15 Bucket List Things to Do in Zermatt in the Winter!

Are you planning a winter trip to Zermatt, Switzerland and wondering what there is to do besides skiing?

Of course, as a ski town, hitting the slopes is one of the best activities in the area. However, there are so many other things to do in Zermatt besides skiing, especially if you are visiting in the heart of winter!

We spent 4 nights in early December exploring this magical mountain town, and only skied one of the days! The other days were full of ice skating, gondola rides, cozy fondue dinners, charming alpine streets, and jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn the entire time.

Whether you’re here to hit the slopes or just want to soak up the winter wonderland vibes, here are all the best things to do in Zermatt in the winter, based on our trip!

1. Ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Cars

Riding the cable cars to the top of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is hands-down one of the top things to do in Zermatt in the winter!

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is actually one of the three main ski areas in Zermatt, but it’s also very fun to visit on foot (that’s what we did!).

Sitting at 12,740 feet (3,883 meters), Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest mountain station in all of Europe!

To reach the top, you’ll ride a series of gondolas starting at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise valley station in Zermatt. The journey takes about 45 minutes and includes multiple segments: Zermatt → Furi → Schwarzsee → Trockener Steg → Glacier Paradise.

One of the most photogenic stops is Schwarzsee, where I highly recommend hopping off to capture an incredible photo in front of the Matterhorn! This is also where the famous “Zermatt” sign is, and it’s a popular hiking area in the summer.

Even if you don’t get off, the views from the gondolas are absolutely unreal. You’ll be whisked up away from Zermatt and through snow-covered trees and mountain peaks. It felt like we were in real-life Whoville!

Once you arrive at the top station, the main thing to do is head up to the outdoor panoramic platform, which has insane 360° views over Switzerland, Italy, and France. On a clear day, you can see 38 different peaks and 14 glaciers. It literally feels like you’re on top of the clouds!

In addition to the viewing platform (which requires some climbing to get up to, btw!), don’t miss the Glacier Palace, a series of tunnels carved into the glacier itself featuring shimmering ice sculptures, a mini ice slide, an ice bar, and more.

There’s also a cinema lounge that plays short films about the mountain, and a mountaintop restaurant where you can sip hot chocolate, eat Toblerone chocolate, or grab lunch with sky-high views!

We needed a rest here to catch our breath, as the altitude was definitely getting to us!

Tickets range from CHF 95–120, but this is a bucket list experience that’s well worth the cost. Make sure to check the Zermatt Matterhorn app before you go, as sometimes the gondolas close due to weather.

🎟️ Buy your tickets for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise online for the best price and to skip the lines! 🎟️

2. Ride the Gornergrat Cogwheel Train

Riding the Gornergrat Railway is another must-do winter activity in Zermatt, especially if you’re not skiing (though you can ski here too)! This scenic red cogwheel train climbs up to 10,135 feet (3,089 meters) and offers some of the most iconic Matterhorn views in town.

The Gornergrat Bahn departs right from the Zermatt train station and takes about 30–40 minutes to reach the summit.

But the ride itself is honestly half the fun, with panoramic windows that let you take in the snowy alpine forests, wooden chalets, and jaw-dropping mountain vistas the entire way up. Sit on the right side of the train for the best Matterhorn views!

At the top station, you’ll find a huge panoramic viewing platform, where you can see 29 different snow-covered peaks on a clear day, including the Matterhorn in all its glory. There’s also a little shopping area, a restaurant, and an interactive exhibit on alpine life.

If you’re visiting in late December or later, the Gornergrat area becomes a winter wonderland with extra activities, so definitely plan to spend a few hours here! Check out the next few sections for these.

3. Sledding at Rotenboden

One of the most fun things to do on Gornergrat in winter is the sledding run from Rotenboden to Riffelberg, with insane views the whole way down.

There are two types of tickets available for Gornergrat sledding. The Sledging Ticket includes unlimited runs between Rotenboden and Riffelberg. However, this ticket doesn’t allow you to go up to the top station (Gornergrat).

Instead, I recommend purchasing the Winter Pass for CHF 102, which includes a snowshoe tour in the morning and unlimited rides on the toboggan run in the afternoon, plus access to Gornergrat station too.

We sadly missed sledding here because it wasn’t open yet during our early December trip, but I’ve bookmarked it for next time. Keep in mind that sledding usually starts around late December, depending on snow conditions!

4. Go on a Winter hike

Not into sledding? You can also explore the winter hiking and snowshoeing trails in the Gornergrat area. The trail from Riffelalp to Winkelmatten is one of the most popular here. This trail takes you through a snowy alpine forest along the slopes of the Gornergrat and down into the village of Zermatt.

Or, for a shorter hike, check out the trail from Rotenboden to Riffelberg, which offers incredible, up-close views of the Matterhorn along the way!

P.S. If you’re planning to trudge through the snow, make sure you have the right footwear! Check out my Zermatt Packing Guide for the boots I brought with me and loved!

5. Visit Iglu-Dorf for Fondue & Alpine Vibes

Another super fun activity at the Rotenboden stop is a visit to Iglu-Dorf, an entire igloo village carved out of snow and ice! This spot is such a hidden gem and offers the chance to have fondue and drinks on a snowy sun terrace surrounded by mountain peaks.

There’s even the option to spend the night inside an igloo at the Iglu-Dorf Hotel, complete with reindeer blankets and thermal sleeping bags — talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Unfortunately, Iglu-Dorf wasn’t open yet during our early December visit (they usually open in late December), but it’s at the top of my bucket list for next time.

Even if you’re not spending the night, stopping by for a warm meal or drink here is a must if you’re heading up Gornergrat!

6. Go Skiing At the Matterhorn Glacier Ski Area

If you’re visiting Zermatt in the winter, chances are skiing is at the top of your list, and it should be! (But if you’re not a skier, hopefully this list shows you there are plenty of other things to do in Zermatt!).

Zermatt is home to one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world, with over 360 km of pistes and the chance to ski across the border into Italy.

The ski resort here is officially called Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, but it’s actually made up of three distinct ski areas: Gornergrat, Schwarzsee-Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and Sunnegga-Rothorn.

Each ski area has its own access point in the town of Zermatt, but your ski pass gets you unlimited access to all three.

• Gornergrat is accessed via the scenic red cogwheel train right next to the train station
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is reached by gondolas starting at the south end of town.
• Sunnegga is reached via an underground funicular just east of the main town center.

You can also mix and match and ski between them, as they’re connected via lifts and pistes up on the mountain.

In this post, I’ve already covered what it’s like to visit Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise as a non-skier, but you can ski in these areas too!

When it came time for us to hit the slopes, we skied in the Sunnegga area, since most of us were beginners!

We booked a ski lesson in Wolli Park, which is the beginner section of Sunnegga, and the views were unreal from this area. I never thought I’d be learning how to ski with the Matterhorn right in front of me!

Meanwhile, the snowboarders in our group took off for more advanced runs in the Sunnegga/Rothorn area. The cool part is that we all started in the same area and were able to regroup for lunch at Chez Vrony, a mountaintop restaurant with great food and even better views!

🎿 Want more info on each ski area, lift passes, gear rentals, and more? Check out my full guide to skiing in Zermatt!

7. Go Ice Skating in the Center of Town

One of the most unexpectedly charming things to do in Zermatt in the winter? Ice skating right in the middle of town!

Zermatt has a public ice skating rink located just off Bahnhofstrasse, the main shopping street in Zermatt! (During summer, the rink is converted to tennis and volleyball courts).

The ice rink is completely free to use and is typically open from mid-November through mid-March. Even if you’re not a good ice skater (like me), it’s such a fun and nostalgic winter activity, with epic views of the Matterhorn if it’s a clear day!

We rented our skates from Julen Sport, a gear shop located right across the street. Rentals were about 10 CHF, and the process was super quick and easy! No need to reserve in advance.

Even though I hadn’t ice skated in years, this was one of my favorite experiences from our 7 days in Switzerland!

After skating, we popped into MANUD, a cozy restaurant across the street with warm spiced cider and Asian fusion comfort food. It was the perfect way to warm up!

8. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day With Matterhorn Views

After arriving in Zermatt following a very long travel day, we decided to treat ourselves to a spa day! And it ended up being one of the best decisions of the trip.

Zermatt has several luxury hotels that offer day passes to their spas, even if you’re not a guest. We were deciding between CERVO Mountain Resort and BEAUSiTE Zermatt, and ultimately chose BEAUSiTE for its wide variety of amenities and central location.

P.S. Both CERVO and BEAUSiTE are two of the top hotels in Zermatt. Read more about my hotel recommendations in this guide on Where to Stay in Zermatt in Winter!

BEAUSiTE’s spa area is seriously dreamy, including multiple saunas and steam rooms, relaxation zones, and best of all, an outdoor heated infinity pool with direct views of the Matterhorn.

Even though it was snowing and freezing outside, floating in the warm water while staring at the mountains was unreal.

We even grabbed Aperol Spritzes from the bar and brought them into the pool with us.

Another highlight was popping into the traditional outdoor Finnish sauna, which also has views of the Matterhorn.

But if you want something a little more exclusive, the spa at CERVO has a super luxe alpine vibe and often features live DJs or après-ski sessions in the evenings at their outdoor terrace.

💆‍♀️ Tip: Book your spa day pass in advance, especially if you’re visiting around the holidays! Spa passes can sell out quickly in peak season.

9. Wander the Snowy Streets of Zermatt

Honestly, some of my favorite memories from our 3 days in Zermatt are from just wandering around the town!

We were lucky enough to wake up to a snow day on our first morning, and I swear Zermatt in the snow looks straight out of a storybook. Think wooden chalets with snow-dusted roofs, cobblestone streets twinkling with lights, and the Matterhorn peeking out between buildings.

We started most of our mornings or evenings just walking through town, especially down Bahnhofstrasse, the main street filled with shops, cozy cafes, and boutique hotels.

It’s also the best place to browse for Swiss souvenirs — we found chocolate shaped like the Matterhorn and bought way too many!

Another favorite stop was the Kirchbrücke viewpoint, a little bridge with a perfect view of the Matterhorn and the village rooftops. We visited a couple of times since it was on the way from our hotel (Hotel Jaegerhof) to the center of town.

The first day was too cloudy to see anything, but we returned on our last morning and finally got that picture-perfect shot!

Nearby, you can also visit the Mountaineers’ Cemetery and St. Mauritius Church, both of which looked so beautiful covered in snow.

Overall, we loved soaking in the small-town Christmas village vibes, especially since the second half of our trip was in the much larger city of Basel!

10. Walk Along the River at Sunset

One of the most peaceful and picturesque things to do in Zermatt is walking along the river that winds through the center of town. The Matter Vispa River cuts through the village and offers stunning views of the surrounding chalets and, on a clear day, the Matterhorn.

While the main roads of Zermatt are elevated above the river, there is also a riverside road (called Uferweg) that you can reach via stairs or an elevator next to the Kirchbrücke viewpoint, as well as several other access points.

Note: The road on the east side of the river (Uferweg) is pedestrian-only, while the one on the west side (Bachstrasse) is a real road! So I recommend only walking along the pedestrian side.

We found ourselves walking along this path several times during our trip to Zermatt, but my personal favorite was on our way back from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station. It was around 4pm, so the sun was starting to set (winter…. lol).

But the skies were clear and we had a beautiful view of the Matterhorn as we were walking along the road, and we turned around several times to take photos. Golden hour in Zermatt just hits different!

And another time we were walking along this road, we started getting hit by snowballs from kids on the road above😂 I didn’t have snowball fight with locals on my Zermatt bingo card, but it was epic!

11. Hike to Mürini Hill

For one of the best views in all of Zermatt, head to the Mürini Hill viewpoint at sunset. Located on the northeast side of town, this short but steep 15-minute hike rewards you with a picture-perfect vantage point of Zermatt’s rooftops framed by the Matterhorn.

You can read more about how to reach this viewpoint in this post from Third Eye Traveller!

This is the spot where many of Zermatt’s most iconic photos are taken. At sunset, the village below begins to twinkle with lights while the last rays of sun hit the peak of the Matterhorn. It looks straight out of a storybook!

We didn’t do this on our trip and I really regret it. If you have the time, don’t skip it!

12. Eat Fondue & Other Alpine Food Favorites

You simply can’t visit Zermatt in winter without indulging in classic Swiss alpine cuisine! After a day in the snow, there’s nothing better than warming up with a bubbling pot of fondue or a plate of raclette.

On our first night in Zermatt, we had herb fondue at Swiss Chalet and it was genuinely life-changing. There’s something about dipping crusty bread into melted cheese while sipping Swiss beer that just hits different in the Alps!

And if you want to try raclette, a traditional Swiss dish where cheese is heated and scraped onto potatoes, head to Restaurant Schäferstube. This cozy, cave-like restaurant is part of the Hotel Julen and serves up amazing lamb dishes too.

Many restaurants in Zermatt offer alpine classics alongside more modern dishes, so there’s something for every palate.

Important Tip: Be sure to make reservations in advance! Zermatt has a strong dining reservation culture, especially in peak season! Reservations are typically available in two waves – one set around 6:30pm and another around 8:30pm.

And if you’re planning to explore the mountain during the day, Chez Vrony and Findlerhof are must-visits for an incredible lunch with Matterhorn views.

13. Visit the Matterhorn Museum

For a deeper understanding of Zermatt’s history and mountaineering legacy, make time to visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis. Located in the center of town, this underground museum is easy to miss, but totally worth visiting!

Inside, you’ll step back in time and explore the origins of Zermatt, the dramatic story of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, and the lives of the mountaineers who have shaped the village’s identity. The exhibits are immersive and beautifully curated, with artifacts, old gear, multimedia, and even a recreated 19th-century alpine village.

This is a great activity for a snowy or cloudy afternoon when you need a break from the cold. And it’s small enough that you can easily explore it in under an hour, making it a perfect stop before dinner or après-ski.

🎟️ Entry is included with the Swiss Travel Pass, or you can buy tickets at the door.

14. Experience Après-Ski Culture

One of the best things about skiing in Zermatt isn’t just the mountain but what comes after!

Zermatt has an incredible après-ski scene, with everything from mountaintop patios to cozy town pubs. If you don’t know, après-ski is when people go to the bar in all of their ski gear after a day on the slopes for a few drinks and food!

Some places are low-key, while others turn into a full-on party with live DJs!

Harry’s Ski Bar is Zermatt’s most iconic après-ski spot. Every afternoon when we walked by it, it was packed with people inside and outside!!!

Instead of going to Harry’s, we made our way to the outdoor bar at Hotel ZERMAMA right down the road. It was busy but not overwhelming, and had more of a cozy vibe with fire pits and blankets. This spot is right across from the Sunnegga funicular, so it’s perfect to hit right after the slopes!

You can also après-ski before even leaving the mountain! Chez Vrony is not only one of the best lunch spots on the slopes, but it’s also a prime après location with Matterhorn views and cozy loungers. 

Adler Hitta is another great option in the Sunnegga ski area, with a huge sun terrace and live music on certain days!

And for something a little more elevated, head to CERVO Mountain Resort. Their terrace turns into one of Zermatt’s trendiest après-ski spots, complete with craft cocktails, cozy blankets, live DJs, and Matterhorn views!

15. Go Paragliding over the Matterhorn

Last but not least, if you’re itching for a serious adrenaline rush, this one is for you! You can go paragliding over Zermatt and get insane views of the Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps from above!

On this tour with Matterhorn Paragliding, you’ll meet at the Gornergrat station in the heart of Zermatt and ride the Gornergrat Bahn up the mountain with your guide.

From there, you’ll take a 40-minute flight through the skies, soaring high-above the town of Zermatt while soaking in breathtaking views of the rugged, snowy terrain below you.

We were way too chicken to actually do it ourselves, but we saw people gliding over the peaks while we were in Zermatt, and let me tell you, it looked absolutely insane!!

While pricey, this is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are tons of dreamy things to do in Zermatt in the wintertime to keep you busy!

Whether you’re bundling up for snowy strolls through town, ice skating with Matterhorn views, or indulging in all the fondue your heart desires, winter in Zermatt is truly something special.

Even without strapping on skis, there’s no shortage of epic activities and cozy vibes to experience here!

But if you are planning to hit the slopes (or just curious what skiing in Zermatt is really like), don’t miss my full Guide to Skiing in Zermatt, which includes tips on the best ski areas, passes, beginner spots, and where to eat on the mountain 🎿

Check out all of my Switzerland blog posts below! 🇨🇭❄️🫕
A Magical One Week Switzerland Winter Itinerary!
Visiting Zermatt in the Winter: Everything to Know Before You Go
3 Perfect Days In Zermatt, Switzerland In The Winter!
Where to Stay in Zermatt, Switzerland in Winter (with Map!)
15 Bucket List Things to Do in Zermatt in the Winter!
A Complete Guide to Skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland
What To Wear In Zermatt In Winter: Detailed Packing Guide!
Visiting Basel In December: Christmas Markets & Beyond
Basel Christmas Itinerary: 2 Days In Basel In December
Christmas Market Trip To Colmar & Strasbourg From Basel!
What To Wear To European Christmas Markets (Packing Guide)