Hat trick for Zermatt: At the end of September 2011, and for the third time in succession, the ski destination Zermatt Matterhorn was declared to be the best ski area in 2012 in the “Alpine skiing” category by the German “ski bible”, the ADAC SkiGuide. The mix of varied pistes received particular praise. 

Zermatt can now call itself the “Top Ski Area of 2012” in the “Alpine skiing” category. And thereby finds itself at the top of the more than 200 portrayed ski regions. The ADAC SkiGuide writes: “Other ski areas may be larger, but the mix in Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche is just right.” The pistes, which are situated among unique high-mountain scenery, are “extremely varied and, in some cases, record-breaking.” The lengths of the pistes, for example, including the longest in the Alps, with 21 kilometres. The editors were convinced by the varied character of the pistes in Switzerland and Italy, which allow both beginners and cracks to get full value for their money: skiers, snowboarders, free-riders, mogul slope skiers, but also connoisseurs and sun-lovers. Zermatt is an “alpine playground for everyone” and offers “sporting challenges against a unique background” is written in the guide. The standard of the top gastronomy on the edges of the slopes is also very high.

More than 1,500 ski areas worldwide have been portrayed, tested and had their trends presented in the Ski Bible. 700 pages, complete with infogrammes, maps, and recommendations. It appeared in September 2011, only in German.

Zermatt is a tiny village in the Swiss Alps with approximately 6'000 inhabitants. It's also one of Europe's premier ski resorts and swells to some 20'000 guests during the winter high-season. Zermatt is found at the foot of the Matterhorn in the German-speaking canton of Valais in southern Switzerland. Located just 10 kilometers from the Italian border (Cervinia), you can go skiing in Switzerland in the morning, have lunch in Italy an hour later and be back in time for a tasty cheese fondue at Zermatt's oldest restaurant, the Café DuPont that evening.

The nearest airport is Zürich, 248kms (154 miles) away. Geneva airport is also close: 244kms (151 miles) away. Travel time by train from both airports to Zermatt is roughly 3 hours. Zermatt is 'auto-free' to prevent air pollution so you can't drive into the village, but you can get here by cog railway train or taxi from the nearby village of Täsch, (7kms away). Trains also depart for Zermatt from further down the 

valley at Visp and Brig, which are connected to the Swiss rail network. Once in the village you will find numerous taxis and buses (all battery-powered) which will help you get you to your Zermatt hotel or to the ski-pistes.

Zermatt is not just a picture postcard village. This car free Swiss Mountain Village boasts some of the best hotels and fine dining in all of Switzerland. I should know as I have visited this magical village dozens of times. Below is a list of my all time favorites in Zermatt. Zermatt Switzerland web site.

(1) Grand Hotel Zermatterhoff: The Zematterhoff and the Mount Cervin Palace run neck and neck as far as I am concerned as the best in Zermatt. Each, are very conservative and a little stuffy, but nonetheless I enjoy both of them. The Zematterhoff and the Mount Cervin Palace run neck and neck as far as I am concerned as, the best in Zermatt. Each, are very conservative and a little stuffy, but nonetheless I enjoy both of them. Great food and service. Grand Hotel Zermatterhoff web site

(2) Mont Cervin Palace: The Mont Cervin Palace has been around since the 1800's but always being updated with the latest technology. The Mont Cervin may be just a bit more cozy than the Zematterhoff. Here again great food and service as well as some excellent views of the Matterhorn.  Mont Cervin Palace web site.

(3) Monte Rosa, Instead of a grand access road a small projecting roof and modest wooden door – and no sea of flags, but a simple brass plate which one could almost fail to see. A cosy lobby, homely entrance hall and diverse drawing rooms once lured with special flair – and although the Monte Rosa stems far back to the origins of mountain tourism, it has maintained its charm of donkey’s years ago and is far from a museum piece in need of a good dusting even today! Monte Rosa is not just a hotel, but a structure, mood and life-feeling. Welcome to Zermatt.... A place where the past and present are reality and dreams come true!  Hotel Rating:  Travel and Leisure Top 10 Resorts in Europe. Monte Rosa web site.

(4) Julen: Welcome to a world of comfort and cosiness, that since 1937 has been a trademark of our well looked-after family establishment. With a long hotel tradition, we see it as our duty to make your stay with us as pleasant as possible, to make you feel at home with us and to fulfill all your needs and wishes. Our excellent cuisine, which ranges from local traditional dishes to international delicacies, will be a highlight of your stay with us. For Body and Soul - indulge yourself and treat your body to soothing, warming moments in our "water-wonder-world" which stretches over three floors. Even true beauties need to be pampered! And something else - because, in the center of Zermatt, we are surrounded by so much natural beauty, the originality, interior and ambiance of our hotel will make your stay with us in the Matterhorn Village a memorable one. Julen web site.