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Zermatt is a popular ski resort, and has been for decades, with jaw-dropping alpine views, reliable snow, and a bit of a reputation for luxury and glamour. It boasts some of the highest skiing in the alps, as well as a vast ski field that runs into Cervinia, Italy, so you can ski in two countries in one day.
Zermatt’s reputation for luxury centres around the Town Centre, which is where you’ll find many of its grand dame hotels, as well as the best known cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Families, and beginner skiers might prefer to stay in Winkelmatten, or Sunnegga. More experienced skiers might prefer to stay on the Gornergrat side, close to the Gornergrat Railway and the Matterhorn Express. Quieter Winkelmatten or Spiss are perfect if you like things a bit quieter. Zermatt is compact and car-free, so wherever you choose to stay you’ll be relatively close to everything, but it’s still worth comparing an area’s atmosphere.
Ideal for: first-time visitors, après-ski, luxury lovers, foodies, party people, summer hikers
Zermatt’s Town Centre is the main shopping and nightlife district, with a lively mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, bakeries, chocolatiers and food stores, plus a myriad of places to stay including hostels and great value accommodation. Because this neighbourhood is a transport hub for the whole valley, the Town Centre is an easy choice for sightseers. If you’re visiting Zermatt for the summer hiking season, the Town Centre puts you between Zermatt and Gornergrat train stations, giving easy access to all routes, plus the Edelweissweg circular hike starts in the verty centre of town.
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Ideal for: families, relaxing ski holidays, sunny afternoons, chalet stays
Winkelmatten is a quieter, residential neighbourhood just to the south of Zermatt’s Town Centre. It has numerous charming chalets and apartment hotels, and is in the perfect spot for enjoying sunshine well into the afternoon. It's the perfect area for families with young children, or anyone looking for a quieter base.
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Ideal for: photographers, luxury lovers, a special occasion, romantics, peaceful stays
Petite Village is a neighbourhood renowned not only for its villagey feel and luxurious chalets, but also for its magnificent Matterhorn views. It is the perfect pick for people hoping for a quieter stay in Zermatt, yet is still only a short walk, or electric taxi ride, from the ski lifts, or the Town Centre.
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Ideal for: families, travellers on a budget, a relaxed stay, a short stay
Image by Henry Keßler from Pixabay
Like Winkelmatten, Spiss is a charming, more residential neighbourhood. It is conveniently close to the road leading into Zermatt, and just a short stroll, or an even shorter shuttle or electric taxi ride to the town centre and the ski lifts. Spiss has a traditional Swiss feel — with great Swiss food and architecture — but also a good range of more contemporary accommodation.
