Zermatt has received the 'Family Destination – Familien willkommen' quality label from the Swiss Tour Federation. Proof, if you need it, that Zermatt's mountain railways, lifts, ski schools, and restaurants are made for kids and families. Below is our guide to everything families can do in Zermatt.
At SCHLOSS Zermatt
Our rooms, suites, apartments and cottage are ready for families of all shapes and sizes. But we also have plenty going on in the hotel to keep the kids busy…
Games Room: young and old can get competitive with table football, table tennis, darts, billiards, Lego and more. So whatever the weather, we’ve got the day covered.
Pool and textile sauna: children of any age are welcome when accompanied by parents.
Gym, yoga and fitness classes: children are welcome from the age of 16.
Skiing and snowboarding with the family
For a great family day on the slopes, we recommend Wolli's park for beginners at Sunnegga. The Sunnegga ski area is quickly accessible from SCHLOSS Zermatt via the Sunnegga funicular. It’s in a sunny and sheltered location (that’s often warmer than Zermatt village), and has fantastic views, easy slopes, and lots of places for refreshments.
The pistes to the Eisfluh lift and Findeln are uncomplicated, as is the standard piste from Blauherd to Sunnegga. For a long lunch, head to Findeln which has a great choice of mountain restaurants.
Tip: the ‘Beginner Ski Pass’ is valid for Zermatt - Sunnegga, Sunnegga - Blauherd, Eisfluh, the Findel lift, and Lake Leisee - Shuttle. The pass would be enough for your day or week if you’re not planning on using any of the other cable cars with your children.
Tobogganing
For those who don't ski or snowboard, Zermatt still has a lot to offer in winter - namely the toboggan run from Rotenboden on the Gornergrat.
It’s the highest run in the Alps and also one of the most beautiful. The fast-paced run takes about 10 minutes and, thanks to the special ‘tobogganing ticket’, you can have fun all day long.
The Gornergrat Train (a 2-minute walk from SCHLOSS Zermatt) takes you directly up to Rotenboden. You can rent a toboggan on site, pick it up at the start of the toboggan run, and return it to Riffelberg station following your adventure.
Playgrounds in Zermatt
- Obere Matten: a 5-minute walk from SCHLOSS Zermatt with swings, slides, climbing towers and sandboxes.
- Winkelmatten: a 30-minute walk from us, here you’ll find a great climbing playground. This is more for children aged 6 and above, but there are also swings for smaller children.
- Forest Funpark: this climbing park is a great adrenaline-filled experience. It has five fun courses for adults as well as the largest kids' trail in Switzerland.
Ice skating and ice hockey
Zermatt’s ice rink is in the centre of the village and is great for Frozen princes and princesses, future ice hockey pros, or gentle laps. You can rent equipment at Julen Sport which is next to the rink, as is a kids playground.
Walking with a baby and/or pram in Zermatt
If you’d rather not bring your baby carriage or pram with you, you can rent one directly in the village at Bayard Rental: www.bayardsport.ch/de/rent. From there, here are some of the best baby-friendly hiking and walking trails in Zermatt…
Furi Trail (about 1.5 hours): take the gondola to Furi, then walk back to Zermatt village on the gentle, asphalted road via Moos. It is usually very quiet here with hardly any people around.
Forest Trail (about 2.5-3 hours): travel up the mountain on the Sunnegga funicular. From Sunnegga, walk towards Tuftern and then via Patrullarve and Ried back to Zermatt village. Along the way, don’t forget to stop and stare a while. And if you get hungry, head to Ried restaurant.
Family-friend restaurants in Zermatt
All restaurants in Zermatt are generally very family-friendly, but below are some of our favourites (and ones that we know have highchairs). There are usually two options when dining in the evening: 6.30-8.30pm and from 8.30/9pm.
Good mountain restaurants include: Findlerhof (in Findeln), Fluhalp (in Rothorn), Blatten (in Furi), Al Bosco (in Gornergrat), Gitz Gädi (in Furi). All are great in the summer as they’re close to playgrounds.
Family-friend restaurants in Dorf
- Sonnmatten: great for lunch with a beautiful terrace, garden, and small playground for children.
- Cervo: ideal during the day, Cervo has a lovely terrace and small playground. In winter, extra painting materials, puzzles and more are available for children.
- Grampis: a cute Italian restaurant where you can admire old photos of Zermatt on the ceilings and walls.
- Molino: another Italian restaurant with a large outdoor area where children can play.
- Avena: great home-cooking in a rustic, informal atmosphere. Avena has a small front garden where children can play.
Childcare, nannies and babysitting
If you need someone to look after your child(ren), then we recommend The Alpine Nanny. She knows how to have fun and is very professional. You can find out more at www.alpinenanny.com.
How kids can travel for free around Zermatt
The Wolli Card is a free club card for children (aged up to 9) who are accompanied by an adult or youth who purchases at least a two-day pass. The card gives a child:
- Free use of the mountain lifts in the Zermatt - Matterhorn resort
- Exemption from holiday taxes
- Free use of the local bus
- Wolli Welcome Kit
- Reductions on Wolli events
Final thought
Discovering Zermatt’s mountains is super simple. Everything can be reached quickly and on foot, with trains and gondolas your best friend.
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