Zermatt

Throughout most of the year, Zermatt is a quiet village. But when winter arrived, it was more vibrant than ever. It attracts skiers of all levels who take advantage of the 200-plus kilometers of pistes. In the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is well known as a mountaineering and ski resort. It is situated at an elevation of 1,620 meters in the upper end of Mattertal, at the base of Switzerland's highest peaks, making it a haven for expert skiers with off-piste chances and top stations.

Non-skiers will find plenty of things to do in Zermatt as well. For those who want to try snowshoeing and winter hiking, Zermatt offers plenty of sunshine during the colder months, perfect for a walk in the wilderness. There's also tobogganing and sledding, as well as guided hikes for those who want to discover off-the-beaten-path areas. A great easy trail to try is the 2.2-kilometer walk from Blauherd to Fluhalp, where you can catch sight of chamois grazing on the slopes and the Matterhorn in the distance.

• Location: Valais, Switzerland
• Where to Stay: Hotel Firefly; Hotel Mont Cervin Palace; CERVO Zermatt; Bella Vista Hotel
• Things to Do: Snowshoeing, Winter Hiking
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5