Zermatt is an adventurer’s paradise with some spectacular mountains to climb, ski or snowboard. The world-famous Matterhorn attracts visitors every year wanting to conquer the challenging traverse. There is an endless choice of children’s activities, including day-care centres with ski lessons, crafts and snow games.

Climbing the Matterhorn
For adventurous visitors, a climb to the peak of the Matterhorn is an amazing experience. Some previous mountaineering experience and strong physical condition are needed to attempt the long climb. Local guided tours offer packages that include extensive training, equipment hire, food and transfers. The actual Matterhorn climb can been done in one day, but you will need five days to prepare and acclimatise before attempting the climb. Zermatt Alpin Centre offers reputable tours. Phone: +41 27 966 24 69

Ice Skating
In the village of Zermatt there are two natural ice rinks and one artificial rink. On all of the ice rinks, casual recreational skating is possible as well as organised ice hockey games. Equipment can be hired from the rinks and there are also lessons for both skating and hockey. Phone: +41 27 967 36 73

Kinderparadies Zermatt
Located just a short walk from the train station in the centre of Zermatt, Kinderparadies offers childcare, with an array of activities for children aged three months and up. The large entertainment area has a nursery, arts, crafts and some outdoor activities including sledding and snow man building. Children will happily spend the day here and be completely occupied and entertained. Bookings are essential. Phone: +41 27 967 72 52

Mountain Biking
During the warm summer months when the lower mountains and surrounding city area of Zermatt are free from snow, numerous opportunities for mountain biking at all levels exist. The ski lifts still operate and can take you to some great downhill trails that will challenge even the most hardcore riders. Bikes and safety equipment can be hired from a plethora of rental shops in the downtown area, or you can bring your own gear.

Snowly Snow Club
The Snowly Snow Club is a fantastic ski school specifically for kids from ages 6 to 12. It also features a kindergarten that offers ski lessons coupled with day-care and other entertainment for toddlers up to six year-olds. The instructors have extensive training with kids and will have them flying down the slopes in no time. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in the peak season. Phone: +41 27 966 24 66

There are numerous activities and attractions to enjoy in Zermatt apart from skiing down the fantastic, snow-covered mountains. Some interesting and unique museums are available including the Matterhorn Museum, which showcases the famous landmark’s history and prehistoric beginnings. For some night-time entertainment the Vernissage Zermatt offers enjoyable dinner theatre, concerts and shows.

Alpine Museum
Situated in Zermatt’s Mont Cervin Hotel, the Alpine Museum (Alpines Museum) has an interesting and extensive display of mountain history, and indigenous flora and fauna. There are local minerals and geological exhibits of mining and early discoveries. The museum also has much information about historic climbs and the famous adventurers who undertook them.

Holiday Season Celebrations
During December, Zermatt is alive with Christmas decorations and celebrations. It is a true white Christmas with the beautiful, snow-filled streets and the whole village awash with holiday entertainment. Night-time features impressive fireworks and restaurants serving traditional Christmas dinners.

Matterhorn Museum
The Matterhorn Museum is a fantastic and interesting attraction which showcases its exhibits through a sunken village that was discovered by archaeologists. The museum has some great films showing how the Matterhorn was first ascended and explaining how 90 million years ago the continental plate of Africa slid over the European plate, forming the Swiss Alps as we see them today. Phone: +41 27 966 81 00

Saint Peter’s Church
Saint Peter’s Church, which has English services and is located just off the main street in downtown Zermatt, is not only a house of worship for all Christians, but it is also home to numerous memorials for all the fallen climbers who have died climbing nearby peaks. The church dates to 1870 and is an impressive building with a tall clock tower. Phone: +41 27 967 55 66

Vernissage Zermatt
In the centre of Zermatt you will find the impressive and unique Vernissage venue, which has a large stage for shows and concerts, and a small art gallery showcasing works by local artists. There are also three trendy bars, a stylish nightclub and a restaurant serving international cuisine. Phone: +41 27 967 66 36; www.vernissage-zermatt.com

The charming downtown area of Zermatt has an endless labyrinth of beautiful, cobblestoned lanes and winding streets which are filled with numerous restaurants serving an array of various flavours. Throughout the city, an abundance of traditional wood-fired pizzerias can be found alongside numerous crepe cafés and gourmet bakeries serving fresh and tasty sweets perfect for an afternoon or mid-morning snack.

Zermatt’s choice of international cuisines includes: Chinese, Japanese, Thai, French, Italian, German, Indian and Moroccan. The town speciality is traditional Swiss cheese fondues that can be found everywhere and offer a great way to keep warm in the cold temperatures. There are also world-class fine dining restaurants with spectacular breathtaking views of the Alps to enjoy, which make for a perfect romantic dinner setting.

Zermatt also has a plethora of fantastic sporting shops selling the newest and most exclusive ski equipment, designer clothes and accessories. With many visitors hiring skis, snowboards and cold-weather gear, the city has an abundance of rental shops available.