Pointers from Ikon Pass holders when visiting Zermatt Matterhorn
Nestled beneath one of the world’s most iconic peaks, Zermatt Matterhorn is a Swiss alpine paradise known for its best-in-class skiing and charming village. With its breathtaking slopes and cozy chalets, here’s how to experience the magic of this stunning mountain retreat, courtesy of your mountain community in the Ikon Pass Holders Facebook group.
GETTING THERE
Reaching Zermatt is an adventure in itself. Plan to arrive via the Swiss Rail system because it is a car-free town. If you’re flying in, Zurich, Geneva, or Milan are all convenient hubs with direct train connections to Zermatt from their cities’ major train stations. Many pass holders recommend purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited or half-price travel on trains and buses throughout Switzerland.
LODGING
Zermatt offers accommodations for every budget, including luxury hotels with spa amenities, quaint family-run chalets, and more. For easy slope access, consider booking in the Winkelmatten area, though for stays close to town with quick access to the mountain railway stop & tram at the base, stay near the Sunnegga-Rothorn station which is centrally located. Anywhere that you stay in Zermatt, however, will be close to a free shuttle, electric taxis, or often walkable with views of the river and the mountains the whole time. To stay in the heart of the action, look for lodging near Bahnhofstrasse, Zermatt’s famous main street that’s filled with shops, restaurants, and vibrant après-ski scenes. Many lodgings provide ski-in/ski-out access, or free shuttles, but be sure to book early during peak season to secure your preferred spot. Ikon Pass holders shared positive experiences while staying at Hotel Bahnhof Zermatt, Matterhorn FOCUS Design Hotel, Hotel Alpenroyal, Hotel Sarazena, and Hotel Cima.
RENTALS
Zermatt has an abundance of rental shops offering the latest ski and snowboard equipment. Ikon Pass holder picks include INTERSPORT Rent, Julen Sport, or Slalom Sport for their wide range of skis, snowboards, and boots tailored to every skill level. If you’re looking to maximize performance on the slopes, many rental shops offer gear specifically designed for Zermatt’s varied terrain. Bonus: most Swiss rental shops allow you to swap equipment during your rental period to adapt to changing conditions.
ACCESS
Your Ikon Pass gives you direct-to-lift access for Zermatt’s Matterhorn Ski Paradise; however, Ikon Pass does not include access to Cervinia-Valtournenche in Italy for the 24/25 season. You can purchase an add-on at the local ticket office, which pass holders in the community group overwhelmingly agree is “worth it.”
TERRAIN
Zermatt’s expansive terrain includes over 200 miles of pistes across three interconnected ski areas: Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat, and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Beginners will appreciate the wide, gentle slopes near Sunnegga, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves with the steep descents of Triftji or the famous Klein Matterhorn Glacier. Get your heart pumping and legs burning on Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt, one of the longest runs in the world. The 16-mile (26 km) trail runs from the highest lift-served point to the base at Zermatt, with a vertical of more than 7,425 feet (2,263 meters).
APRÈS/CULINARY
Zermatt is just as famous for its après-ski as it is for its legendary slopes. Ikon Pass holders recommend eating on the mountain and rave about favorites like Chez Vrony and Rothorn Restaurant for their memorable culinary experiences. If you want a lively après atmosphere, Hennu Stall or Cervo are must-visits. Indulge in Swiss classics like fondue or raclette at Restaurant Schäferstube and don’t forget to treat yourself to a cup of decadent, authentic Swiss hot chocolate while taking in the views of the Matterhorn.
DISCOVER MORE
Connect with your fellow adventurers to discover more Zermatt Matterhorn tips and hidden gems at 60+ destinations in the Ikon Pass Holders Facebook group, where the mountain community thrives.
