One of the best and most memorable holidays a child can have is on the snow learning how to ski, and Zermatt is one of the best ski resorts to go to for a family ski holiday.

Here are just eight of the many great reasons for bringing the kids on a skiing holiday to Zermatt (and staying in one of our chalets!)

1. A true winter paradise
2. A car-free ski resort
3. Family friendly
4. Kids on skis
5. Free lift passes
6. Playgrounds, Ice Skating, Indoor Climbing & more
7. You don’t have to cook…
8. Family Quality Label

—

1. A true winter paradise

Unlike so many other resorts, particularly those in France, Zermatt is a truly authentic mountain resort with a real holiday atmosphere.

Snowy streets and consistently white mountains combined with sledging, snowy playgrounds and horse-drawn sleighs make it feel like it’s Christmas every day of the winter.

2. A car-free ski resort

One of the highlights of Zermatt is that normal private cars are banned so there is less traffic, no pollution and no congestion. Bliss!

The majority of visitors to the village arrive by train, with children loving the rack and pinion journey up the valley.

Transfers on to your chalet and around the resort is either by electric taxi or the very efficient local electric bus service.

To make your life even easier, all of our accommodation is on the bus route making it simple to get to the centre and to/from the lifts.

Alternatively Zermatt is a great place to get around on foot with nowhere being more than a 15-20 minute walk away.

3. Family friendly

Children are warmly welcomed in restaurants throughout Zermatt, many of which serve early dinners, have kids’ menus and can provide high chairs.

Some of our chalets are particularly suitable for families with children and for guests who take advantage of our fully catered service, we are happy to arrange an early kids’ dinner service and can organise special child care if booked in advance.

4. Kids on skis

The Leisee Wolli-park beginners’ ski area is very easy to access for all levels of skier.

The Sunnegga funicular is modern and fast and the park has its own elevator cabin down to this exclusive fun area, which includes lifts and other facilities ideal for teaching younger children to ski.

Many of the ski schools have their own designated kids’ areas at Riffelalp and Schwarzsee and offer a wide selection of teaching options, specially designed for younger skiers.

5. Free lift passes

Zermatt has recognized that its future lies with the young and to help their parents, the ski lift company have some of the most generous lift pass offers you’ll find in the Alps.

Children under 9 ski for free whilst under 16s get half price passes. Young adults under 19 also get a discount of 25%.

6. Lots of other great activities…

In Zermatt, there is so much more to do than ski.

There are some excellent kids’ play grounds, a huge open-air ice skating rink, and an exciting toboggan run from Rotenboden to Riffelalp, which is a must-do for all the family.

And it doesn’t have to be all outside:  for more adventurous youngsters, there’s an indoor climbing wall at the Triftbachhalle and throughout the resort, many of the hotels open their swimming pools to non-residents .

Finally, if they’re not feeling so active, the Matterhorn Museum is fascinating with a massive subterranean reconstruction of Zermatt long ago, as well as what’s left of Whymper’s rope.

7. You don’t have to cook…

Mum & Dad like a holiday too!

One of the best parts of staying in one of our catered chalets is that everything – yes, everything – is done for you!

All you need to do is go out for the day skiing, enjoy the fresh air and blue skies, and then come back in the afternoon for tea and home-made cake, followed later by aperitifs with canapés, and then dinner.

8. Family Quality Label

As a holiday resort, Zermatt has been awarded the ‘Family Destination – Familien willkommen’ quality label by the Swiss Tour Federation.

Proof, if any were needed, that Zermatt’s accommodation, mountain railways and lifts, ski schools and restaurants offer children and their families an unforgettable experience.

Let us find the right accommodation for you

If you and your children would like to spend a magical holiday in Zermatt, then please contact the Matterhorn Chalets team to discuss your requirements.