Matterhorn Ski Paradise

There is no mountain in the Alps like the Matterhorn, and no ski area quite like the one beneath it. The Matterhorn Ski Paradise spans the Swiss and Italian sides of the same peak, 360km of pistes reached from a car free Swiss village on one side and a high, sunlit Italian plateau on the other, with lifts climbing to 3,883m and a glacier that never closes. It is the only area in the Alps where you can ski to another country for lunch and be back for tea, and the luxury ski chalets on the Swiss side are among the finest in Europe.

The Resorts of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise

One mountain, two countries, two entirely different holidays. This page covers the Swiss side; for the Italian side see our luxury chalets in the Cervinia Ski Paradise.

Zermatt

Zermatt sits at 1,620m at the head of the Mattertal, car free since long before it was fashionable, with electric taxis, horse drawn sleighs and the Matterhorn filling the end of the main street. It is one of the great mountain towns of the world: three distinct ski sectors, a cog railway climbing to Gornergrat, mountain restaurants that would hold their own in a city, and a standard of accommodation to match. This is where our portfolio sits.

The Italian side

Across the Theodul Pass, Breuil Cervinia and Valtournenche look south into the sun. The skiing there is wider, gentler and noticeably warmer, the lunches longer, and the whole thing feels like a different holiday for the price of a lift ride. Most Zermatt guests cross for at least one day. Our Cervinia resort guide covers that side in detail.

Luxury Ski Chalets in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise

The Swiss side of this mountain sets a standard few places match. Expect substantial staffed properties with spas, pools and full teams, alongside apartments finished to the same level, and a strong showing of chalets with hot tubs and saunas built to make the most of the view, which here is the point. Both catered and self catered arrangements work well, the latter helped by a village full of exceptional restaurants. Browse our luxury catered chalets, view everything available using the button below, or widen the search to our full collection of luxury ski chalets in Switzerland.

Skiing the Matterhorn Ski Paradise

360km of runs served by 55 lifts, the highest reaching 3,883m, with a longest descent of some 14km and two snow parks. The altitude does two things: it makes snow close to certain from November to May, and it puts the Theodul glacier at the centre of the area, where skiing continues through the summer. This is one of the few places in Europe you can ski in every month of the year.

The Swiss side divides into three sectors, Sunnegga and Rothorn for morning sun and gentle cruising, Gornergrat for long descents and the classic Matterhorn views, and the glacier for altitude and the crossing to Italy. Beginners do better here than the mountain's reputation suggests, particularly on the Italian side. Experts have serious high alpine terrain and a strong guiding tradition, and off piste here is glaciated, so a guide is not optional. Ask our Ski Specialists and we will arrange it alongside your chalet.

Getting to the Matterhorn Ski Paradise

Sion is closest at around an hour and a half, with Zurich roughly three hours, Geneva three and a half to four, and Milan about three from the Italian side. The last stretch is by train whether you like it or not, since Zermatt allows no cars: you park at Täsch and take the shuttle up, or stay on the railway from Visp and arrive in the village itself. It is a slower journey than most Alpine transfers and a considerably more pleasant one. Our Ski Specialists will arrange the whole thing.

Matterhorn Ski Paradise Ski Holidays: Your Questions Answered

What is the Matterhorn Ski Paradise?

It is the name for the combined ski area on both sides of the Matterhorn, linking Zermatt in Switzerland with Breuil Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy across the Theodul Pass. It totals around 360km of piste, and the Italian side is also marketed under its own name, which is why you will see both used.

What is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?

It is the lift station rather than the ski area: the cable car top station at 3,883m, the highest in Europe, reached from Zermatt and sitting at the point where the crossing to Italy begins. It has a viewing platform and an ice palace, and it is worth going up even on a day you are not skiing much.

Can I ski from Zermatt to Cervinia?

Yes, and it is one of the great days out in the Alps. The crossing runs over the Theodul Pass and takes most of a morning at a comfortable pace. You need the international lift pass rather than the Swiss only one, and you need to watch the time and the weather on the way back, because if the top lifts close you are looking at a taxi through the Great St Bernard tunnel. Your chalet team or our specialists will advise on the day.

Is one lift pass valid across both countries?

Not automatically. The standard Zermatt pass covers the Swiss side only; the international pass adds the Italian side and is what you want if you intend to cross. It can usually be added for a day at a time, which suits guests who only plan one trip over.

Can you ski here in summer?

Yes. Skiing continues on the Theodul glacier through the summer months, which makes this one of very few year round ski areas in Europe. The terrain on offer is limited compared with winter and it is mostly used by racers and ski clubs training, but it is open to anyone.