Zermatt ski resorts and lodges

Regarded by many as Switzerland's top ski resort and by plenty as the world's best, Zermatt is extremely picturesque, car free and offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn and 28 other peaks surrounding the mountain village. The winter sports opportunities are equally mind-blowing, with the world's second biggest lift-served vertical drop, and a virtual guarantee of snow from top to bottom throughout the season thanks to Zermatt's altitude and snowmaking on the lower slopes.

Zermatt offers skiing 365 days a year with a 1000 metre (3280 foot) vertical on its glacier in the summer months. And the glacier route provides lift links over the border to Cervinia and Valtournenche in Switzerland , now available on a joint lift pass after many years of moaning by visitors who previously had to pay a daily supplement.

• Vertical Drop: 2,286m/7,500'

• Top Elevation: 3,820m/12,795'

• Lifts: 41 (2 railways, 10 trams, 6 gondolas, 4 chairs, 19 surface)

• Terrain: 20/40/30 (beg/int/adv)

• Pistes: 150 km

• Cross Country: 10 km

• Snowboards: Yes