Jacqui Wimberly, Founder of Attention to Detail Public Relations, is a city girl at home and a mountain girl at heart. Splitting her time between Manhattan, New York and Ludlow, Vermont, Jacqui works hard to play hard. An avid skier, she enjoys escaping the fast-paced city life to spend her weekends skiing at her home mountain.

Jacqui’s love for skiing and the outdoors led her on a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland in 2019 where she fell in love with the majesty of the Alps, Swiss lifestyle, and endless slopes of terrain. Now considered to be her favorite ski destination, Jacqui loves sharing her knowledge of the picturesque ski paradise through her favorite restaurants, ski trails and après bars.

Located in the upper region of canton Wallis, Southwest Switzerland, and neighboring the Italian border, Zermatt is home to three main mountains, each with their own distinct character. Most notable is the Matterhorn, one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe. This car-free mountain village is within only a few hours of both the Geneva and Sion Airports, where ski resort transfer services are available.

Ski Spots

Zermatt is home to 360 kilometers of skiable terrain for all ability levels. The highest ski resort in Europe, Zermatt’s vast terrain encompasses not one, but two countries, and is open 365 days a year. With the Ski Pass International, you have access to pistes in Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia, both of which are world-famous for their long ski runs that have fabulous mountain restaurants interspersed throughout.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Jacqui’s all-time favorite area to ski in Zermatt is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which is located 3,883 meters above sea level and offers a 360 degree view of the breathtaking scenery. Accessible by cable car, you have the pleasure of taking in the spectacular views around you before embarking on a 15 (!!!) mile ski run that brings you from the top of the glacier down to Zermatt or Cervinia, giving you the option to ski in both Switzerland and Italy!

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Kumme

Jacqui also loves Kumme, a brand new 10-person gondola. Replacing a smaller, older chairlift, the new and improved Kumme gondola takes skiers from Tufternkehr to Unterrothorn with a mid-station at Wyss Gufer. While the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is considered to be more popular, the Kumme gondola provides easy access to a less visited and less crowded area of the mountain.

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Where To Stay

Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a quaint, car-free village offering fantastic scenery, delectable restaurants, and a taste of eccentric Swiss culture. Due to its popularity, accommodation in Zermatt tends to be on the more expensive side. That being said, you certainly get what you pay for, adding quality and value to your overall experience. Choose between ski-in, ski-out luxury hotel options or cater to your travel style and budget with a hostel or airbnb.

Hotel Derby

Jacqui went with the Hotel Derby, where luxury and convenience make for an unbeatable stay. Hotel Derby is perfectly situated within walking distance to local shops and restaurants, and boasts beautiful chalet-style rooms with fully-equipped kitchens and breathtaking balcony views. This cozy and elegant hotel and it’s easy access to the train station, ski lifts, and the main street of Zermatt is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Hotel Focus

This superior 4-star hotel was designed by renowned architect and Swiss artist Heinz Julen. The spacious and exclusive spa area features an indoor/outdoor hot tub, salt-water bath, Finnish sauna, and relaxation room with warm deck chairs. We couldn’t imagine a better place to wind down after a long day of skiing.

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Where to Après in Zermatt

The Zermatt après ski and nightlife scene is vibrant and welcoming. The Swiss are not shy about celebrating the mountain lifestyle, and are eager to share it with everyone, whether you’re a local or visitor. Whether you’re looking for live music, après bars, or cocktail lounges, Zermatt offers a little bit of everything.

Hennu Stall

If you’re looking for a real party atmosphere for your après ski scene, Jacqui highly recommends Hennu Stall. Located directly next to the Furi-Zermatt slope, this famous ski bar is walking distance from the base. With DJs and shot skis, the Hennu Stall is a party every day.

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Alphitta

For the quintessential mountain-side dining experience, enjoy the panoramic views of the Matterhorn at Alphitta. With live music and traditional Swiss cuisine, you will get the full experience plus more. Jacqui recommends taking advantage of the sheepskin blankets offered outside so you can stay warm while you soak in the views on the charming patio.

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Other Activities

While Zermatt is most well-known for its skiing, there are plenty of other fun activities to enjoy while visiting. Explore the hiking trails, ride the cable car and train, or stroll the streets of Zermatt to experience the local culture and beautiful scenery.

Ice Skating

Enjoy the outdoors while taking in the sights of the Matterhorn at the Zermatt ice skating rink, located right in the village. Jacqui suggests watching the local ice hockey club train for some free entertainment!

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Shopping

Stroll the scenic Swiss streets while you treat yourself to some shopping at Zermatt’s specialty shops. From luxury to antique, you can spend an entire afternoon exploring the wide array of local stores, and hopefully finding some cute Zermatt souvenirs!

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Where to Eat

Swiss and Italian cuisine are among the many attractions of Zermatt. From cured meat to fondue, the local food options are among the best in the world. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to refuel during a ski day or a first-class meal with a relaxed ambiance, Zermatt has it all. Not to mention, the backdrop of the majestic Matterhorn and Swiss alps makes for quite the dining experience wherever you go!

Grampi’s

If you’re looking for classic Italian Cuisine, Jacqui highly recommends Grampi’s. A quaint setting with authentic food options and Italian specialities, this affordable pizzeria is centrally located and offers a delicious casual dining experience.

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Myoko

After endless cheese and wine, Jacqui wanted to switch things up and try something different. After stumbling upon Myoko and having a to-die-for meal, she couldn’t think of a better spot to recommend for Asian cuisine. Enjoy freshly-made sushi and specialities from the teppanyaki grill to round out your Zermatt dining experience.

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For the ultimate European ski vacation, Zermatt, Switzerland has it all. From traditional Swiss cuisine to Matterhorn glacier skiing, experience two countries in one while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery and unique local culture.

Jacqui Wimberly

Jacqui Wimberly is the founder of Attention to Detail Public Relations and lives in New York City. Jacqui escapes city life on the weekends and goes up to Vermont to chill out and make some turns! She loves travel of all kinds, and hopes to visit more exciting ski destinations in the future.