Skiing in Zermatt with European Snowsport Ski School

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Zermatt (Red/Black)

This is the longest run on the Swiss side, starting from the highest point in Zermatt, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise located at 3,883m. From the glacier to the lower slopes, you’ll experience a wide variety of terrain that makes this run challenging yet exhilarating. The snow conditions are generally excellent, thanks to its high altitude, and the scenery is unparalleled. The lift is open year-round meaning you can even ski during the summer. European Snowsport teaches 365 days of the year, weather permitting of course. Zermatt is not just a popular winter destination as it has a great variety of summer mountain activities. Discover what’s in store in the sunniest destination in Switzerland!

Rothorn to Blauherd (Red)

A beautiful, scenic run that takes you from Rothorn at 3,103m to Blauherd. It’s a perfect mix of wide and well-groomed slopes with fantastic views of the mountains. It starts as a wide blue run where you can usually spot the paragliders taking off; it then evolves into a steeper red run to keep you challenged; and it finishes slightly flatter with direct views of the Matterhorn. This piste is great for warming up and enjoying the stunning alpine landscape. Reward yourself at the end of the run by popping into Blue Lounge for a drink and a snack. They have a huge terrace thats perfect for sunny days, and they have great live music throughout the year. Check out the other fantastic restaurants in the area.

Hohtälli to Gant (Red)

The Gant-Hohtälli cable car takes you up to the second highest point on the piste map after Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, located at a vertical of 3,286m and offering views of the entire resort. This cable car is unique as it covers the largest altitude difference in Zermatt, enabling skiers to descend over 1,000m. It also allows skiers to move easily between the Sunnegga-Blauherd-Rothorn area and the Gornergrat area. The start of the run is quite narrow but tends to be quiet. Skiers can expect both steeper sections and gentler, cruising terrain. During the summer, you walk past the Gant station on the famous 5-lake hike – these beautiful mountain lakes only appear during the summer and you can even swim in some.

Zermatt is exceptionally picturesque during the summer, featuring outstanding hiking and cycling trails for exploration. European Snowsport offers highly skilled mountain guides, ideal for navigating and discovering the region’s natural beauty.

Gornergrat to Furi (Red)

One of Zermatt’s iconic runs, it takes you from the Gornergrat ridge down to the valley. You have the pleasure of taking the infamous Gornergrat train up the mountain, where you will find plenty of varied terrain, with wide pistes and some challenging sections. At the top of the slope, you have several options between red and blue runs, which all funnel into a red run that goes alongside the train tracks. On your way down, you’ll pass by the beautiful ski-in ski-out 5-star hotel Riffelalp Resort. Rumor has it that this hotel is popular amongst European royal families, as well as Hollywood celebrities and famous athletes.

Hirli to Zermatt (Red/Black)

This run is the furthest east on the piste map and is the run closest to the Matterhorn, offering a unique view of the north face of the mountain. You’ll be taken through a winter wonderland of forest runs, ending in the Furi area. Here you’ll have plenty of options for restaurants and après ski for a well-deserved tipple or nibble. Discover European Snowsport’s après spot recommendations.

During the summer, you will pass by the Hirli lift on your hike to Hornlihutte, located at an altitude of 3,260m. It is particularly famous as it is the base camp for those attempting to summit the Matterhorn via the Hornli Ridge – the most popular and technical route to the top of this iconic mountain. Fun fact: the first reported ascent of the Matterhorn was in 1845 by the British mountaineer Edward Whymper.

These runs offer a mix of difficulty levels, but all feature stunning views of the iconic Matterhorn and the surrounding Swiss Alps. Whether you’re after long cruisers or more challenging descents, Zermatt has something for everyone!

If you would like to explore with one of European Snowsport’s friendly and talented instructors, get in touch with the team. Ski Club Members receive a 10% discount on ski lessons in Zermatt and Verbier, find out more.