Traveling to Zermatt? Random things to know

Zermatt, a chic car-free village nestled in the Swiss Alps, is a paradise for skiers and those who appreciate charming, quaint towns – like myself! Having explored its wonders firsthand, I'm eager to share some of Zermatt's hidden unique allure.

Getting Around

1. Electric Vehicles: Zermatt is a car-free zone, so transportation is primarily by electric vehicles. Even the train is electric. The electric vans that you’ll see around town are so fabulous I wish they’d bring them to the states. this also means that you will see almost no black snow since there are no gas powered vehicles.
2. Hotel Pickups: Most hotels provide complimentary pickups from the train station upon arrival. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw our hotels van waiting for us, make sure to contact your hotel beforehand we just happen to get lucky.
3. Ski Rental Delivery: Many ski rental shops offer convenient boot & ski pick up from your hotel.
4. Train Tickets: Book your train tickets in advance to secure the best prices. Last-minute purchases can be significantly more expensive. We unfortunately waited. 😭

Accommodation

1. Direct Bookings: Booking your hotel directly through their website, they often have better deals compared to larger booking platforms.

Skiing

1. Apres-Ski: Some exclusive apres-ski spots are only accessible by ski. Be sure to explore the slopes to discover these hidden gems.
2. Ikon Pass: While the Ikon Pass doesn't grant access to the Italian side of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, you can still reach the summit, which technically lies in Italy, and enjoy lunch with breathtaking views. We had the best pasta lunch with the most amazing views of the Italian Alps. If want to explore the Italian slopes, you can buy a day pass that should be more more that 50CHF.
3. Ski Rentals and Passes: Compared to the states, Zermatts prices on ski rentals and passes are way leas. Be sure to book in advance to get a cheaper rate, the longer you wait to buy the higher the prices will rise!

Exploring the Village

1. Walkability: Zermatt is a pedestrian-friendly village, making it easy to explore on foot. You will get the best views this way and will find beautiful streets.
2. Free Bus Lines: Two complimentary (yes free😭) bus lines operate within the village, providing convenient transportation to various points of interest, including the base lodges.

Fun Fact: Water and wine are some restaurants are the same price, just go for the wine. You are on vacation.🍷 🏔️