Skiing in Zermatt at a glance
The ski area is called Matterhorn Ski Paradise. It has 360 km of slopes and 52 lifts in two countries, Switzerland and Italy, and is promoted as the highest ski area in the Alps. The highest station is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883 metres. From there the slopes lead down to Testa Grigia and Plateau Rosa at 3,480 metres and on to Cervinia in Italy.
Skiing starts early in the Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee area and later on the other mountains. Ski pass prices change with demand, so the day you book matters as much as the number of days. Below you find the season dates, the pass prices for winter 2026/27, the beginner options and summer skiing.
Season dates winter 2026/27
The Swiss areas open in stages. Check the operator before you book flights, because dates can move with snow conditions.
| Area | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee | 1 November 2026 | 2 or 3 May 2027 |
| Sunnegga and Rothorn | 28 November 2026 | 11 April 2027 |
| Gornergrat | 28 November 2026 | 18 April 2027 |
| Cervinia (Italy) | 24 October 2026 | 2 May 2027 |
| Valtournenche (Italy) | 28 November 2026 | 25 April 2027 |
The Gornergrat Railway is included in the ski pass only during ski operation and only for winter sports. A new six-seater chairlift at Patrullarve is under construction, so the lift map may change. The valley runs back to the village depend on snow, and their status for 2026/27 was not confirmed in October 2026.
Zermatt winter tours and tickets
Mountain railway tickets, Glacier Paradise and the Gornergrat, with live prices and availability for the winter season.
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Ski pass prices winter 2026/27
All figures are adult prices marked “from”. The Zermatt pass covers the Swiss side only. The international pass adds Cervinia and Valtournenche.
| Duration | Zermatt (Swiss side) | International (with Italy) |
|---|---|---|
| Half day from 12:15 | from CHF 68 | – |
| 1 day | from CHF 89 | from CHF 104 |
| 2 days | from CHF 148 | from CHF 161 |
| 3 days | from CHF 209 | from CHF 232 |
| 4 days | from CHF 269 | from CHF 301 |
| 5 days | from CHF 329 | from CHF 372 |
| 6 days | from CHF 384 | from CHF 432 |
| 7 days | from CHF 436 | from CHF 492 |
| Season pass | from CHF 1,750 | from CHF 1,850 |
Zermatt uses dynamic pricing. The lowest prices apply from 1 to 27 November 2026 and from 19 April to 2 May 2027. Around Christmas, in February and at Easter the same pass costs more. Dynamic pricing applies only to ski passes, not to single lift tickets or the Peak Pass. The season pass price rises in steps from 1 October and 1 November until 1 December.
A flexible pass “5 in 7 days” starts at CHF 426 for Zermatt and CHF 493 for the international area. The Winter Opening Weeks from 1 November to 6 December 2026 give 10 % off the Flex ski pass. An annual pass including Cervinia in winter costs CHF 2,290, the Xtended 365 version CHF 2,690.
The Peak Pass is not for skiers. It is for sightseeing: one day costs CHF 190 in winter 2026/27. See Gornergrat for how the lifts compare.
Beginners and first-timers
Zermatt is known for big, high terrain, but there is room to learn.
The Beginner pass covers the lifts Zermatt to Sunnegga, Sunnegga to Blauherd, Eisfluh, the Findel chairlift and the Leisee shuttle. One day starts at CHF 60 in winter 2026/27. Learning areas are Wolli’s Park at Sunnegga and the beginner area on the Sunnegga side. Children can use the Wolli Card.
The Snowpark Zermatt is on the Klein Matterhorn. For lessons, the ski school ZERMATTERS runs group courses for adults. Its high season is 12 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, 6 February to 7 March 2027 and 20 March to 4 April 2027. Ask the school for current prices.
Freeride and ski tours are recommended only with a mountain guide. Snow report and avalanche warnings are published by the lift operator. For emergencies, mountain rescue is +41 27 966 01 44 and Air Zermatt is 144.
Summer skiing on the Theodul Glacier
Skiing without winter, on up to 21 km of slopes.
The Theodul Glacier at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest summer ski area in Europe, on 3,883 metres. It was closed temporarily on 31 July 2026 and reopened on Wednesday 14 October 2026 with the Plateau Rosa lifts 1 and 2 and the Glacier Ride II. Lift Plateau Rosa 3, with a beginner area, is in preparation.
A one-day summer ski pass costs from CHF 99 and is valid from 14 October to 4 November 2026. Summer skiing for 2027 has not been published. A free local bus runs to the Matterhorn Express valley station. The Glacier Ride II is closed for maintenance from 7 January to 26 February 2027, so the crossing to Cervinia is not possible in that period.
Skiing in Zermatt: frequently asked questions
When does the Zermatt ski season start?
On 1 November 2026 in the Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee area. Sunnegga, Rothorn and Gornergrat open on 28 November 2026. Cervinia on the Italian side opens on 24 October 2026.
How much is a ski pass in Zermatt?
A one-day pass for the Swiss side starts at CHF 89 in winter 2026/27, and CHF 104 with Cervinia and Valtournenche. These are “from” prices with dynamic pricing, so they are higher around Christmas, in February and at Easter.
When is skiing cheapest?
From 1 to 27 November 2026 and from 19 April to 2 May 2027, when the lowest prices apply. Note that only the Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee area is open in early November.
Is Zermatt good for beginners?
There are beginner areas at Sunnegga and a dedicated Beginner pass from CHF 60 per day. Most of the area is high and demanding, so beginners stay on the Sunnegga side.
Can I ski in summer in Zermatt?
Yes, on the Theodul Glacier. Skiing resumed on 14 October 2026 after a break from 31 July. A one-day summer ski pass costs from CHF 99 until 4 November 2026. The 2027 summer offer has not been published.