Matterhorn. On the descent though, the majority of the group perished, with only 3 returning safely. The Matterhorn Museum in the town of Zermatt also relates these events. One of the interesting exhibits in this museum is one of the stones taken from the Matterhorn summit to outer space by Claude Nicollier.

At night Zermatt comes alive with a number of restaurants and bars serving skiers and mountain climbers with delicious repasts and their choice drink to help it down. Apart from savoury Swiss dishes, eateries in this area cater to the diverse tastes of holidaymakers by serving Italian, Japanese, Chinese and many other specialities. Tourists also get to dance to live music in some bars or let their hair down in discos while there. The mingling with travellers from all over the world is what makes many look forward to spending time in these spots.  And after a tiring day of activity, visitors to these parts can seek repose in elegantly furnished apartments and chalets offering breathtaking views of the mountains.

For those who consider a holiday incomplete without a splash of shopping, there are several shops in Zermatt including jewellers, clothing stores and even bookshops. But more than just the joy of owning new stuff, the experience of walking around the cobbled streets that are free of the noise and fumes of motor vehicles is invigorating.

Other things to do

Other than the skiing and mountaineering, this locale offers visitors a number of winter sports including ice skating, cross country skiing and winter walks punctuated by scintillating views. You can also savour the natural beauty of The Matterhorn from above by taking a helicopter ride around it.