If you’ve ever thought about taking a trip to Switzerland, then you probably know about the ski paradise that is Zermatt. Home to the majestic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a paradise for mountain bikers, hikers, and especially skiers. The snow and the views are definitely a draw, but the prices are what make this ski resort famous.
The costs of a night in a standard hotel room at the base of the mountain are around $400. That’s costly for sure, but you should know that rental gear is not included and is very costly as well. You will find a wide range of quality ski and snowboard gear for rent in Zermatt, ranging from entry level to expert level, so you’re sure to find something that will suit your needs. You’ll also need to budget for food and drink, which is pricey in this part of Switzerland. A day pass for a typical chairlift ticket costs around $120, and day pass for a freeride area is around $150. You can get a season pass, which is good for all five areas of the resort (standard, green, blue, black, and red runs), for around $210. Adding another day to that pass will get you into the apres-ski bar where you can drink craft beer and eat fondue, the classic Swiss fare. That’s a lot of money for just one day of skiing!
If you want to hit the slopes and stay in a 4-star hotel, you’re going to have to pay a higher price. A night in a 4-star hotel at the base of the mountain costs around $600, and an overnight midweek trip to one of the bigger hotels near the top of the mountain is around $750.
Even then, you will find more expensive rooms at the top of the mountain. A daily chocolate fondue served in a traditional Swiss restaurant is around $25, and a cocktail in a fashionable bar is another $25. If you want to drink craft beer and eat pizza, you’re going to have to budget around $50-60 a day for food and drink.
How Does Socialized Skiing Work?
One of the most interesting things about skiing in Switzerland is the socialization that takes place on the slopes. In Zermatt, everyone is there to have fun, and the organized group of skiers and snowboarders is called Verbunden Unternehmenschaf Ski Club or V.U.N.S.C. There are kids’ clubs and adult clubs, and everyone socializes while having fun on the slopes. It’s a pretty unique experience, and one that many would love to try out.
Skiing in Switzerland isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’ve ever thought about taking the plunge, then you probably know about the challenging slopes and extreme temperatures that the country is famous for. For the best experience, it’s recommended that you visit during the winter months. However, if you do go during those challenging times, then you’re sure to have an absolute blast! Thanks for reading! I hope this article gave you a good idea of what it costs to ski in Zermatt.