Gourmet Guide To Zermatt

Reached by a winding mountain train, Zermatt in Switzerland is one of the world’s best gourmet ski destinations. It is also home to the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s famous summit and one of the highest peaks of the Alps, at 4,478 metres. Bordering Italy, Zermatt is ideally placed for those wishing to experience the novelty of skiing to a different country for the day. With mostly red pistes, the resort is not for the faint-hearted however, favoured by the more experienced skiing set. Here’s the best of what Zermatt has to offer.

When To Visit

Now! A great time to visit, 2015 marks 150 years since the First Ascent of the Matterhorn, by British climber Edward Whymper, who reached the top together with his rope team.

Where To Stay

Stay at The Lodge – a five-bedroom, luxury penthouse, close to the train station. Bedrooms are kitted out with the silkiest of bed linen, fluffy towels, divine toiletries and charming alpine touches. The stylish living space offers more delights, such as a log burning fire with cowhide stools and two sofa areas, on which you can admire the Matterhorn, from inside in the warm. The Lodge can be rented fully catered and also boasts its own sauna and outdoor hot tub. Book your luxury chalet in Zermatt through The Luxury Chalet Company or Mountain Exposure.

Where To Eat On The Slopes

For views, try Restaurant Heidi for lunch, a favourite with Heston Blumenthal. Or visit Zum See, a traditional cabin on the Furi run of the Klein Matterhorn-Schwarzsee. With a recent Michelin star, diners need to book ahead, but it is well worth the effort. Artisan breads, quail salads, homemade tortellini and potato Dauphinoise are examples of dishes they offer, all cooked to perfection.

Where To Dance On The Slopes

Hennu Stall. Blasting Euro pop, this fun après ski bar is favoured by Zurich-based bankers, visiting Zermatt for the weekend.

Where To Dine In Town

The party crowd dine at Hotel Post. Recently renovated, the trendy establishment is home to three restaurants, four bars and an underground nightclub – each nearly always full to capacity. The showstopper in Post is without a doubt Portofino, its signature restaurant serving Mediterranean nouvelle cuisine, in a room full of fashion-inspired art. The hotel’s traditional eatery Pöstli Stübli has a Swiss mountain theme and Spaghetti & Pizza Factory serves fresh salads and homemade ravioli. The Zermatt Yacht Club is also worth a visit for its fantastic fajitas.

Where To Drink

Don’t miss The Snowboat, with its funky Heinz Julen décor – try their signature espresso martini, which warms right down to the toes. Gee’s in town for great cocktails and a live band and Cuckoo Club – a smart nightclub underneath, complete with darkened, raised tables and plush banquets, centred on a jazzy dancefloor.

What Else To Do

Try a Tandem Paragliding Flight or a visit to the Matterhorn museum, which charts the history of the mount’s tragic ascents.

Luxury chalet specialists Mountain Exposure offers The Lodge, which is catered and sleeps 10, from £2,300 per night in 2015 or Penthouse Helia, which sleeps 2 starts at £200 per night, self-catered. Book the cheapest and flights to Zurich searching on travel site momondo.co.uk. Heathrow Express runs between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport every 15 minutes with a journey time of 15 minutes. For the best ticket offers visit their site. Zermatt is easily accessed, via two trains from Zurich airport that can be booked at SBB. Find more information at Switzerland Tourism and Zermatt Tourismus.

By Leila Stocker