When the conditions are good the terrain here offers endless options for adventurous skiers and those interested in making the step in to the world of off piste skiing.
So whether you are after an intro to the gear and technique for off piste, exploring the lift accessible terrain of the resort or the heli ski or touring options there is something for everyone.
Zermatt is a dream destination for off-piste skiing. Vast terrain, stunning alpine views, and high-altitude snow that often stays cold and light.
Off-Piste Terrain in Zermatt
Zermatt offers huge potential for off-piste skiing, from mellow powder fields near the pistes to steep couloirs, bowls, and glacier descents. While Zermatt’s high altitude and many north facing slopes make for great snow cover, we also experience storms with very high winds on the upper slopes. This can make for some interesting snow conditions and increased avalanche risk at times!
Yellow runs: The yellow runs or itineraries are marked off piste runs. They are controlled for avalanche safety but do not get groomed or patrolled.
Between pistes: Numerous areas between runs offer short powder stashes — perfect for a quick taste of off-piste.
Rote Nase: Legendary for the Triftji moguls back in the day, now there is great access to freeride lines when the snow is good.
Hohtälli: Classic freeride terrain with options for various levels depending on conditions.
Schwarztor: A stunning glacier descent into a remote valley, accessible via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and a short ski tour.
There is no ‘inbounds terrain’
Off-piste in Zermatt (and the rest of Europe) is anything beyond the groomers. Resorts only secure the marked pistes. As soon as you leave the marked runs, you are skiing in areas that are not managed or controlled for avalanches. You therefore need to make your own decisions about what is or is not safe. Be sure to have the knowledge and skills to understand the risks and identify the dangers.
Your responsibility
In Europe, skiing off-piste is allowed, but it’s entirely at your own risk.
No ropes or boundaries
There are no markers telling you where the terrain ends or the danger begins.
High alpine terrain
Zermatt’s terrain often includes glaciers, crevasses, and complex snowpacks.
Zermatt has some of the best off-piste skiing in the Alps, but it’s not a place to wing it. Get informed, get the gear, and if in doubt, ski with a pro.
Do You Need a Guide?
You don’t need a guide by law, but it’s one of the smartest choices you can make. A qualified local guide will:
- Choose the safest routes for the day’s conditions
- Help you avoid avalanche terrain
- Take you to the best snow (and away from tracked-out zones)
- Teach you how to use your safety gear if needed
Even confident skiers benefit from having someone who knows the mountain inside out.
Check the Avalanche Bulletin
Every day before skiing off-piste, check the avalanche bulletin. It’s published each morning and gives the danger level (1–5), recent snow/weather history, and details about the most dangerous aspects and elevations.
Zermatt is in the Wallis region on SLF.ch
What Gear Do You Need?
If you’re leaving the piste, you should carry an avalanche transceiver (beacon), shovel and probe are essential. The rest you can make decisions on.
Tips Before You Go Off-Piste in Zermatt
- Don’t follow tracks blindly, they don’t guarantee safety.
- Ski with people who have the same risk awareness as you.
- If in doubt, stay on piste or hire a guide.
- Save your adventure for the right day: stable snow, good visibility, and fresh legs.
