Most visitors to Zermatt prefer a chalet with a view of the Matterhorn. In this post, we look at how and why to find that perfect chalet for your Zermatt holiday.
Why a view of the Matterhorn?
Has anyone ever asked that question? We think it’s unlikely. A pilgrimage to the Matterhorn should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Of course there are mountains that are higher. At 4478m, neighbouring peaks such as Monte Rosa, Lyskamm and Weisshorn all outrank the Matterhorn, which comes in at a relatively lowly 10th place in the list of Switzerland’s highest peaks.
That puts it way down the pecking order across the Alps. But while the summit of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, is a mighty 4809m, the top is just a gentle white dome.
You don’t see the Eiger [smaller anyway, at 3967m] integrated into the logo of Switzerland’s most famous chocolate bar.
So none of the peaks that rise above it have the status of the Matterhorn: it’s dramatic and dynamic. Once seen, you can’t look away, it draws you in. It is truly iconic.
Iconic through history
It’s not just in recent years that the Matterhorn has been held in such standing.
Mont Blanc was first scaled in 1786, but the reason that the Matterhorn wasn’t successfully summitted until almost 100 years later is because of its vertiginous faces.
When Edward Whymper finally reached the top on Thursday 13 July 1865, numerous failed attempts had already been made to make the ascent. And Whymper’s ‘successful’ attempt still featured the deaths of four of the seven members of his party.
That is all part of the Matterhorn myth: a mountain that remains precipitous, dangerous and eternally appealing.
Italian v Swiss side
Don’t imagine that you can get better value for money be seeing the Matterhorn from the Italian side.
The view from Cervinia of this famous mountain – known as Mont Cervin over the border – would still be impressive…if you’ve never seen it from Zermatt on the Swiss side.
Chalets with a view of the Matterhorn
As Zermatt specialists, of course we offer chalets with a view of the Matterhorn. Take your pick from these four great properties, which can accommodate groups from 4 to 12 people:
Chalet Banja (sleeps 6-8) – Well-located in Winkelmatten, close to the Matterhorn Express gondola, and luxuriously equipped with an indoor pool, Banja is an excellent choice for a small group.
Chalet Binna (sleeps 8-9) – This slightly larger chalet is Banja’s sister property, located immediately next door. The views and levels of luxury are the same, plus it comes with its own hot tub.
Chalet Ulysse (sleeps 4-12) – This is a great property for families, with the flexibility to book the whole property or simply the self-contained ground-floor apartment.
Backstage Chalet (sleeps 10-11) – The ultimate in 5-star luxury, this property is equipped with a home cinema, spa and whirlpool and great views of the Matterhorn.
Contact us now
For more information on prices and to check availability of these superb properties, please contact the Matterhorn Chalets team on +41 79 247 15 88