Zermatt

In our opinion one of the most stunning resorts in the world with huge charm and a proper alpine tradition and history. The majestic Matterhorn (a proper mountain with a point on the top) towers over this resort. The skiing for intermediates is exceptional with endless reds and blues to cover. The one criticism of Zermatt in the past has been the antiquated and disjointed lift system but over the last few years a number of new lifts has alleviated these problems and whilst certain areas can still get busy in peak periods the lifts are very much better than they were.

Zermatt really offers everything you want from a ski resort, pretty, traffic free (apart from the electric taxis) with a long mountain tradition. The skiing in Zermatt offers expert and intermediate skiers a huge amount of terrain to get their teeth into with some fantastic off piste skiing (with a local guide). Beginners are now catered for in all four sectors of the Zermatt area. With probably the best being up on the Sunnega with three moving carpets and two tows.

With the international pass you can ski over into the Italian resort of Cervinia which offers some very flattering skiing for intermediates.

The apres ski is varied and plentiful with many bars offering happy hour prices with live music, our favourite was the "Hennu Stall apres ski hutte " Apres ski fun at the Hennu Stall which had live music on the way down the mountain from the Furi.