STEALING THE SCENE

Come to picturesque, car-free Zermatt for the Alps, but linger for the exceptional wining and dining, writes Natarsha Brown.

Zermatt has starred among the world’s glitziest resorts since the mid-19th century, and it remains just as sought-after today. Those seeking snow glide along perfectly groomed pistes; fashionistas flash their designer threads in the swish lounges along Bahnhofstrasse; and the adventurous bask in the sensational scenery and crisp alpine air.

All come for the excellent aprés-ski. This idyllic town and nearby mountains are a year-round hub of haute cuisine, home to the highest concentration of gourmet dining of any ski resort, including two Michelin-starred restaurants, and no fewer than 15 restaurants awarded Gault Millau points.

01 The Gourmet Trail © Pascal Gertschen 02 Traditional fare at Findlerhof © Restaurant Findlerhof 03 Terrace dining © Chez Vrony 04 Matterhorn views, Zermatt 02

Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni

Adorned with inlay wood panelling and opulent Maria-Theresa chandeliers, this Michelin-starred restaurant is an obvious destination for a romantic date night. Choose between the ‘Home’ and ‘Wanderlust’ menus, both focused on local produce with ingredients primarily sourced from Valais. Think rabbit tartare with Belper tuber cheese, and turbot with summer truffle.

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Chez Vrony

One of the few restaurants that still cooks with organic produce – including livestock raised solely on alpine grass – and using traditional recipes passed on generation after generation (think dried meats and homemade sausage), this gastronomic hotspot sits at 2,130 metres. The vista, best appreciated from the open-air terrace, is nothing short of spectacular.

Findlerhof

Housed in an old wooden chalet among the ski slopes, rustically charming Finderlhof’s major drawcard is its sun-splashed outdoor patio – overlooking the Matterhorn, naturally. Feast on local specialties such as roasted veal liver with hash browns and Matterkuchen (Matterhorn quiche), made with vegetables and greens from the on-site garden.

@Paradise

At 2,230 metres, @Paradise is the epitome of dining with a view. Whether you’re indulging in spicy hotpots or cheese fondue, this is the perfect perch to warm up after a couple of hours on the slopes.

The Gourmet Trail

For an all-in-one taste of the area’s delicious offerings, embark on this gourmet trail – a relatively easy hike from Sunnegga to Zermatt via the idyllic hamlet of Findeln – and stop off at the many mountain restaurants along the way. Overwhelmed by choice? Opt for the Findeln Gourmet Pass, a one-day ticket that takes in four restaurants – Chez Vrony, @Paradise, Findlerhof and Sonnmatten. That’s 42 Gault-Millau points in total, and endless opportunities to marvel at the Matterhorn.

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05 Lounge in style at @Paradise restaurant © Olivia Pulver 06 Local Valais Blacknose sheep grazing © Zermatt Tourismus/ Tradition Julen 07 The hamlet of Findeln © Zermatt Tourismus/Pascal Gertschen

THE MAGIC OF THE MATTERHORN

At 4,478 metres and piercing the sky like a monolithic shark tooth, the Matterhorn is wholly arresting. Below, the top ways to explore the jewel of the Swiss Alps – and work up an appetite – before dining in style.

Matterhorn Ski Safari

Covering more than 10,000 metres of altitude in one day – with a choice between the 12,500-metre gold safari and the 10,500-metre silver safari – on the Matterhorn Ski Safari, you’ll have the legendary craggy summit in sight throughout the entire challenge, and some serious bragging rights under your belt. Starting on Rothorn, the circuit continues via Riffelberg, the Theodul Glacier, Trockener Steg and Matterhorn glacier paradise, taking in Italy’s Breuil-Cervinia and Testa Grigia before returning to Zermatt via Stafelalp in the evening.

The Five Lakes Walk

This nine-kilometre path from Blauherd to Sunnegga encompasses five of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes, each with a reason to linger longer. Take a dip in the cool waters of Grünsee or Leisee, or marvel at the reflection of Matterhorn on the glasslike surface of Stellisee. Equally lovely are the bright turquoise Moosjisee and Grindjisee, where rare alpine flowers bloom and larches turn into shades of russet in autumn. The bonus? The trail delivers sensational views with minimal exertion as it’s mostly downhill.

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Alpine X

Opening in 2022, Alpine X will connect Testa Grigia and Matterhorn glacier paradise, effectively completing the scenic journey from Zermatt in Switzerland to Breuil-Cervinia in Italy. Delivering Matterhorn panoramas for the entirety of the one-hour ride, the 3S cable car holds a few boastworthy titles: it’s the highest cable car crossing in the Alps, as well as the cable car connection with the highest altitude difference in Europe (covering an altitude difference of more than 4,000 metres). WATCH

See what your Alpine X ride could be like.

08 Picturesque Bar Sunnegga © Buffet Bar Sunnegga 09 The upcoming Alpine X experience © Pedro Rodrigues 10 Matterhorn reflections © GaudenzDnuser.com

WATCH

what it’s like to hike around the Matterhorn.