The slopes of Zermatt are an intermediate’s dream. With long cruisy blues and reds that will get your heart rate up, you’ll have no shortage of options to explore the mountains. But with so much on offer, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Start your ski trip with all the inside knowledge on where to go with this complete intermediate’s guide to skiing in Zermatt. If you’re new to the slopes then head to our beginners ski guide in Zermatt. Likewise, if you’re looking for the black runs then head to our advanced skiiers guide in Zermatt.
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday rental, we have an excellent selection of ski in ski out chalets in Zermatt. Maximize your time on the slopes by skiing straight out of the front door in the morning and catching the last lift up to ski back.
Zermatt Ski Area
Zermatt’s relaxed slopes offer a fun way to explore the mountains without any pressure. And with some of the best views the alps have to offer, you won’t want to rush your descents. Altitudes reaching 3,899m provide exceptional snow and the Matterhorn Glacier gives you year-round snow-sure conditions.
Zermatt is on the border with Italy. So you can ski to the neighbouring resort of Cervinia to discover an even more expansive ski area and stop for a pizza and prosecco lunch. If you want to stay on the Swiss side, you’ll have more than enough to keep you entertained. The four main ski areas all have fantastic options for intermediates, and you won’t have any trouble designing a suitable route to get you from A to B.
All the ski areas are linked by an efficient system of 53 modern lifts. As the majority of runs are suitable for intermediate skiers, it’s recommended to get the full lift pass so you can make the most of everything the resort has to offer.
The most famous area is the Matterhorn Ski Paradise. It’s the highest pisted ski area in Europe. You’ll have ideal snow conditions here thanks to its position on the glacier. And as one of the world’s top ten largest ski areas, you’ll find lots of variety to build up your skiing skills.
The pretty Schwarzsee area is ideal for increasing your confidence and picking up some speed. The runs are in great condition and are often quiet, so you’ll have a great time flying down away from the crowds.
You can get to Rothorn and Gornergrat by underground funicular or train. These two interconnected areas thread across the Findel Valley. With many reds and more challenging blues, these areas are a great option as you become more advanced.
Just progressing from the beginner’s slopes or it’s been a while since you last skied? There are lots of options to build your confidence and get you excited about getting out into the alps.
Zermatt Intermediate Skiing (warm up)
Sunnegga sits just below Rothorn and can be accessed by the Sunnegga Express. The No. 6 and 7 runs here are good for getting started, with one steeper part on the left of No.7. Keep in mind that these are dedicated slow slopes so don’t go too crazy and keep the experience welcoming for progressing beginners. This area also has some of the best mountain restaurants in Zermatt, including the much-loved Chez Vrony.
On the Gornergrat side, you’ll find a nice choice of gentle blues. Start on the No.38 slow slope above Riffelberg then take the chair lift back up and build your skills on three different winding blues.
You can access Gornergrat from the centre of Zermatt by taking the Gornergrat Railway all the way to the top. This is the highest open-air train in Europe and will give you some of the most breath-taking views of your trip. If you have any non-skiers in your group, this is a great option to give them a taste of the mountains, with a range of panoramic restaurants at the top.
At the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can take the No.86 blue run and cruise above the clouds. There’s a good mix of reds and blues here for when you’re ready to spice things up.
Zermatt Intermediate Skiing
Conquered the blues in Sunnegga and are ready for some reds? Move closer to Rothorn by taking the No.4 then getting the Palltrullarve chair back up. Or for an easier introduction, you can ride the cable car up to Rothorn. From here you can ski the No.14 blue then take a short red to the base of the chairlift. This route will give you quiet pistes to practice and mind-blowing views to kickstart your week.
Once you’ve mastered these, you’ll have no trouble venturing around the wider Rothorn and Gornergrat areas. The No.28 and 29 reds around Gornergrat are long glorious runs away from the crowds that will give you uninterrupted views. After a day of shredding the vast selection of reds, take the highest lift in Europe to Klein Matterhorn. The panoramic views and the infinite red route down is an idyllic but leg-burning way to end a day’s skiing.
Head back up to Klein Matterhorn the next day to explore the excellent choice of reds on offer here. This area usually has the best snow in Zermatt and cruisy unintimidating runs.
Take the same route as yesterday or ride the gondola all the way to the top. If you fancy a break, there are some great non-skiing activities up here including a 360° viewing platform and a cave full of ice sculptures.
From here you can start an Italian adventure by taking a combination of reds and blues into Cervinia. Or explore the tangled network of reds that will take you around Schwarzee. With multiple variations of runs, you can ski these lifts again and again without taking the same route. The long No.51 red will take you all the way down the valley with a pretty traverse to Furi. The pistes here are just as nice as around the Matterhorn but are blessed with fewer crowds.
The Italian side opens up an extra world of skiing opportunities with endless red routes for the adventurous intermediate. But if you’re looking for something more relaxed, there are pretty blue routes around Plan Maison.
