Zermatt Uncovered: A Mystic Hamlet Amidst Snow-Capped Splendor
Located in the Swiss canton of Upper Valais in the town of Zermatt, at an elevation of 1,620 meters, it is home to about 5,000 people—a number that grows substantially during the winter months due to the abundance of snow, since the area has become a famous destination for skiers and mountaineers.
Magnificent Alpine peaks like Monte Rosa and, most prominently, the pyramid-shaped Cervino (or Matterhorn, as it is known locally) dominate the landscape of this town. In addition, you may ski in Zermatt even in the summer because cars don’t circulate there, which adds to the enchantment of experiencing it in all four seasons.
The bright, mild, and wind-protected climate is a result of its south-facing orientation. Naturally, with heavy snowfall in the winter, temperatures can drop to -8 °C; in the summer, they can reach 20 °C, with an average of roughly 15 °C.
Cultural Richness Amidst the Mountains: Zermatt’s Heritage and Lifestyle
Zermatt is referring to the Matterhorn; the two narratives are interdependent; one is the result of the other’s success. Thirty wooden structures in the town’s oldest section, reflecting the Walser architectural style of Upper Valais and dating back to the 16th and 18th centuries, attest to the area’s likely historic occupation. Sculpted fountains and monuments honoring local mountain guides and climbers are scattered throughout the city.
On July 14, 1865, the first ascent of the Matterhorn was attempted, but only three of the seven ascentists made it back to the valley. The mountain town evolved into the contemporary metropolis it is today when it joined other Alpine resorts such as Chamonix and Courmayeur in becoming the world’s capital of climbing. The city was closed to traffic in 1961 by the authorities.
Thus, tourism is the backbone of Zermatt’s economy, thanks to the abundance of first-rate winter and summer lodging options.
Zermatt’s Year-Round Festivals: From Music to Mountaineering
The Matterhorn Ultraks Skialp is a ski touring race that takes place every two years in March and April (the first one was in 2013). Another example of a sporting event is the Horu Trophy, which takes place in January and is an outdoor curling tournament.
The ski mountaineering event known as the Patrouille des Glaciers is organized by the Swiss Army and takes place in the Canton of Valais every two years (the most recent being in 2016). It usually takes place in April. In just one stage, the athletes traverse an altitude difference of 3,990 meters, or about 2000 meters, between Arolla and Verbier, or Zermatt and Verbier, respectively. Zermatt Unplugged will host a stellar lineup of musicians once again in April. The Matterhorn Eagle Cup is an alpine golf event held in the Gornergrat region every July. The Zermatt Marathon is another thrilling event happening this month. It spans the distance of 1853 meters, from Gornergrat to the Riffelberg mountain.
Two major events take place in August: the Folklore Festival, a massive folklore procession across the nation, and the Swiss Food Festival, where you may sample the finest Swiss tastes. Also, the Cervino Ultraks Trail is located at the base of the mountain, and this month (the first) is Swiss National Day, when there are festivities, markets, and more. During the months of August and September, the Zermatt Music Festival Academy hosts performances by the Berliner Philharmoniker and other artists devoted to classical music and the arts. Join the Perskindol Swiss Epic in September for a staged mountain bike race that lasts six days. A large Christmas concert took place on December 18th. One activity takes place from January to March at the Igloo Village, which is situated in the ski area between Gornergrat and Riffelberg, just ten minutes’ train ride from Zermatt.
Zermatt’s Culinary Delights: A Taste of the Swiss Alps
Cuisines from all over the world come together in Zermatt, Switzerland, for some delicious regional delicacies like dried meat on rye bread or enchanted fondues made with mountain cheeses. Try the Raclette, a dish of melted cheese accompanied by boiling potatoes in their skins, pickled cucumbers and onions, mustard, and a side of apple mousse. Alternatively, try the Älplermagronen, a dish of potatoes, pasta, cheese, cream, and onions. Mashed potatoes cooked in butter, or rösti, is a traditional dish. Serve the polenta and cheese as an entree or a side dish with the rabbit meat, and don’t forget to sample it. Then, according to Swiss custom, it’s time for chocolate.
The meaning of the name Zermatt is unclear. A location where one goes “to the meadow” or “among the meadows” is the result of a contraction of two words from the local dialect: zer, meaning “to,” and matta, signifying “campo,” or meadow. Located in the midst of 38 mountains that reach an elevation of over 4,000 meters, Zermatt is a veritable snow queen. The ski region offers top-notch sporting activities for both experienced skiers and those just starting out, all at an altitude of 3,900 meters, making it the highest in the Alps.