Zermatt Spring

Zermatt in spring is a real insider tip – fewer people find their way to the village and you will have its stunning surroundings almost to yourself. You get a chance to immerse yourself in the magic of peace and tranquility, experience Zermatt far away from the hustle and bustle of the high season, and get to know the locals from a different perspective.

Even though april and may are considered the off-season in the region, there are still many experiences, activities, and offers awaiting visitors. Whether you are a family, a couple, a solo traveler, or a group, there is something for everyone in Zermatt. Read our blog post to find out what to look out for when visiting in spring, what highlights await you, what tips will help you have a perfect stay, and which cable cars and facilities are in operation. In spring expect everything to be possible melting snow to sunshine to melting hearts. The latter because of the absolutely unique nature and the kind locals. Then our unique town is never average and always exceptional.

When is the off-season in Zermatt?

The spring off-season in Zermatt starts in April and lasts until around mid-June. During this time, some hotels and mountain restaurants are closed. There are fewer tourists in the village and you can benefit from lower prices for lodging. During this period you don’t know whether it will rain, be sunny, cold or if there will be snow. Well, that’s what makes this season even more interesting. Be sure to pack a warm jacket, gloves, a hat and dress according to the weather forecast.

Zermatt in April

Zermatt Unplugged

April offers a special highlight for all culture and music fans: Zermatt Unplugged. Shortly before the end of the season, Zermatt is transformed into a stage of international calibre. Musicians play concerts at various locations in the village and on the slopes. The breathtaking panorama with Switzerland’s most famous beauty, the Matterhorn, is always part of the show.

If you visit Zermatt Unplugged with children, keep an eye out for Wolli, the region’s mascot. Wolli also likes to mingle with the crowd and listen to the music.

Skiing in spring

The Zermatt ski area is open until the end of April (20th April 2026), allowing you to enjoy a day of skiing in pleasant, mild temperatures in spring. Personally, this is always our favourite time of year for skiing!

Check in advance which slopes are open and the route you want to take to ensure you can enjoy your day on skis to the fullest, as some of the mountain railways are undergoing maintenance.

You can find an up-to-date overview of the open tracks on the live map of Zermatt Bergbahnen and Zermatt Tourism.

Is April a good time to visit Zermatt?

April is the perfect month for anyone who likes mild winter temperatures and enjoys skiing and snowboarding on less crowded slopes. You can enjoy the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to the fullest with views of the mountain panorama (e.g. the Breithorn). Great offers and experiences await you, such as skiing at reduced prices, a ride on the mountain railways without long waiting times, an unobstructed view of the Valais mountains (including the Matterhorn, Breithorn, Rothorn and Gornergrat) and the unspoilt beauty of nature.

Your break begins at Zermatt station when you book Zermatt Holidays accommodation, because we will pick you up with our electric taxi and take you to your vacation apartment or chalet. And don’t forget: The best way to travel to our small town is by public transport.

Zermatt in May – deserted paths all to yourself

In May, most of the ski lifts in Zermatt are closed, and some restaurants and hotels in the village are also shut. Many businesses are renovating and using the quiet period to carry out new construction and repair work. This gives the village a very special charm in May – instead of the polished façade during the high season, you now get a glimpse behind the scenes. While spring is already in full swing down in the valley, the first signs of it are now appearing in Zermatt. The village feels almost deserted, and for travellers in search of unspoilt nature, now is the time to explore the mountains on foot or by bike.

Read more about the most beautiful bike routes in our blog post “Zermatt Biking“.

Circular hike in the mountains

The area around the village is ideal for long hikes and walks for all ages. Children will also enjoy themselves here and, depending on the route, discover the flora and fauna in a playful way. And with a little luck and perseverance, you might spot a chamois, a marmot, or an ibex. If weather conditions permit, you can easily explore the area above the small town, for example on the famous 5-Lakes Trail, where you hike past five lakes. For more information on the most beautiful hikes, see our blog post “Hiking in Zermatt.” Please check the weather conditions before setting off. The weather in the alps can change quickly and requires good preparation and appropriate equipment.

Bahnweg hike: Zermatt to Täsch

This hike leads alongside the railway tracks and the Visp River. The trail is flat, easy to walk on, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding alps. From Täsch, you can take the train back to Zermatt. Ideal for families who want to enjoy nature without exerting themselves.

• Distance: approx. 6 km
• Difficulty: easy
• Duration: approx. 1h 20 min

Railway trail hike: Zermatt to Randa

This hike also follows the railway trail, but instead of stopping in Täsch, you can continue on to Randa. The second section of the trail is also straight and easy to walk on.

• Distance: approx. 9 km
• Difficulty: easy
• Duration: approx. 2 hours

Hike from Zermatt to Zmutt

The hike leads out of the center to the hamlet of Zmutt, where historic houses await, now used as stables and for storing materials. Enjoy the fresh air, nature, and, depending on the season, an exciting insight into the local flora and fauna. As a reward, the beauty of the Valais mountains awaits you at the end with an exclusive view of the north face of the Matterhorn. If you would like to do a circular hike, you can then hike back to the center via Furi.

• Distance: approx. 3.7 km
• Difficulty: medium
• Duration: approx. 1h 40min

Opening hours of restaurants in Zermatt

Most establishments in the village are open daily, even during the off-season. The places directly adjacent to the mountain railway stations are also open during their operating hours.

It is advisable to check the opening hours of the mountain restaurants in advance, as many owners close during the off-season and do not reopen until the beginning of June. However, the winter season usually lasts until mid/late April. We have listed the most popular mountain restaurants for you:

Opening hours Adlerhitta

• Winter season until April 19, 2026: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (food served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Closed from April 20, 2026

Opening hours Chez Vrony

• Winter season until April 19, 2026: Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed from April 20, 2026

Opening hours Fluhalp

• Winter season until April 19, 2026: Daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (food served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Closed from April 20, 2026

Opening hours Sky Lounge

• Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Opening hours Restaurant Paradies

• Winter season until April 12, 2026: Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (food served from 12 p.m.)
• Closed from April 13, 2026

Opening hours Restaurant Blatten

• Winter season until April 2026: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (kitchen open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Opening hours Chämi-Hitta

• Winter season until April 20, 2026: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (kitchen from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Opening hours Stafelalp

• Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Buffet & Bar Riffelalp opening hours

• Winter season until April 2026: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (kitchen from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

Travel with the mountain railways

Gornergratbahn (cogwheel railway)

Zermatt – Gornergrat (connection between the village and Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg, Rotenboden and the Gornergrat):

• Until April 19, 2026: First trip at 8:24 a.m., then every 24 minutes until 5 p.m.
• From April 20, 2026: First departure at 7 a.m., then every 24 minutes until 5 p.m.

Sunnegga – Rothorn (funicular railway & gondolas)

Zermatt – Sunnegga

Sunnegga – Blauherd

Blauherd – Rothorn

• Until May 3, 2026: daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.
• From May 4, 2026: Revision until mid/end of May for Sunnegga and in June for Rothorn

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (cable cars)

Matterhorn Express (connection between the small town and Trockener Steg via Furi and Schwarzsee)

3S cable car & aerial cableway (connection between Trockener Steg and Klein Matterhorn)

Matterhorn Alpine Crossing (connection between Klein Matterhorn and Cervinia, Italy)

• Zermatt – Furi: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Furi – Trockener Steg: 8:50 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
• Trockener Steg – Klein Matterhorn: 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Is it worth visiting Zermatt in spring?

Once you arrive at the train station in Zermatt, you will be greeted by a slower pace of life in this otherwise bustling and international mountain town. Expect authentic experiences and discounted prices on your trip. Most restaurants and hotels in the town are open, as are all establishments located directly at the cable cars stations. If you are planning a longer tour, a circular hike, or outdoor activities, you should check the opening hours of the restaurants in advance. This way, you will be well prepared and won’t find yourself standing in front of closed doors. All Zermatt Holidays accommodations also have a fully equipped kitchen. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise railways and the Gornergrat Railway operate all year round. If you don’t want to walk, electric taxis or the local bus will take you to your destination. Otherwise, Zermatt is car-free, which adds to its charm. The Zermatt Tourism tourist information office will also answer all your questions, and we provide you with all the important information and great tips when booking with us. Don’t wait for summer or winter to enjoy this special part of Switzerland – take a trip during april or may and enjoy the glacier scenery, the cold, the unpredictable weather and the charme of our locals almost by yourself.

Tips for spring

Despite the high altitude, you can keep an eye out for the first flowers on the hills around Zermatt. Learn more about the rare alpine flowers, some of which only bloom in Valais. “Edelweiss” and “Frühlingsenzian” are particularly well known. Please do not pick the flowers, as they are protected.