Zermatt, like Verbier, is a popular mountain resort renowned for skiing, climbing and hiking. In less than 2 hours by car, you can drive from Verbier to Zermatt which is also in the canton of Valais and park in the large car park in Täsch before ascending to Zermatt by train. Zermatt is a pedestrianised resort where people walk, use small electric vehicles, cycle or travel by horse and carriage. The main Bahnhofstrasse in town is lined with shops, grand hotels and restaurants and bars and there is a lively apres-ski scene.
If you haven’t seen the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s most famous mountains, a visit to Zermatt is top of the list. You can take a helicopter from Verbier to Zermatt and be delivered to the snowy slopes at the foot of the Matterhorn. The landscape is unique, with the symmetrical pyramid shaped mountain of 4,478 meters looming over the Alpine panorama. You can ski the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise which is the highest summer ski region in Europe and open 365 days a year.
Zermatt is also famed for its many great restaurants and sunny terraces, many of which overlook the Matterhorn with spectacular views and are also accessible on foot. The first ascent of the Matterhorn was in July 1865 by Edward Whymper.