|
Zermatt General Overview
Zermatt
is a 365-day a year activity center, and we don't mean just for skiers
either. The resort is a 365-day activity center for all sports.
To be sure, there are other ski resorts that have a glacier to market and
can boast a 365-day ski season. Again there are some that have a world
- famous mountain and properly exploit this wide - spread fame to attract
the active and the curious to its base.
Others too build on the advantages above and
create a "class act" of a sporting and social playground
for visitors. Many can cite plentiful and varied accommodation,
creative restaurants and a vibrant night life.
All these attributes help to create a superstar
resort, and make it a "must do" on any skier's or active
traveler's list. There are a multitude of resorts that offer
all of the above. And still others will eliminate conventional
cars, develop state of the art, on- mountain and in - resort
transportation, and in other ways create a people oriented environment. World class shopping will add to the glitter,
and of course there are plenty who can boast that attraction
as well. But there are few friends, some, but darn
few who can offer all of the above all of the time.
And here's the sobering news. In these fickle
times, in these days of economic uncertainty, even if you can
add all of the above to your resume there is still no iron clad
guarantee of prosperity and everlasting happiness. If this or
any other resort was to rest on its laurels it could be curtains,
finito. Such is the nature of the travel industry beast But
never fear, Zermatt, the car free village tucked under the shadows
of The Matterhorn is neither sitting back and taking advantage
of its great good fortune, not is it resting on its laurels.
|
|
|
Activelifestyle
Tools
|
|
|
|
Powered
by
|
|
|
For instance, one would think that a resort
with a major glacier and year round skiing would have no need
to invest in snow making equipment. It has and one would think
that a resort with mountain transport in the form of cog wheel
trains, cable cars, gondolas and just about everything you could
care to mention would have any need to continuously add new and
improved mountain transportation. It does.
And just take a look at the night life! Jeez,
you would be forgiven for thinking you might be in Manhattan.
Bars, bistros, restaurants, discos - the whole thing is a constantly
changing scene resulting in a dynamic and exciting after dark
scene. So is this "Zertopia" ? Well on a
great day, one where the sunshine is bouncing off freshly fallen
snow, you might well be forgiven for thinking you have at last
found it. But, ummn, no it is not. The ski industry at the moment
is under attack from all directions and even superstars like
Zermatt are showing some bruises.
However as we point out more than once in
the pages of this journal, class always tells. The cream always
rises to the top. Luxury often translates into exceptionally
good value in less than peak economic times, and classy resorts
do not lower their standards, but you just may find a slight
dip in their price. Especially if you look in the off peak season.
| What a perfect time to explore the delights
of this, one of the most majestic of ski resorts. And because
this is truly a 365 day a year resort you can visit it in any
season, for any reason. Actually, if one were to look at the picture
of "old Zermatt" and then arrived in the village in
the winter of 98, probably the only thing that would reassure
you that you were indeed in Zermatt, would be that unchanged
mountain. The Matterhorn is still the superstar, still the big
draw. But only that remains unchanged. |
|
What was once that sparsely
populated little collection of villages is now one of the sleekest
ski and holiday destinations in the world. The acres of skiable
terrain tucked neatly under no less than 13 peaks higher than
3,000 meters is what most winter visitors come for, and, they
are rarely disappointed. These mountains covered in snow are
an awesome sight, and the variety of skiing playground they provide
is second to none. Anywhere.
In addition there are an equally impressive
number and means of uphill transportation to whisk skiers to
the hills too. There are trains to the mountains, over the mountain
and through the mountains. There are cable cars, gondolas, T-bars
and chair lifts. And if that's not enough, get a helicopter.
In town, countless sophisticated and professionally
run hotels provide a service that does indeed hark back to the
days of old. How great a holiday destination the place makes
will come into view if one considers that each full service hotel
probably features at least two good restaurants. Food and drink
and hospitality are Zermatt's long suit. Its tradition. And shopping?
Brother just be sure you've got your gold card. This is one of
the capitals of class, with the price tags to match.
OK, now you have the overall picture, the
general overview. Getting down to specifics, here's what one
can do, and when one can do it.
|
back to top |
Printer-Friendly
Version