Holiday In Zermatt, Switzerland

Family Travel Forum's resort expert hits the slopes to review Zermatt, Switzerland in winter.

Horse drawn sleighs still travel over the- cobbled streets of this quaint mountain town where the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous landmark, dominates the snow-covered peaks. Visitors arrive by mountain railway after leaving their cars at Visp or Brig down the mountain, since Zermatt is a pedestrian town.

Nine of the 10 peaks surrounding the village are the highest in Europe, and three separate ski areas operate from various parts of town. Children under 9 ski free, ages 9-16 are half- price, and seniors 65+ enjoy reduced tickets. If you don’t ski, you’ll still enjoy views of the world’s most recognizable peak as you wander through the shops, boutiques, and small Alpine Museum in the village. Or, you can try ice skating, curling, cross country skiing, dog sledding, ice climbing, snow volleyball, and even sunbathing on reindeer fur! Because there are so many cable cars, gondolas, and trams, non-skiers can meet skiers on the mountain for lunch.

A couple of hotels stand out as particularly family friendly: Hotel Nicoletta, in the center of town, has connecting rooms and a childcare center for kids ages 2-8 in winter. They serve a special children’s dinner, and host weekly events for the kids. Hotel Holiday (+41 27 907 1203), at the base of the Sunnegan Express tram about 10 minutes from the town center, allows children under 7 to stay free in their parents’ room. Spacious rooms have small kitchenettes, rates include breakfast, and an independent childcare facility is just steps from the hotel.