Zermatt, Switzerland

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Description of Zermatt:

If Switzerland had a logo, it would probably be a view of an Alpine scene. It would not, however, be just any Alpine scene, it would be an Alpine scene with the Matterhorn as it's focal point. This dramatically shaped peak is one of the world's best known mountains, and, lying at the foot of this mountain, is one of the best known mountain resorts, the village of Zermatt. At first, a summer climbing station of adventurous Englishmen, today Zermatt is a year round gathering place for international tourists and sports enthusiasts.

Our interest, of course, is in the area of winter sports, and Zermatt supplies that with a passion. The village has created a marvelous lift system that serves three main area that combine to offer over 100 miles of well-prepared runs. An underground funicular begins the ascent to the Sunnegga that culminates after a gondola and cable car at Unterrothorn (9300'). The second area, Gornergrat/Stockhorn (10,200') is accessed by mountain railway and cable car, and the third, and highest, are is the Klein Matterhorn (11,460') via the highest cable car in Europe from Trockener Steg. The Klein Matterhorn, by the way, is where you would begin the journey to Italy, coming down into the Italian resort of Cervina. It makes a nice outing to go over for lunch and return in the afternoon, but make sure to check the weather and bring your passport. This excursion can be handled by most intermediate level skiers. It also requires an additional charge to use the Cervina lifts. For the beginning skier, Zermatt offers the sunny slopes of Sunnega/Blauherd which provide an ideal training ground since it is gentle, sheltered, and is now covered by snow-making facilities. Beginners are also sometimes taken onto Gornergrat, Theodul, or onto the glacier where the views are fabulous. Intermediates will find paradise in Zermatt where each of the areas is so large that each individual one will occupy more than one day. For the experts, there is plenty to choose from. From the steep bumpy mogulfields of the challenging FIS runs, to Trifti below the Stockhorn, Aroleid, Mamat, and a number of other. And if these are not enough, helicopter skiing is available to explore the off-piste areas. Cross country skiers will find about 5 miles of prepared trails to enjoy.

Apres-ski life centers around the many cafes and after-ski bars which are located all over the village. For the evening, there is a great variety of great restaurants offering a wide selections including traditional Swiss fondue and raclette.