Skiing In Zermatt

We love skiing in Zermatt, but it’s pricey. So we find ways to save money while we enjoy the amazing skiing and fantastic views of the Matterhorn.

Where We Stay In Zermatt

My sister came to visit and wanted to ski over Christmas, so we booked the cheapest hotel I could find in Zermatt, Hotel Derby, which ended up being perfectly located right by the train station! So after our 3 hour train ride from Zurich to Zermatt, our hotel was just steps away. And when we wanted to go skiing in the morning, the train that takes you up the mountain was just a few steps away. It was an absolutely perfect location, friendly reception desk, and a fine place to stay in Zermatt. We also love staying at the Best Western Butterfly Hotel which is also very nice. We don’t stay in the gorgeous fancy spa hotels as I just don’t think we would use the facilities as we are out skiing all day. Plus, they are very expensive. So basic works great for us.

Book Ski Rentals Ahead Of Time, Online

We rented skiis for my sister and the girls at Intersport which was located very close to Hotel Derby. The best thing is that we ordered their skiis, boots, poles, and helmets online, so they were totally ready for us when we showed up. Plus, we pre-paid, so it was super quick and easy to get in and out skiing the same day we arrived in Zermatt.

Eating, How To Save Money

There’s a Coop and a Migros in Zermatt. While there are lots of amazing places to eat in Zermatt, if you want to save money, go grab some groceries from Coop or Migros to have in your hotel room and in your pockets for the gondola ride and train rides or whenever hunger strikes or the kids get restless. Plus, buying a bottle of wine at Coop is so cheap compared with buying a glass of wine after skiing at a nice bar in Zermatt. Our hotel included breakfast, and we had lunch up on the mountain in the self service restaurant at Riffleberg.

For dinner, since it was Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner, I did make reservations. For Christmas Eve dinner, we ate at family friendly and casual Swiss Chalet. I get the all you can eat raclette which is my favorite, and it’s the only place I’ve found all you can eat anything in Switzerland. The place we ate Christmas dinner was really nice, so cozy, friendly, and dinner was served family style. I would highly recommend it and I would definitely go back again to Sonnmatten. Plus, they sat us in a beautiful room by ourselves with a box of toys for our baby boy to stay busy. Also, we each got a Swiss Army knife! And the view of the Matterhorn is absolutely worth going itself.

Take The Train To Zermatt

Taking the train to Zermatt is the only way we go. It’s an easy and beautiful train ride. Plus, there are super saver tickets you can buy online. It’s a gorgeous train ride and beats getting stuck in traffic, having to stop for kids to use the bathroom, or stopping for food. With my sister visiting, it was so nice to take the train so we could all catch up. And the kids loved the kid’s play carriage so they could just play and be kids.

Save Money Where You Can

While I would love to stay in a 5 star resort where we arrive by horse drawn carriage and enjoy a pampering day at the spa while my children are whisked away to the kid’s club, it’s just not affordable. Zermatt is pricey on it’s own, so finding a budget friendly hotel is how we can afford to get the best skiing, get our tourist on, and not break the bank while on a ski holiday in Switzerland.

This blog post is sponsored by Reima. We are so excited to be Reima ambassadors this winter season as our kids love the gear they picked out from this great Finish brand. From walking to and from school to skiing, Reima has our kid’s covered. Thanks Reima for keeping our kid’s warm this season.