In the Shadow of the Matterhorn
At the end of a narrow, cliff-lined valley in the Swiss Alps is one of the world’s most iconic mountain villages lying in the shadow of one of the most famous mountains in the world. The village is Zermatt, and the mountain is the 14,692-foot-tall Matterhorn. This fairytale village seamlessly combines 400-year-old chalets with high-end boutiques, quaint inns and rustic restaurants. The town does not have any cars, and the only way to reach it is via train. The most regal way to arrive in Zermatt is via the Glacier Express railway that departs once daily from St. Moritz.
We boarded what is considered the most scenic railroad in the world in Andermatt, a mountain village at the intersection of several rail lines. The glass carriage viewing railcars of the Glacier Express proceed to traverse 91 tunnels and cross 291 bridges on our journey. While it may seem like a long time, the views of glaciers, snow covered meadows and chalet spotted valleys make for the most beautiful scenery in Europe as meals and beverages are delivered to your seat.
As the train pulls into Zermatt, the first thing you will notice is that there are no cars, only zippy electric baggage carts should your lodging be more than a short stroll from the railway station. As you walk the town, you will share the narrow streets with countless skiers still wearing ski boots as they head to or from the gondolas, chairlifts or helicopters that take them to some of the finest skiing in the world.
While it is a skier’s paradise, there are many other winter sports including snowboarding, cross country skiing, curling, snowshoeing, ice climbing and sledging- sledding on groomed trails for miles. Your level of skiing skill defines your experience, you can even ski to Italy for lunch! We chose the passive mountain experience and enjoyed the scenery, shopping and dining without hitting the slopes.
Once you get the boutique shopping out of the way, it is time to explore the valley. Without a doubt, the best views of the Matterhorn are from across the valley at The Gornergrat. With its sunny observation platform accessible all year, the Gornergrat, at an altitude of 10,285 feet, has been one of Switzerland’s top excursion destinations since 1898. The Gornergrat Bahn was the world’s first fully electrified cog railway allowing for a steep climb through any weather. You can spend the day or night there as this lone mountain ridge is home to Europe’s highest-altitude hotel: the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat.
This idyllic mountain getaway truly was a perfect Escapadita.
www.glacierexpress.ch
www.zermatt.ch
www.gornergrat.ch
www.gornergrat-kulm.ch