Under one of the most iconic mountains in the world, Zermatt sits nestled in the shadow of the Matterhorn and surrounding Swiss Alps. This charming little town is one of the most picturesque villages we've ever visited. You can stroll along the car-free streets and see a horse and carriage come by you and when you lift your eyes you will see this massive pointed mountain peak high above you. It's unlike anywhere else in the world. We were lucky enough to spend Christmas in Zermatt and it's an experience we will never forget.
The town of Zermatt is a car-free zone which makes it extremely walkable even in snowy conditions. The Christmas decorations filled the streets and added even more magic to this beautiful little town.
Zermatt is an outdoor adventurers paradise. Here you can go skiing, paragliding, hiking, sledding, snowshowing and more!
Skiing the Matterhorn
One of the main reasons we wanted to visit Zermatt was to ski it's world famous ski resort. After about an hour and 5 different trams, gondolas and chair-lifts later we made it to the top of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. At an screaming 12,740 feet you can feel the altitude as you step out onto Europe's highest summit station. From here we strapped on our skiis and headed down the mountain.
It was a bucket list experience getting to ski the Matterhorn! It was so fun to ski from that high of an elevation down to the tiny town of Zermatt below.
Skiing to Italy for lunch
One of the coolest things about skiing in Zermatt is that you have the unique opportunity to ski in two in two countries in one day, Switzerland and Italy!
On Christmas we skied over the border into Italy and had the most amazing mountain-side lunch. We had bolognese, polenta with mushrooms, and a couple nice cold beers. Beside the amazing food, the view was unreal! This was one of the most incredible expereiences of our entire trip and a Christmas we will never forget.
Since Zermatt is car-free the only avaliable "taxis" are these small electric mini-buses. So cute!
Where We Stayed
Backstage Boutique Hotel
We spent Christmas in Zermatt at the lovely Backstage Boutique Hotel. It was one of the most luxurious hotels we have ever stayed at. The mountain chic vibe and impeciable service was unlike any hotel we've ever stayed at.
The spa and outdoor jacuzzi at our hotel were where we spent most of our evenings. Unwinding after a long day of skiing in the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and floating room was perfect for our aching body. And is there really anything better than being in a hot tub while it's snowing?
The best places for Après
Another thing Zermatt is known for is it's après (after-ski) party scene. Either perched on the side of the mountain on a ski-in-only location, or inside a historic hotel. We made it our goal to find the best places to grab a drink after a long day on the slopes. Here is what we found.
Cervo Bar
For the most breaktaking views of the Matterhorn, check out Cervo Bar. We sipped on a cold beer and ate a burger with truffle fries as we watched the sun set behind the mountain. The views here can't be beat.
During sunset there was a live DJ and the music filled the air as everyone started to come down off the ski slopes ready to join in the après fun!
Zermatt Unplugged
This ski lodge is home to one of the mountains most popular après spots. You need to take the gonola up to half mountain to find this lodge but once you are there you could stay and enjoy the views all day. Zermatt Unplugged even hosts concerts and festivals here at it's amazing mountaintop location.
Harry's Bar
Need to head somewhere cozy to warm up? Harry's Bar is just the place. With a warm fire burning in the corner, this chalet style dive bar is the perfect place to warm your bones after a long day on the slopes. If this doesn't work try a shot of Fernet.
Hexen Bar
Another cute and cozy bar on the main street is Hexen Bar. Right on main street, we loved the decor and friendly vibe inside.
Brown Cow Pub
We had a delicious lunch at Brown Cow Pub which has a great variety of beers and burgers.
Zermatt is a magical place and these are only some of the places we were lucky enough to explore. There is an entire mountain filled with hidden champagne bars, igloos and more. We can't wait to come back one day!
