Would you like to join the ‘Heroes of the Night’ and take a ride in a piste basher (aka snow groomer)?

Zermatt now offers the chance to watch of these heroes close up in one of their state of the art PistenBully snow groomers.

23 drivers for 200km of pistes

Every night, the team of 23 drivers prepare 200km of piste to ensure that skiers and snowboarders in Zermatt can enjoy perfect piste experiences.

That takes time and the working day for the drivers starts as soon as the skiers and snowboarders have left the slopes.

That’s when you can join them…

Sit in the co-driver’s seat!

Passengers will be allowed to sit in the co-driver’s seat as you learn about your 11 tonne, 490 horsepower PistenBully.

You’ll find out about how the joystick works and how the snow blower and snow plough elements are controlled. Your driver will talk you through all the symbols on the display, and what’s under discussion on the radio.

They will show you how they master not just the basic tasks of smoothing the piste, but also filling hollows, creating snow stores and of course creating ‘corduroy’ grooved slopes.

Where can I do it?

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, every Tuesday (Meeting point: Trockener Steg)
Rothorn, every Wednesday (Meeting point: Eisfluh)
Gornergrat, every Thursday (Meeting point: Riffelberg)

Prices and how to book

There is only one place per piste-basher available and it must be booked in advance, at least by 3pm the previous day.

You must have a valid ski pass and ensure you are dressed appropriately (although the cabs are heated).

The cost is CHF150 per person, with a minimum age of 16.