Golden Ski

The worldwide recognition and popularity as the leading Swiss ski resort Zermatt owes to the spectacular snow conditions on the high alpine slopes of the mountains surrounding ‘the real mountain’ – Matterhorn. Located under Matterhorn Theodulgletscher allows to ski the whole year round, with some break during the hottest months June and July.

The area near the glacier features the longest downhill run there , 17 km from Klein Matterhorn (3885 m) to the town. on the slopes of Klein Matterhorn there is ‘Gravity Park’ – one of few snowparks opened for the whole year. The snowpark has its own ski lift, kickerpark, railpark and 200 m long superpipe. The glacier is also bordering Italian resort Breuil-Cervinia, which together with the Swiss partner make the impressive 350 km of runs served by 77 lifts of ski area Zermatt International.
As one can expect the presence of over 4 000 m high mountains promises fresh snow perfect for freeride, thus heliski is very popular here.
The freezones are located on Monte Rosa ( 4 250 m ) Alphubel and Aeschihorn. The slopes of Klein Matterhorn are relatively easy, more demanding are Trockener Steg and Sunnega, and challenging are Stockhorn and Hohtalli, the last one features black Triftji with the angle reaching 35 degrees.
Due to that aangle once a year Triftji hosts the popular competitions called Triftji Bump Bash, with prizes in bizzarre categories like ‘the best falling down’ or ‘the worst runner’.
And if you do not want to leave the mountains even during the night, at the atitude of 2 600 m there is a special igloo village with hot founde during the day and breathetaking views on Matterhorn in changing daylight.
[ photo courtesy of Maurice Koop
]