Ski hire Zermatt

Ski hire Zermatt

Nestled at the end of the upper Vispa Valley in the Valais, Zermatt embodies the art of Alpine living in the shadow of the Matterhorn. Its pedestrian centre, lively all year round, opens onto a vast high-altitude ski area where you glide facing the 4,000-metre peaks of Switzerland and Italy. Linked to the Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche slopes, the resort unfolds long ridges, accessible glaciers and panoramic routes that give each day a sense of adventure. Want to discover more of the Valais atmosphere during your stay? It’s easy to explore Saas-Fee for its high-mountain feel, discover Crans-Montana for its stunning viewpoints, stay in Grimentz in the Val d’Anniviers, or head to Verbier in the heart of the 4 Vallées. You can also escape to Zinal for a wilder day out.

Resort identity

Here, you move around on foot, by electric taxi or by horse-drawn carriage: Zermatt is a car-free village, both preserved and vibrant. Its narrow lanes lined with chalets and wooden barns offer a timeless charm; the Matterhorn dominates every view, from the terraces to the snow fronts of Sunnegga, Gornergrat or Klein Matterhorn. The local history is closely tied to mountaineering—its guides, huts and climbing tales nourish a truly authentic mountain culture. In winter, the town’s energy centres around its shops, restaurants and lift departures. In the evening, you stroll between wine bars, patisseries and Valaisan eateries before planning the next day’s loop.

Detailed ski area

Between 1,620 m and 3,899 m, the Matterhorn Ski Paradise spans about 360 km of runs connected by more than fifty lifts. The Sunnegga–Rothorn, Gornergrat–Hohtälli and Klein Matterhorn–Schwarzsee sectors form a vast checkerboard of exposures: early in the morning you glide along sunlit boulevards; around midday you seek a sheltered bowl; in the afternoon you descend panoramically back toward the village. The link with Italy (Cervinia/Valtournenche) opens up huge descents down to the Aosta Valley when the weather allows. The high altitude and snowmaking facilities on key axes ensure reliable snow throughout the season. Riders enjoy snowparks and fun zones, while those who love long arcs find endless reds perfect for carving.

Unmissable runs

For beginners, the gentle Sunnegga slopes and high-altitude plateaus are ideal: gradual gradients, wide tracks, clear landmarks. Then move on to panoramic blue runs toward Gornergrat to build rhythm and confidence. Intermediate level: head for the steady reds of Rothorn and Hohtälli, perfect for extending your turns, managing speed and playing with terrain. Advanced skiers will find characterful black runs at altitude when visibility is good; on powder days, the piste edges often hold light, dry snow thanks to elevation and orientation. In windy weather, sheltered sectors are preferable, while glaciers are best saved for stable days. For a sense of travel, a grand traverse into Italy and back via Klein Matterhorn is a classic on fair-weather days.

Off-slope activities

The mountains can be enjoyed well beyond skiing. Snowshoeing trails wind through the forest above the village, panoramic walks link the viewpoints, and the ice rink livens up late afternoons. Well-being is also on the agenda: spas, saunas and treatments help recovery after a long day on the slopes. Curious visitors combine scenery and culture with a trip up to Gornergrat to admire the ring of 4,000-metre peaks or enjoy a mountain-top lunch facing the Matterhorn. If you feel like a change of scene, you can also plan a short “escape elsewhere”: spend a day in Saas-Fee for a new exposure, enjoy Crans-Montana and its sun-bathed terraces, or head to Verbier when the weather window looks best there.

Family stays

Zermatt knows how to welcome families: clear beginner zones, lessons by age and level, well-marked return routes. Getting around is simple—lifts start from the village centre, with smooth daily flows between altitude areas and a calm return among the chalets. Children start on conveyor belts and fun areas before venturing onto their first panoramic blues. Accommodation is grouped around the Sunnegga, Gornergrat and Klein Matterhorn lift bases; choosing a place near one of these simplifies daily logistics. As for equipment, collecting rentals from the same shop—and if possible, the evening before—makes for an easy start the next morning.

Access & transport

Car-free by design, Zermatt is reached by train directly to the village station. If you arrive by car, you park in Täsch before continuing by shuttle train (about 12 minutes) or taxi. From the valley, connections via Visp/Brig link efficiently to the final stretch. The airports of Geneva, Zurich, Bern and Milan serve as international gateways. Once in Zermatt, walking, electric buses and quiet taxis are all you need; village life flows easily, with shops and lift departures all within walking distance.

Ski hire with Snowrental

Booking through Snowrental means arriving with peace of mind: you choose your range (piste, all-mountain, freeride, freestyle, junior), enter your size, weight and shoe size, and select the most convenient shop for your area. The equipment is prepared in workshop conditions (edging, waxing, adjustments), and most needs during your stay are handled easily in-store—from changing flex or adjusting length to switching category for better snow conditions.

Advantages

Beyond the online price, the main benefit lies in the network of partner shops located in all the right spots around the village: expert advice, well-maintained gear and quick service at the base of the lifts. Early booking secures the right sizes and models during busy periods. Skiers who like to explore can easily plan a “day elsewhere” — for example heading to Zinal for a wilder slope, or skiing in Grimentz amid the wooded charm of the Val d’Anniviers — before returning to dine in the heart of the village.

Shops in Zermatt

• Matterhorn Sp. 2 Riva — ideally located near the services of the Matterstrasse
• Matterhorn Sp. 3 Neudorf — in the heart of Steinmatt, perfect after a full day on the slopes
• Matterhorn Sp. 1 — on Bahnhofstrasse, with easy access from many accommodations

Events & local gastronomy

Between torchlit descents, competitions and intimate concerts, Zermatt’s winter calendar keeps the spirit alive beyond skiing. At the table, you’ll find Valaisan generosity: crispy rösti, flavourful fondue, cheese boards and cured meats. At lunchtime, stop at a mountain terrace to recharge; in the evening, stroll through the lit-up streets before capturing one last photo at the foot of the Matterhorn. Mid-week, many guests treat themselves to a short getaway to Verbier or Crans-Montana depending on the weather and their mood.

FAQ

When is the best time to enjoy the best snow conditions?
The season generally runs from late November to late April/May depending on the sector. The altitude and orientation of the area often keep the snow cold in mid-winter; in spring, timing and exposure matter more, with high-altitude runs in the morning and sunny terraces in the afternoon.

Where should I pick up my equipment based on my accommodation?
Think in terms of proximity: near the Matterstrasse, Matterhorn Sp. 2 Riva is a good choice; in the Steinmatt area, Matterhorn Sp. 3 Neudorf is central; around Bahnhofstrasse, Matterhorn Sp. 1 makes round trips easy.

Can I plan a “day elsewhere” without complicating logistics?
Yes. Depending on your mood, you can head to Saas-Fee for its photogenic high-mountain setting, go to Grimentz for its forests and chalets, or visit Verbier if you enjoy the wide links of the 4 Vallées.

Which areas are best for beginners?
The high-altitude plateaus (Sunnegga) and lift arrivals offer gentle, wide slopes. Build confidence on a panoramic blue, take regular breaks, and keep some energy for the final descent of the day.

Which ski category should I choose?
Base your choice on how you ski: “piste all-round” to cover long distances, “all-mountain” for mixed terrain from groomed to chopped snow, and “freeride” on powder days (with avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and professional guidance). Give your exact height, weight and shoe size for precise workshop settings.

How should I organise my arrival?
If you’re coming by car, park in Täsch then take the shuttle train up to the village. By train, connections via Visp/Brig go straight to Zermatt. Once there, everything is done on foot; shops, restaurants and lift stations are all close together.

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