Ski Zermatt with the Ikon Pass (2024 update)

The 2024/25 Ikon Pass is now on sale and as in previous years, Zermatt – the world’s most famous ski resort – is included again.

This will be the seventh winter of the Ikon Pass, which offers skiing at 57 ski resorts across the world, covering 8 countries – and it makes skiing in Europe’s most prestigious ski resort, at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn mountain, more affordable than ever.

In this blog post we look at:

When can you ski in Zermatt with the Ikon Pass?
What is the cost of an Ikon Pass v. a Zermatt lift pass?
Can I use my existing Ikon RFID card?
Why Zermatt?
What is the Ikon Pass?
Can I buy an Ikon Pass for 2024/25?
Accommodation options in Zermatt

Ski in Zermatt with the Ikon Pass

When can you ski in Zermatt with the Ikon Pass?

Ikon Pass holders can access the Matterhorn Ski Paradise area on seven separate days, with no black out dates.

In Zermatt, even on peak season dates, if you have a full Ikon Pass, you can visit and ski at any point during the ski season for 7 days.

Ikon Base Pass holders are eligible for access for five days, although the following blackout dates apply:

Dec 26, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
Jan 18, 2025 – Jan 19, 2025
Feb 15, 2025 – Feb 16, 2025

Please note that this does not include the international extension to Cervinia in Italy. However, it is possible to upgrade to this for CHF50 per day.

What is the cost of an Ikon Pass v. a Zermatt lift pass?

An Ikon Pass for the 2024/25 season start from USD $1249. An Ikon Base Pass is available for USD $869. There are additional discounts if you are renewing your pass.

To put that in perspective a 7-day Matterhorn Ski Paradise lift pass normally costs CHF426 (~USD480), so you if you are skiing in the States through the winter, it’s like getting a free lift pass for Zermatt. You can find full lift ticket price details for Zermatt here.

Can I use my existing Ikon RFID card?

Yes, as of last year your existing Ikon Pass card will work on all the Zermatt lifts automatically, without any need to obtain a separate pass required.

This means you can arrive in Zermatt, get your ski gear and go straight onto the slopes, without any visit to the lift pass office.

There are two exceptions to this:

– The Ikon Pass is not valid in Cervinia, on the Italian side. In this case, you would need to pay a daily supplement (~CHF45). This is usually delivered as a disposable day pass (no deposit required).

– If you wants to buy additional piste rescue insurance, then the whole package (lifts and insurance) is loaded onto a Zermatt pass card, for which there is a CHF5 deposit. If you take this option, then remember to leave your Ikon pass in your room to prevent it being automatically detected and credited as well.

Ikon Pass

Why Zermatt?

Ikon chose Zermatt as a partners, as they understand the resort is a truly ‘iconic’ resort famous around the world. Naturally, Zermatt’s snow record was a big influence on the decision to join the Ikon Pass.

Also Zermatt is easy to reach as it is well located near the international airports of Zurich and Geneva.

First European Ski Area on Ikon Pass

The Zermatt ski area was the first European ski area to be included on the Ikon Pass. In recent years, Kitzbuhel (Austria), Chamonix (France), Grand Valira (Andorra) and Dolomiti Superski (Italy) have all been added as well.

Ski below the Matterhorn with the Ikon Pass

What is the Ikon Pass?

The Ikon Pass is a global lift pass allowing the holder to ski on five continents and choose between over 50 ski destinations.

Zermatt isn’t the only big-name destination as the Ikon Pass also includes Mammoth Mountain and Jackson Hole in the States, Banff’s ‘Big 3’ (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay) in Canada, Mt Hutt in New Zealand and Niseko in Japan.

The addition of Zermatt increased the combined ski area offered by the Ikon Pass by 300km, which is 100km more than the total ski runs you can access from Banff.

Ski Zermatt on the Ikon Pass

What else does the Ikon Pass include?

The Ikon Pass includes discounts for brands such as The North Face, food and beverage options and for other brands.

Can I buy an Ikon Pass for 2024/25?

Yes, Ikon Passes for 2024/25 are now on sale. Prices go up on a regular basis, so don’t wait too long to buy yours.

Accommodation options in Zermatt

If you are an Ikon pass holder and are planning to visit Zermatt, then check out our luxury accommodation options on our website.

Or if you prefer a chat please call us: Ed or Suzanne can help arrange every detail of your stay in Zermatt via our Concierge Service. Simply call us on +41 79 247 15 88