Contact

Planning a summer trip to Zermatt and its surroundings? Discover here our best activity ideas to enrich your journey with unique experiences—from hiking and summer skiing to mountain biking and scenic rides on Zermatt’s cable cars and panoramic trains. Find endless inspiration to create the perfect itinerary for your dream adventure around Zermatt!

Is Zermatt worth visiting in summer?

 

In summer, Zermatt never fully puts its skis away—you can actually ski here year-round. But above all, the village transforms into Switzerland’s alpine capital, nestled at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn.

Whether you’re a born climber or simply a lover of wide-open spaces, Zermatt has something for you. Local guides can take you up the steep slopes of the Matterhorn or lead you through the wild and breathtaking landscapes of a region that boasts no fewer than 38 of Switzerland’s 54 peaks rising above 4,000 meters.

A true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts—offering hiking, mountain biking, via ferrata, and mountaineering—this charming alpine town is also the perfect place for leisurely strolls and restorative escapes.

So, if you’re wondering whether Zermatt is worth visiting in summer, our answer is an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’—and here’s everything you can do while you’re there.

Things to do in Zermatt in summer

On your tailor-made trip to Zermatt, are you looking to immerse yourself in authentic experiences and discover the destination’s true soul? Here you’ll find all the activity ideas we can arrange for you during your stay with 1786!

Summer skiing in Zermatt

Summer skiing in Zermatt

With the resort’s highest point reaching nearly 4,000 meters at the summit of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car, skiing in Zermatt is possible all year round. On the glacier, around 21 kilometers of slopes await avid skiers, snowboarders, and freestyle enthusiasts—thanks in part to the summer snowpark and the SnowXperience Plateau Rosa, right on the border with Italy.

Hiking during your summer holidays in Zermatt

Hiking during your summer holidays in Zermatt

Passionate about exploring on hiking trails? Zermatt is nothing short of a dream come true! With nearly 400 kilometers of marked paths, this exceptional playground invites you to spend unforgettable hours walking amidst extraordinary and rejuvenating nature.

Set out with a guide to follow in the footsteps of local wildlife basking in the sun or foraging in the most rugged corners. Here, two marmots squabble in the grass; there, an ibex stands motionless, watching you… Magical encounters await at every turn.

You’ll also discover breathtaking trails leading to the most stunning viewpoints of the Matterhorn—whether at Findeln, Schwarzsee, Blauherd, Riffelberg, or along the Five Lakes Trail, among many others.

And of course, for those in search of even more thrills, our guides can also take you climbing or on a via ferrata adventure!

Mountain biking in Zermatt

Mountain biking in Zermatt

Where there’s a hiker’s paradise, there’s often a mountain biker’s paradise too—and Zermatt is no exception! The area boasts over 100 kilometers of mountain biking trails, stretching from 1,400 to 3,100 meters in altitude, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Matterhorn. The routes cater to every rider, from beginners to seasoned experts.

Among the most spectacular trails our guides can take you on are Sunnegga to Riffelberg, the Moos Trail, the Four Lakes Circuit, the descent from Blauherd to Sunnegga, the Kalbermatten Yo-Yo, and the more challenging Stafel–Schönbielhütte route.

Zermatt’s cable cars and mountain trains

Zermatt’s cable cars and mountain trains

Looking for the most extraordinary view of the Matterhorn? It’s hard to choose! During your summer stay in Zermatt, don’t miss the chance to hop aboard one of the village’s cable cars or panoramic trains for a truly breathtaking experience.

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lifts you up to 3,883 meters. From the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Switzerland’s most majestic Alpine peaks, including the Breithorn, the Weisshorn, the Matterhorn itself, and even the Italian side of Mont Blanc.

The Gornergrat Railway climbs to 3,089 meters, bringing you close to magnificent, untouched glaciers such as the Gorner. Keep your eyes open along the way—you might just spot a marmot or two putting on a show!

Finally, the Rothorn cable car, rising to 3,103 meters, offers one of the most iconic views of the Matterhorn’s famous north-east face—often nicknamed the “chocolate side of the Matterhorn,” thanks to its appearance on the Toblerone logo.

Many of Zermatt’s train and cable car stops are also starting points for unforgettable hikes and scenic walks, such as the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. 

The Zermatlantis museum in Zermatt

For a gentler yet equally fascinating activity, don’t miss a visit to Zermatlantis, located right in the heart of the village. Step inside to retrace Zermatt’s history through strikingly lifelike reconstructions, and discover the legacy of the first mountaineers who dared to conquer the legendary Matterhorn!

Your tailor-made summer trip in Zermatt

Now that you have an idea of all the things to do in Zermatt during the summer, are you feeling inspired for your next trip?

Our team is at your service to create the perfect program—blending sports and cultural activities, private transfers, fine dining, and exceptional accommodations. Zermatt offers no shortage of luxury hotels where you can enjoy a well-deserved pause of comfort and rejuvenation: from the sublime Riffelalp Resort and the elegant Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, to the spacious Mont Cervin Palace, or the refined charm of 4-star gems like the Boutique Hotel Matthiol or La Couronne. Simply share your wishes with us—we’ll take care of every detail, with endless options to choose from.

Would you like to keep your base in Zermatt for your entire stay? We’ll find the ideal accommodation and curate exclusive experiences and unique excursions to help you discover the hidden treasures of the region.

Or perhaps you dream of a grand journey through the Swiss and French Alps with a stop in Zermatt? We’ll design the perfect itinerary tailored to your every wish, bringing you the very best of the Alps!

For instance, we can take you to Crans-Montana for a round of golf at altitude, or to Chamonix to experience its iconic Mer de Glace and Aiguille du Midi. We might also lead you to unwind along the shores of Lake Geneva, with visits to Geneva and Montreux, or to the enchanting Lake Annecy, often called the ‘Little Venice of the Alps.’ All of this, of course, comes within a fully customized program, complete with private transfers, accommodation, dining, and activities.

For more inspiration, discover all our exclusive Alpine experiences.

The 1786 team, your Alpine travel specialist, is at your service to design your tailor-made summer trip in Zermatt. Share your first ideas and wishes with us—and to explore further, discover our full range of services.

1786