Skiing in Matterhorn, Zermatt

The best ski vacation spot is under the shadow of the Matterhorn. Zermatt is the hub of a network of 54 funiculars, lifts, and cable cars, as well as more than 360 kilometers of pistes. Because of the glaciers and low temperatures at high altitudes, skiing is even possible in the middle of summer. Lower slopes are snow-covered as early as November and as late as April for a lengthy season.

Those looking for a more adventurous ski experience can hire a mountain guide who knows the terrain like the back of his or her hand and will take you off-piste. There are also hundreds of restaurants perched on unusual peaks, as well as a welcoming Après Ski scene in Zermatt and at stations such as Sunnegga.