If you are looking to catch a glimpse of the iconic mountain, we have curated a list of ski resorts near the Matterhorn where you can marvel at the impressive 3,883m peak. The Matterhorn is probably the most distinctive mountain in the Alps, for its almost perfect pyramid shape, famed for the infamous Toblerone packaging. It is also one of the highest in the Alps. The ski resorts nearby are also some of the most well-known ski areas in Europe, with unbeatable snowfall and ski terrain. Read further to see which resort takes your fancy.
Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia ski resort is in Italy and is at the foot of the Matterhorn, which stretches over the Italy/Swiss border. The resort sits at over 2,000m with a ski elevation of almost 3,500m. This makes Cervinia a perfectly snow-sure ski resort all season long. The transfer from nearby Turin is two hours, making the ski resort a brilliant choice when considering a ski weekend.
Cervinia is a great resort for beginners and intermediates. Advanced skiers can also seek challenges on and off-piste too. The ski terrain totals over 160km, with the majority of pisted slopes being red runs. This is a fantastic resort for those travelling with a mixed-ability group.
Located in the Aosta Valley ski area, visitors can take advantage of the nearby ski resort of Zermatt, which boasts a further 200km of ski terrain. Though, we recommend doing this with ample time, because being stranded on the Swiss side can be an expensive mistake!
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is seen as a ‘chocolate box’ ski resort, oozing alpine magic with a heritage dating back to 1838. To the present day, the town retains its traditional charm. Being car-free creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere for those who choose to flock to the ski town.
Visitors not only flock to Zermatt for its alpine feel, but also to marvel at the impressive Matterhorn mountain. The mountain has become Switzerland’s trademark globally, especially being the face of the Swiss chocolate, Toblerone.
Zermatt ski resort sits at just over 1,600m, reaching a remarkable ski elevation of over 3,800m in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski region. The ski region is comprised of 360km of ski runs, which are interlinked by ultra-modern high-speed lifts and cable cars.
For those thrill-seekers who are looking for a challenge, there are plenty of options in this versatile resort. Choose to cruise down the Klein Matterhorn descent, one of Europe’s highest pistes at 3,820m. Or maybe practice your freestyle flair in the SnowPark (which is regarded as one of the best in Europe). There are also 38km of freeride routes on offer too.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Another ski resort near the Matterhorn is Saas Fee, in Switzerland. It is nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Alps’ as it is deemed a ‘hidden gem’ amongst ski resorts in the Alps. Ski elevation reaches a mammoth 3,500m and being near some of the highest summits in Europe, Saas Fee boasts spectacular scenery.
The ski resort of Saas Fee tries to retain its traditional alpine feel by being car-free, with only electric buses ferrying visitors around the picturesque ski village. The village itself retains its historic roots which can be seen in the architecture surrounding the charming area.
The ski area in Saas Fee spans 100km of pistes and is the perfect terrain for beginners and intermediates. Being a relatively high ski resort, it can be considered snow-sure during the majority of the season (Dec-April). The upper part of the ski region can be reached by drag lifts, with such a high-altitude visitors can take advantage of the late-season snow which can be found as late as April!
Non-skiers have plenty of activities to choose from when visiting the ski resort. There are 30km of winter walking trails, 5km of toboggan runs, frozen waterfalls, and ice grottos to explore.
Val d’Anniviers, Switzerland
Val d’Anniviers is a stunning Swiss ski resort, with fabulous views of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. For decades the nearby valley of Val d’Anniviers had been relatively undiscovered by the Brits and had become something of an ‘alpine secret’. However, since the opening of Switzerland’s third longest cable car, linking local ski resorts Grimentz and Zinal, Val d’Anniviers has gained sufficient popularity.
In the valley, there are five ski resorts to choose from just one lift pass, with a ski area reaching 215km and an elevation of 3,025m. Val d’Anniviers is definitely a resort to consider when researching ski resorts near the Matterhorn. Purely for its limited number of skiers, and short lift queues.
With its quiet slopes and short lift queues, Val d’Anniviers is the perfect resort for families. Transfer time from Geneva airport is just two and a half hours and with such varied terrain, the ski resort has something for everyone.
Crans Montana, Switzerland
Crans Montana is a unique ski resort east of Verbier. It is one of Switzerland’s largest ski resorts, with many slopes south-facing, giving the best sunshine records in the country. Take a peek at the remarkable Matterhorn Mountain across the valley.
Crans Montana encompasses two towns, Crans and Montana, and is home to a total ski area of 140km. Crans Montana is one of Valais’ best-loved ski holiday destinations, but is somewhat undiscovered by the Brits.
The ski area reaches an elevation of 3,000m with the Plaine Morte cable car. Skiers can take in the far-reaching and extraordinary views of the Matterhorn in the east and Mont Blanc in the west from the Plaine Morte glacier. Visitors can also take in these remarkable views during the 11km descent from the peak.
Crans Montana is a great resort for both week-long and weekend breaks as Geneva airport is two hours away.
To find out more about ski resorts near the Matterhorn call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
