Gornergrat
G ornergrat is the heart of the Zermatt ski area and home to some great intermediate terrain. It’s well worth taking the train at some point in your stay; the journey is as scenic as they come and the view from the top is spectacular.The blues around Rifelberg are a great place to warm up before moving on to another part of the resort.
Pistes
Altitude
Gornergrat highlights
Access - Getting to Gornergrat
Sandwiched in the middle of the ski area, you can ski over to Gornergrat from both the Sunnegga and Klein Matterhorn sides.
If you are staying in the centre of town take the train from the Gornergrat station. The old cog railway, dating back 125 years, is a comfortable and efficient way to climb the 1469m to the top.
If the cog railway isn’t your thing (or you are at the south end of town) you can take the Matterhorn Express to Furi, then on to the Riffelberg Express up to Riffelberg.
How to get to Sunnegga
Skiing over to Sunnegga is moving left on the piste map. You’ll need to be a solid intermediate skier and happy on red runs to head this way.
How to get to Klein Matterhorn
Ski down to Furi from Riffelberg, to head towards the right of the piste map and to Klein Matterhorn or Schwarzsee.
The train is a great way up to Gornergrat!
Early in the day, trains at the far end of the platform run direct to Gornergrat without stopping. All other trains stop at Findelnbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg and Rotenboden on the way up.
Despite the train being over 125 years old, you will reach Gornergrat in the same time as a journey to Rothorn or Klein Matterhorn. If you are in good time at the station, you can even grab a coffee for the journey!
Gornergrat offers a great range of skiing for all abilities
Gornergrat piste highlights
The easiest blue (38) is from the Rotenboden station. There are also flattering runs from the top of the Gifthittli chairlift (36, 37 and 45).
The red run (35) from the top of the Gifthittli chair is a great rolling piste. You can continue on this down to Furi (39, 41, 42) and use the Riffelberg Express to return towards Gornergrat. The White Hare (28) from Hohtalli is a fantastic varied descent (if a little tricky at the top).
The excellent Kelle piste (29) to Gant is usually very quiet in the mornings. Berter (25) is steep at the bottom, sometimes icy and a good test of skills and edges.
The famous Triftji area is home to some of the best off piste skiing in Zermatt. High and north facing, you can generally find great snow on runs (31, 32 & 33). Same story on the wonderful Mittelritz (30). All these runs are long so make sure you’ve got the legs for them before you set off.
Check out the view from Hohtalli!
When skiing runs 28 or 44, delay your departure from Hohtalli (take a minute to enjoy the views) and click into your skis after everyone has gone and before the next cable car so you have the piste to yourself.
A great selection of restaurants from the very top all the way down to Furi
Gornergrat restaurant highlights
The Glacier Alpine Kitchen in the Kulm Hotel Gornergrat is right at the top of the Gornergrat train. The restaurant’s mountain-modern interior features panoramic windows that frame views of the surrounding 4000m peaks and the spectacular Gorner Glacier. For a unique refreshment break, Iglu Dorf on piste (45) offers a temporary winter wonder of hand-carved ice and snow structures. Beyond its novelty factor, their ice bar serves warming mulled wine and Swiss hot chocolate that taste even better when enjoyed on their surprisingly comfortable snow benches or lounging in their Matterhorn facing deck chairs.
Gornergrat restaurant highlights
Panoramic Peak Experiences
The Glacier Alpine Kitchen in the Kulm Hotel Gornergrat is right at the top of the Gornergrat train. The restaurant’s mountain-modern interior features panoramic windows that frame views of the surrounding 4000m peaks and the spectacular Gorner Glacier. For a unique refreshment break, Iglu Dorf on piste (45) offers a temporary winter wonder of hand-carved ice and snow structures. Beyond its novelty factor, their ice bar serves warming mulled wine and Swiss hot chocolate that taste even better when enjoyed on their surprisingly comfortable snow benches or lounging in their Matterhorn facing deck chairs.
Valley-Bound Delights
Ze Seewjinu provides the perfect mid-journey respite while descending the exhilarating Kelle piste (26) en route to Gant (and either Blauherd or Sunnegga). This charming mountain hut combines traditional Valais style with a sunny terrace where their hearty Röstis and homemade Apfelstrudel have earned a devoted following.
Nestled just below Riffelalp (41), the inviting Alphitta beckons with its authentic chalet ambiance. Proprietors Dave and Tanja ensure every guest receives personalized attention, creating an atmosphere that feels like visiting old friends. Their homemade soups and slow-cooked stews are a favourite among returning visitors. The proximity to the Riffelalp train station makes it a favourite for groups with non skiers or those who prefer to take the lift rather than ski back to town after a long sunset aprés session.
As skiers complete their Gornergrat adventure nearing Furi, Simi’s restaurant (bottom of piste 42) provides the perfect lunch stop. This relaxed and unpretentious establishment has built its reputation on excellent cuisine that bridges traditional and contemporary tastes. The spacious terrace basks in afternoon sunshine, creating an ideal environment for recounting the day’s adventures over their impressive selection of Swiss and Italian wines. The restaurant’s convenient location makes it an excellent choice for non skiing companions of the group to join in the fun.
All Gornergrat restaurants
