Few places on earth carry the visual impact of Zermatt. The Matterhorn — that impossibly perfect pyramidal peak — dominates the skyline whether you're on skis carving powder or standing on the 1st tee with a driver in hand. It is one of the great icons of the mountain world, and everything Zermatt does happens in its extraordinary shadow.
The Skiing: Year-Round on the Matterhorn
Zermatt's ski area is remarkable for two reasons: its sheer scale (360km of pistes spanning Switzerland, Italy, and France) and the fact that it operates year-round. The Klein Matterhorn glacier at 3,883m above sea level stays skiable even in midsummer, making Zermatt one of only a handful of genuine year-round ski destinations in the world.
- 360km of marked pistes across three countries (Switzerland, Italy, France)
- Klein Matterhorn glacier skiing year-round at 3,883m elevation
- Connected to Cervinia (Italy) for cross-border skiing on the same lift pass
- Highest cable car in the Alps: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883m
- Car-free village — only electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages in town
Take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car on your first morning — even non-skiers make this trip for the view. On a clear day you can see 38 of Europe's 4,000m peaks. Book the first gondola to beat the crowds.
The Golf: Matterhorn Golf Club
The Matterhorn Golf Club sits at 1,800m altitude in the Matter Valley, with the Matterhorn providing a backdrop that makes even the most blasé golfer stop and stare. The 9-hole course (played as 18 from different tee boxes) is tight, precise, and beautifully conditioned considering the extreme alpine conditions it must survive each winter.
The course rewards accuracy far more than length — mountain courses always do. The thin air at altitude adds 8-10% to carry distances, and the clean Swiss air makes every shot feel electric.
Golf Course Essentials
- Altitude: 1,800m — add 8-10% distance across all clubs
- Layout: 9 holes played as 18 from alternate tees
- Season: Mid-June through mid-October only
- Dress code: Smart casual, collared shirts required
- Best holes: The 4th and 7th holes offer the most dramatic Matterhorn views
Getting to Zermatt
Zermatt is car-free, which is part of its charm. Fly into Geneva or Zurich, take a direct train to Visp or Brig, then the cogwheel Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train up to the village. Total travel time from Zurich: approximately 3.5 hours. Your hotel will arrange an electric taxi from the station to your door.
When to Visit
- December–April: Peak ski season with full mountain access
- July–September: Summer hiking, golf, and glacier skiing — spectacular season
- Best combo: Late June offers both spring glacier skiing AND open golf courses
- September: Uncrowded, perfect golf weather, autumn light on the Matterhorn is extraordinary
Where to Stay & Eat
The Mont Cervin Palace and Zermatterhof are the two grand historic hotels in the village center. Both offer ski storage, spa facilities, and stunning Matterhorn views. For dining, Chez Heini serves the best raclette in the valley — the melted cheese ceremony is a Zermatt institution.
"There's a moment on the 7th tee when you look up from your ball and the Matterhorn fills your entire field of vision. No other golf course in the world offers that. It doesn't matter what you score." — James McGregor
James McGregor
James McGregor has played over 300 courses across 40 countries. A former Scottish amateur champion turned golf travel journalist, he's been writing about the world's finest courses for Golf Digest and Par & Pow since 2018.