Winter Hikes Zermatt

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Zermatt has a great deal of winter outdoor activities to offer! While many tourists come to our mountain village for skiing or snowboarding, (read more about the Zermatt ski area in Zermatt Ski Resort) not as many know about our gorgeous winter hiking trails. They remain a bit of a hidden gem.

You can immerse yourself in a fairytale of snow-covered winter forests and a unique mountain panorama, including the famous Matterhorn. Enjoy the winter landscape and the crunch of snow under your feet. Add the fresh air and the bright winter sun, and we can guarantee it’ll put a smile on your face.

Winter hiking slows you down and at the same time allows you to discover unforgettable views above the village of Zermatt. Many of our guests love experiencing Switzerland and the Valais region from a pedestrian’s view. It’s also a great opportunity to take amazing photos.

In this article, you will learn everything about the most beautiful Zermatt winter hikes, the necessary equipment for snowshoe trails and tips on the best mountain restaurants to eat from our Zermatt Holidays team.

And if you are still looking for accommodation for your stay in Zermatt, you are sure to find something suitable at our Zermatt Holidays accommodations for your stay.

No Matterhorn Ski Paradise without the most famous mountain in the world (© Kurt Müller)
No Matterhorn Ski Paradise without the most famous mountain in the world (© Kurt Müller)

The most beautiful winter hiking trails

#1 Winter hike from Zermatt to Sunnegga

The route: This trail starts in the heart of Zermatt and leads you through a snow-covered winter-wonderland forest up to Sunnegga. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain landscape and, of course, our most iconic peak: the Matterhorn.

If you like, you can take the cable car from Sunnegga to Blauherd and continue your hike to Fluhalp from there. Alternatively, linger at one of the mountain restaurants and enjoy some local culinary delights before returning to Zermatt from Sunnegga or hiking back down. This hike is the perfect introduction to winter trekking and, with the Matterhorn in sight, a memorable experience for both visitors and locals.

There are two routes to choose from:

Winter hike in Zermatt via Winkelmatten

  • Length: 3.7 km
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: medium

Winter hike in Zermatt via Tiefenmatten

  • Length: 7.1 km
  • Duration: 2.45 hours
  • Difficulty: medium

Meals and refreshments on the hike

Above the Sunnegga funicular railway, you can treat yourself to a well-deserved break and enjoy the weather. The mountain restaurants Findlerhof, Adlerhitta, Chez Vrony and Paradise, at an altitude of 2,288 metres above sea level, will spoil you with a variety of culinary menus and views of the Valais mountain scenery.

These spots are very popular in winter. It is worth making a reservation to secure the best table with the most beautiful view and to ensure that you don’t make the trip in vain if you really want to dine in one of the restaurants.

If you would like to know more about the most beautiful mountain restaurants in Zermatt, read our blog article ‘The best restaurants in Zermatt’.

Restaurant Findlerhof

Restaurant Adlerhitta

Restaurant Chez Vrony

Restaurant Paradise

family is winter hiking in zermatt
Many winter hiking routes are also suitable for the whole family (© Pascal Gertschen)

#2 Hiking trail from Blauherd to Fluhalp

The route: Winter hiking from Blauherd to Fluhalp is ideal for anyone looking to soak up the sun. The route leads from the Blauherd cable car station to Fluhalp, covering an altitude difference of around 100 metres. You will initially share the path with skiers and snowboarders before branching off onto a path used only by hikers. Here you will have an unobstructed view of the Matterhorn and the frozen Stellisee lake, which is part of the famous 5-lake hike in summer. The path climbs steadily until you arrive at the Fluhalp mountain restaurant.

Surrounded by the barren, snow-covered mountain landscape and the nearby glaciers, this spot has an impressive atmosphere that’s well worth taking in before you begin your descent back to the Blauherd mountain station.

Ascent from Blauherd to Fluhalp

  • Length: 2.2 km
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Suitable for children aged 4 and above
  • The return journey to the Blauherd mountain station takes another hour.

Fluhalp Restaurant

Ticket price Zermatt to Blauherd:

Adults: single ticket: CHF 33, return ticket: CHF 53, children aged 9 to 15.99: 50% discount on the ticket price. Children up to 8.99 years: free.

With the Junior Card/travel card, the journey is free for children. With a GA (General Abonnement) or Half-Fare Card, you receive a 50% discount on the ticket price. If you have any questions, please contact the provider by email.

stellisee zermatt in winter
Even in the cold season, Lake Stellisee offers an incomparable view of the mountains (© Leander Wenger)

#3 Winter hike from Rotenboden to Riffelberg

The route: Set against the stunning mountain scenery surrounding the Matterhorn, this hiking trail takes you from Rotenboden to Riffelberg. The winter hike is suitable for families and is easy to complete. High above Zermatt, you will be immersed in a winter wonderland of the highest order.

Marvel at the famous Riffelsee lake, which you will pass on your hike, and enjoy the view of the imposing Riffelhorn. Depending on the time of day, the shadow of the 2,928-metre-high mountain will accompany you on your walk. The Riffelhorn is often used by mountaineers as a training mountain to prepare for the ascent of the Matterhorn.

riffelsee zermatt in winter
One of the best Zermatt winter hikes: Lake Riffelsee with the Matterhorn in the background (© Leander Wenger)

You can now take the train back to Rotenboden and start your hike. Or, if you want to make the hike an ascent, you can start at Riffelberg and hike to the Rotenboden station. Here, as the crowning finale, you can take the train to the Gornergrat. Definitely one of the best Zermatt winter hikes.

Tip: Travel to the Gornergrat terminus and take a tour of the world-famous Kulm Hotel, which is located at an altitude of 3,120 metres above sea level. From up here, the snow-covered mountain peaks seem almost endless.

Descent from Rothorn to Riffelberg

  • Length: 2.3 km
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Suitable for children aged 4 and above
  • In the opposite direction, the hike takes approx. 1.5 hours.

Meals and refreshments on the hike

Once you reach your destination, the Riffelberg restaurant awaits you with a warm parlour and delicious meals to help you recover from your outdoor adventure. Alternatively, you can take the trail to the Riffelhaus 1853 and enjoy the view of the Matterhorn from there.

Buffet & Bar Riffelberg

Riffelhaus 1853

Restaurant Pizzeria Rothorn

Ticket price Zermatt – Gornergrat:

Adults: single ticket: CHF 66, return ticket: CHF 132, children aged 6 to 16: 50% discount on the ticket price, children up to 8.99 years: free.

With the Junior Card/companion ticket, travel is free for children. With a GA (General Abonnement) or Half-Fare Card, you receive a 50% discount on the ticket price. If you have any questions, please contact the provider by email.

gornergrat with hotel kulm zermatt
Like another world: Gornergrat and Kulmhotel at over 3,000 metres above sea level (© Pascal Gertschen)

Conclusion: Winter hiking in Zermatt

Although Zermatt is primarily known for its ski resorts in winter, there are also numerous other outdoor activities to enjoy in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise. The mountain village is always worth a visit for hiking enthusiasts. The winter hiking trails and snowshoe trails are well maintained and offer breathtaking views of the mountain landscape of the Valais Alps. And, of course, the Matterhorn – the star of Zermatt.

In addition to the snow-covered landscapes and the opportunity to slow down and relax while winter hiking, with a little luck you may also see native animals such as chamois or squirrels. Either way, exploring the winter hiking trails in Zermatt is well worth it, as the fresh air and sunshine are not only good for the body but also for the soul. And thanks to the numerous mountain restaurants, you can experience the culinary highlights of Zermatt during a break.

To help you relax after a long day of winter hiking in Zermatt, we offer an exclusive selection of accommodations in Zermatt. We also have many accommodations with views of the famous Matterhorn. As Zermatt is car-free for tourists and only a few electric cars are permitted to drive in Zermatt, our team will be happy to pick you up at Zermatt train station with our electric taxi. We look forward to your booking so that you can feel at home during your stay.

winter hiking in zermatt
There is much to discover when winter hiking in Zermatt (© Pascal Gertschen)