Zermatt 2024
How we got there
While there are plenty of routing options from NY to Switzerland, we opted for a JFK to Milan option which saved us a significant amount on a business class ticket. This also allowed us to fly the Delta One Suite product on the A330-900 neo. From Milan you can take a European intercity train from the central station to Visp in Switzerland. Once in Visp you will change trains for the Visp to Zermatt leg. It will be important to give yourself enough time to make all your connections so plan accordingly and get all your tickets in advance. Splurging on first class seats is worth the splurge. The total trip duration is ~ 3 hours.
Where we stayed
The Focus Design Hotel is conveniently located directly adjacent to the Matterhorn Express gondola. This is a 4 star establishment with kind staff, efficient service and a wide variety of room and price options. It is about a 12-15 minute walk to th center of town or if you are lazy like me you can take a taxi for ~20 CHF. The hotel has a full spa, outdoor and indoor heated pool, cozy lounge with a fireplace and ski and boot storage room. Pickup and drop off to the main train station is included.
https://www.matterhorn-focus.ch/en
What to do in Zermatt
While Zermatt truly shines as a destination for skiers and snowboarders alike, there are plenty of off slope activities including snow shoeing, hiking, cross country skiing and simply taking in the stunning views. For the skiers the fun is exploring the wide terrain using the ultra high tech lift/gondola systems. We usually planned to ski most of the morning and targeted reservations for lunch for the second seating at ~2pm. The town does offer several dining experiences and has some descent skier centric shopping options.
Off Piste Dining (part1)
The dining options in Zermatt offer amazing options at all price points. We opted for a mix of mostly moderate priced meals with a couple of Michelin star adventures. It is highly recommended to make all of your off piste and on piste dining reservations well in advance of your arrival, especially if you are traveling in peak season.
1) Restaraunt Spycher offered classic Swiss dishes of which the highlights were the phenomenal beef tartare and the flambé. 2)Schäferstube is the place to be for the best lamb in town. The lamb burger was one of the best we have ever tried.
3)Da Nico offered a surprisingly authentic Italian dining experience set in lovely modern Swiss chalet type atmosphere. The pizza from their wood burning fireplace was perfectly prepared. We also loved the lasagna and the paccheri alla norma.
Links:
https://www.aristella-zermatt.ch/restaurant/
https://www.julen.ch/en/restaurant-schaeferstube/
https://www.danico-zermatt.ch/deutsch/home
Off Piste Dining (part 2)
In part 2 we explored 1)Brasserie Uno where sustainability meets a laid back atmosphere where the chefs passion for food truly shined. This venue does have one Michelin star. 2) Saycheese has become a regular for us because no trip to Zermatt is complete without some fondue. I would highly recommend also trying the meat fondue for some protein. 3) Capri brings its summer base from Capri to Zermatt for the winter season. This one Michelin star venue does offer a tasting menu. I would highly recommend the Ravioli Caprese. 4)Madre Nostra by Cervo offered classic Italian dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Tucked away in the labyrinth of the Cervo hotel, this meal did not disappoint.. well except for the heat in the restaraunt (wear layers).
Links:
https://www.zermatterhof.ch/restaurants-and-bars/saycheese/
https://www.montcervinpalace.ch/
https://cervo.swiss/en/restaurants-bars/madre-nostra
Pre-Dinner Drinks
We really loved spending almost every evening having cocktails/mocktails at Joseph’s Bar and Terrace at the famous Mont Cervin Palace. Think swanky hotel bar with great drinks and a wonderful staff.
https://www.montcervinpalace.ch/en/restaurants-bars/joseph-s-bar-terrace/
On Piste Dining (part 1)
Zermatt is all about the on piste dining. It will be key to book your tables well in advance. Please also keep in mind that some facilities do have a no-show fee. We opted for the second seating for lunch (2pm) which allowed us to wrap up the day and take our last run home or to one of the many apres ski venues. Please also keep in mind that most of these restaurants require that you ski to the location and are not accessible by foot. You will definitely need to map out your routing using the Skiguide app, as some venues may take over an hour to get to.
1) Paradise (from the creators of Chez Vrony) where the outdoor vistas are stunning and the food was delicious. Would highly recommend the starter platter for the table and if you need a break from traditional Swiss cuisine, the salad bowl was delicious. 2)Fluhalp is another wonderful venue where the cuisine does lean traditional. Would definitely recommend trying the rösti.
Links:
https://www.paradisezermatt.ch/de/
On Piste Dining (part 2)
In part 2 we explored a few more of the amazing on piste dining options in Zermatt. 1)Findlerhof offers great classic Swiss dishes in a cozy environment with a a beautiful view of the Matterhorn. 2)Chez Vrony needs no introduction. This classic venue is one of a few places you go to see and be seen. The restaraunt offers a beautiful view of the Matterhorn and the Vrony burger is a must. 3) Adler Hitta was one we regret missing on our last trip to Zermatt. The stunning view, amazing vibe, live DJ and trendy crowd paired perfectly with delicious food. The beef tartare and the chicken are a must. This was our favorite venue of the season. 4)Alphitta was a last minute reservation but was a great overall experience, views and food were wonderful and the manager seems to be a jack of all trades as he keeps this operation moving. We would highly recommend the classic rösti and if you need a break from classic Swiss fare they have a variety of poke bowls.
Links:
https://chezvrony.ch/wordpress/
Après-ski
I wouldn’t say we reflect the epitomy of post piste partying, but we did stop by a few of the Après-ski establishments.
1) Champagne Bar: this lovely small venue is located along the final stretch of windy trails that eventually lead to one of the exits nearest to the Cervo hotel elevators. If you target getting there around 4pm or just before, try to grab a seat overlooking the beautiful town of Zermatt.
2) Cervo: located at the Cervo hotel, stop here to grab a drink and wait for the lines at the elevators to decompress. Probably the most well known Après-ski establishment. They do have live music on certain days.
3)Hennu Stall is located on the final piste that will take you to the main Zermatt exit closest to the Matterhorn express elevators. The venue is usually quite popular and great for a quick pitstop.