Discovering Zermatt: A Winter Sports Haven for Culinary Enthusiasts

Nestled amidst the iconic Matterhorn and majestic peaks, Zermatt is renowned globally as a premier mountain town and the cradle of Alpinism. This winter sports paradise offers an array of exceptional dining experiences, which I had the pleasure of exploring during my recent visit as a guest. After a refreshing nonstop flight to Switzerland with Swiss International Air Lines, I was eager to dive into all the wonders this remarkable country has to offer.

While exploring Zermatt on foot is delightful, you don’t need to be an expert skier to experience the breathtaking sights—beginners can easily navigate the area, and I wholeheartedly recommend skiing as the optimal way to enjoy it. There’s a practical aspect to this: many restaurants are only accessible by ski.

If skiing isn't your thing, fear not! Zermatt boasts a fantastic gondola system, including several newly constructed options, that can whisk you to the Alps' summit in no time. You can also visit during the summer, when the mountains are lush and green, but nothing compares to the complete winter adventure that skiing provides. It opens up access to stunning viewpoints and eateries and even allows for quick trips over to Italy for lunch.

Perhaps due to its geographical seclusion—it’s the final destination in the Matter Valley—Zermatt boasts a unique atmosphere and a distinct take on Swiss cuisine. The discerning local residents expect nothing but the best, and the restaurants deliver. I was fortunate to spend several days indulging in a variety of delicious regional specialties, some sourced directly from local producers, as well as enjoying superb meals at various establishments throughout the region.

Gourmet cuisine, mountain favorites, and global influences

With around 100 dining establishments in the region, more than half located on the slopes, you're spoiled for choice with remarkable culinary experiences for every meal. To truly savor the local taste, venture to the sunnier, south-facing mountain slopes, a popular spot for both skiing and dining among locals. You'll discover numerous family-owned restaurants, some with traditions spanning four generations, serving classic raclettes and fondues alongside a wide array of diverse offerings.

Beyond several Japanese restaurants like Shogun and Myoko, you'll find notable Indian eateries such as Golden India, which is highly praised due to the area's influx of Indian tourists. For those seeking an elevated dining experience, two Michelin-starred venues—Capri in the Mont Cervin Palace Hotel and After Seven at the Backstage Hotel—stand out among the many options. A highlight of my visit was the exquisite dinner at Saveurs in the Hotel Schönegg, a Relais & Chateau gem, featuring stunning views and a meticulously crafted four-course menu complemented by exceptional Swiss wines.

Locally sourced delights

The farm-to-table movement thrives here, with locally sourced Swiss products dominating hotel menus. Much of the meat in town comes from the area’s sheep farmer. Naturally, a variety of delicious cheeses from the region are also available. One early morning, I visited the artisans behind Horu-Käserei.

Cheesemaking is a passion project for Mirjam Gobba-Wyrsch, a schoolteacher, and her husband Reto, a carpenter. They provide Zermatter cheese to half of the hotels in Zermatt. About 24 cows are the source of milk for their mountain cheese, raclette, a delightful herb cheese for breakfast spreads, and incredibly fresh yogurt. We met at 7 a.m. since she had to be at school by 8. Race skis were conveniently hanging by the door.

On other mornings, I enjoyed breakfasts of Bircher muesli, made with dried fruit, honey, and rolled oats, served cold with fresh fruits, nuts, raisins, and dates (what they call “the original overnight oats”). It was the perfect high-fiber fuel for a day on or off the slopes. Plus, there's excellent coffee available everywhere. The Swiss take great pride in their coffee, and rightly so. The local milk is unique—unpasteurized, nourishing, and rich. Creamy and fresh, it tastes entirely different from what we find in grocery stores back in the States.

Embrace the thrill and venture off the beaten path

Great dining options abound throughout the town and on the mountain, including hidden gems that are definitely worth discovering. One of my favorite lunch spots is the recently renovated Paradise. Although it isn’t officially part of the mountain, the owner—a former ski racer, whose father was a well-known Swiss ski racer—takes matters into his own hands each fall, using a private snowmaker to create a trail to the restaurant.

After about 48 hours into my trip, I was delighted by the selection of fresh salads at Paradise, especially after indulging in too much raclette and fondue. I eagerly enjoyed a vibrant beet salad, followed by a hearty pasta and vegetable dish that was exactly what I needed to power through the rest of my active day on the slopes.

The grandeur of the Matterhorn

That afternoon, I continued skiing despite the foggy weather, eagerly searching for a glimpse of the iconic Matterhorn, which towers at 14,692 feet above sea level. The people of Zermatt are captivated by this mountain; it serves as the backdrop for nearly every official photo and is the focal point of most conversations. Whenever the wind shifted, a sliver of the peak would emerge, prompting onlookers to pause and capture the moment. On a clear day, it dominates the landscape, rising majestically from Zermatt.

It’s no surprise that Zermatt is considered the birthplace of alpinism and climbing culture, a tradition that began in the 1800s when British adventurers joined forces with Swiss and Italian guides to explore the area. For a deeper understanding of this fascinating history, visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, where you can learn about life in the 19^th century and view artifacts such as the broken rope from the first known ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, during which four of the seven climbers tragically lost their lives.

Where to enjoy après-ski

After a thrilling day on the slopes, it’s time to dive into the vibrant après-ski atmosphere. Among the many choices, I chose to visit Cervo, a mountain resort renowned for its après-ski scene. The place buzzed with an international crowd, featuring a British band, tour groups from India and Japan, and plenty of local Swiss enjoying beers, champagne, and Aperol spritzes as the fireplaces crackled. It's a ski-in, ski-out venue conveniently located in town—definitely a lively spot worth experiencing to wrap up a day of skiing.