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Switzerland · Trip plan

4 days in Zermatt

Skiing under the Matterhorn in a car-free Alpine village.

Best time
Dec – Apr
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$420 per person
Trip for two
about $3,360

Planning a 4-day trip to Zermatt? Here's a day-by-day Zermatt itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Zermatt has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps, with snow from late November and skiing across the border into Italy.

Zermatt is a car-free Swiss village at the foot of the Matterhorn, with world-class skiing, chalets and fine dining.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec: a good time to go

Winter: -10 to 0°C, snow-sure.

Create my Zermatt trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Zermatt

  • 01

    Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

    Europe's highest cable car station.

  • 02

    Gornergrat railway

    A cog railway to Matterhorn views.

  • 03

    Ski to Cervinia

    Lunch in Italy on skis.

  • 04

    Car-free village

    Horse-drawn sleighs and chalets.

Day by day

Zermatt itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Arrive in Zermatt

    Morning
    Take the train to Zermatt via Visp; the village is car-free, so electric taxis meet you at the station.
    Afternoon
    Pick up ski gear and walk the main street to the Hinterdorf, with its 16th-century larch-wood barns on stone stilts.
    Evening
    Cheese fondue dinner with the Matterhorn lit up above the village.

    Hotels often collect guests from the station.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Gornergrat

    Morning
    Ride the Gornergrat cog railway to 3,089 m for a famous view of the Matterhorn and 29 peaks over 4,000 m.
    Afternoon
    Ski the Gornergrat and Rothorn slopes, with lunch at a mountain hut.
    Evening
    Après-ski at a slope-side bar, then dinner in the village.

    Sit on the right going up for the best Matterhorn view.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Ski to Italy

    Morning
    Take the lifts to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe's highest cable car station at 3,883 m.
    Afternoon
    Ski across the border to Cervinia in Italy for a pasta lunch.
    Evening
    Return in time for the last lifts back to Switzerland.

    Carry your passport or ID when skiing to Italy.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Home

    Morning
    One more morning run, or a sleigh ride through the snow.
    Afternoon
    Lunch of raclette and rösti.
    Evening
    Train out of Zermatt.

    The Glacier Express to St Moritz is a scenic onward option.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Zermatt in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in Zermatt

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in Zermatt

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in St Moritz.

What it costs

Zermatt trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$220$1,760
Mid-range$420$3,360
Luxury$1,000+$8,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Zermatt is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Zermatt for every budget

  • Budget

    Zermatt Youth Hostel

    Village

    Matterhorn views.

    from $140 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotel Bella Vista

    Village

    Family-run with views.

    from $380 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    The Omnia

    Above the village

    Modern mountain lodge.

    from $900 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Zermatt

  • Raclette

    Melted cheese over potatoes.

  • Fondue

    Cheese fondue in a mountain hut.

  • Rösti

    Crispy grated potatoes.

Getting there

How to reach Zermatt

Travel
Train from Zurich or Geneva via Visp (about 3.5 hours).
Getting around
Electric taxis, ski buses and walking.
  • Buy a Peak Pass for lifts.
  • The Swiss Travel Pass covers the train.

Before you go

What to pack for Zermatt

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
  • Waterproof boots
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Zermatt trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Zermatt?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat railway, Ski to Cervinia. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day Zermatt trip cost?

Roughly $220 a day per person on a budget, $420 mid-range and $1,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $3,360 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit Zermatt?

Dec – Apr. Zermatt has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps, with snow from late November and skiing across the border into Italy.

Where should I stay in Zermatt?

Budget: Zermatt Youth Hostel (Village), from about $140 a night. Mid-range: Hotel Bella Vista (Village), from about $380 a night. Luxury: The Omnia (Above the village), from about $900 a night.

How do I reach Zermatt?

Train from Zurich or Geneva via Visp (about 3.5 hours).

Is 3 days enough for Zermatt?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Zermatt?

Winter: -10 to 0°C, snow-sure.

What food should I try in Zermatt?

Raclette: Melted cheese over potatoes. Fondue: Cheese fondue in a mountain hut. Rösti: Crispy grated potatoes.

How do I get around Zermatt?

Electric taxis, ski buses and walking.

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