Zermatt in winter at a glance
The ski season starts on 1 November 2026 on the Glacier Paradise side, and the Sunnegga, Rothorn and Gornergrat areas open on 28 November. In between, several lifts are closed.
Off the slopes there is plenty to do. The tourist board counts more than 40 kilometres of maintained winter walking trails and over 20 kilometres of marked snowshoe trails. Most of them start at a train or lift station, so plan around the opening dates.
Winter walks and snowshoe trails
The simplest winter walk starts with the Gornergrat Railway.
Rotenboden to Riffelberg
Trail 113 is 2.4 kilometres long and takes about one hour, downhill by roughly 250 metres. It is easy. You reach the start by Gornergrat Railway. A return ticket from Zermatt costs CHF 102 in winter 2026/27 according to the June 2026 price list.
Gornergrat guide →Winter Wonder Trail
Trail 146 runs from Riffelalp past the Grünsee to Findeln. It is 6.4 kilometres long and takes 2 hours 20 minutes. It is marked as a snowshoe trail.
Trail conditions
Snow and ice change fast. Wear boots with a good grip, and keep to marked trails. Look at the operator's snow report before you set out.
The Gornergrat Railway runs every 24 minutes from 08:24 from 28 November 2026. From 15 to 27 November it runs every 48 minutes, and it is closed from 2 to 14 November.
Winter tours and tickets in Zermatt
Gornergrat and Glacier Paradise tickets, day trips from Zurich and the Glacier Express, with live prices and availability.
We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Sledging at Rotenboden
The sled run is the easiest winter activity for families.
The Rotenboden sled run is about two kilometres long and takes around ten minutes. It is groomed daily. Sleds can be rented at Riffelberg. The tourist board calls it the highest sled run in the Alps.
You reach it by Gornergrat Railway. Other sled runs may exist, but we could not verify them, so ask at the tourist office.
Ice skating, igloos and the ice palace
Three things that need no skis.
Ice skating
There is a natural and an artificial rink in the village centre, open from November to mid-March. Huskies and dog sleds are advertised, but we could not verify the details.
Igloo village
The Zermatt igloo village stands at 2,727 metres on a sunny terrace with a whirlpool. It is open from 19 December 2026 to 4 April 2027. It has 10 igloos for up to 24 guests. Fondue and drinks are possible without an overnight stay. Check current prices when you book.
Ice palace
The glacier palace lies about 15 metres under the surface at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and is open daily in winter. A return ticket from Zermatt costs CHF 104 in winter 2026/27, CHF 84 from 1:30 pm. From 28 November to 29 January the palace is open 09:25 to 15:15, later until 15:45.
Glacier Paradise guide →Entry to the ice palace is included in the Glacier Paradise ticket. A day with the Peak Pass costs CHF 190 in winter 2026/27, but that pass is not for skiers.
Winter 2026/27 calendar
Dates that affect your plans.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 | Ski season starts on the Glacier Paradise side |
| 2–14 November 2026 | Gornergrat Railway closed for construction work |
| 1–19 November 2026 | Matterhorn Museum closed |
| 20 November–17 December 2026 | Museum open Friday to Sunday, 15:00–18:00 |
| 28 November 2026 | Sunnegga, Rothorn and Gornergrat areas open |
| 5 December 2026 | Glacier Express winter timetable starts |
| 19 December 2026 | Igloo village opens |
| 7 January–26 February 2027 | Glacier Ride II closed, no crossing to Cervinia |
The museum is open daily from 18 to 31 December 2026, and entry costs CHF 12. The Gorner Gorge is closed until 31 May 2027.
Avalanches and safety
Mountains in winter need respect, even for walkers.
Check the report
The operator Zermatt Bergbahnen publishes the snow report and avalanche warnings. Read them before you leave.
Stay on marked trails
Do not leave marked slopes and winter trails. Off-piste skiing and ski touring are recommended only with a mountain guide.
Emergency numbers
Mountain rescue: +41 27 966 01 44. Air Zermatt: 144.
Skiing in Zermatt, in short
If you do ski, our skiing guide has the detail.
The Matterhorn Ski Paradise has 360 kilometres of slopes and 52 lifts in two countries. A day pass in winter 2026/27 starts at CHF 89 for the Swiss side and CHF 104 with Cervinia. Prices are dynamic: the lowest apply from 1 to 27 November 2026 and from 19 April to 2 May 2027, and they are higher at Christmas, in February and at Easter.
Zermatt in winter: frequently asked questions
What can I do in Zermatt in winter if I do not ski?
Walk on the 40 km of winter trails, sled at Rotenboden, skate in the village, visit the ice palace at the Glacier Paradise or spend an evening at the igloo village from 19 December 2026.
When does the igloo village open?
On 19 December 2026 and closes on 4 April 2027. There are 10 igloos for up to 24 guests, and fondue and drinks are available without an overnight stay.
How long is the sled run at Rotenboden?
About two kilometres, around ten minutes. It is groomed daily and sleds can be rented at Riffelberg.
How much is the Gornergrat in winter?
A return ticket costs CHF 102 from November 2026 to April 2027, according to the June 2026 price list. A Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass gives 50 % off.
When is the ice rink open?
From November to mid-March, according to the tourist board. Both a natural and an artificial rink exist in the village centre.
What is closed in early November?
The Gornergrat Railway from 2 to 14 November 2026, the Matterhorn Museum until 19 November and, until 27 November, the Sunnegga and Rothorn lifts. The Glacier Paradise stays open all year.