This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page 2025A potent midweek storm is set to blanket much of the Alps with significant snowfall particularly from Wednesday night through Friday potentially racking up as much as 40–50 inches by Friday night Val Thorens also looks primed for major accumulations with around 25–35 inches on tap through Friday and Courchevel all flirt with the 20–25 inch range A weaker system arrives later in the weekend and into early next week again favoring Zermatt with moderate additional snow while most other resorts pick up only modest amounts we combine the snowfall from the previous night (4 PM–8 AM) and the daytime snow (8 AM–4 PM) of that same day Mouth-watering totals for the Alps from Wednesday night and Thursday Zermatt: An eye-popping 34–44 inches will have stacked up by Thursday afternoon (from Wednesday night plus Thursday daytime) The first wave starts slightly denser (SLR ~8) but turns fluffier into Thursday Expect deep turns and minimal wind.Val Thorens: Grabs around 24–30 inches by Thursday afternoon Slightly lighter SLR than Zermatt (mostly around 11) leading to nicely surfable powder.Chamonix & Verbier: Both rack up roughly 18–23 inches through Thursday Expect moderate-density snow with decent coverage on upper slopes.Courchevel: 17–22 inches by Thursday afternoon Quality stays fairly high with SLR near 9–10.If you can swing a Thursday chase Zermatt is the clear winner for sheer depth and Courchevel will all deliver powdery conditions Friday brings solid additional totals to the region Zermatt: Picks up an additional 6–8 inches overnight Thursday into Friday with calmer winds and temps in the mid-20s Another great day here.Val Thorens: Adds 3–4 inches for Friday keeping conditions fresh on upper runs.Chamonix Courchevel: Each sees 2–3 more inches Anton & Sölden: Only about 1–2 inches by Friday and temperatures creep into the low to mid-30s Expect heavier snow on lower slopes.With Zermatt already buried and getting nearly a half-foot more but anywhere that saw Thursday’s powder should still be good for day-two leftovers Saturday (4/19)No significant new snow overnight Friday into Saturday across most resorts Grab the leftover goods where it fell deepest Zermatt’s 40+ inches by now will still be riding exceptionally well on upper terrain Sunday (4/20)Zermatt: Could see 3–6 inches from Saturday night into Sunday Still the prime spot for a mini-refresh.Val Thorens: Only around 1 inch Not really worth a dedicated chase; however its existing base is deep after the midweek storm.Chamonix & others: A trace to 1 inch Mostly negligible.Zermatt stands out again Tuesday (4/22)Zermatt: Yet another 2–4 inches Monday night into Tuesday.Val Thorens: Around 1 inch.Chamonix: Maybe a dusting.Zermatt’s multi-day spree continues you’ll likely enjoy fresh tracks all the way into Tuesday ECMWF snowfall forecast through Sunday Zermatt is clearly the headline grabber, but nearly the entire western and central Alps get in on the goods for Thursday and Friday. Another lighter round favors Zermatt again through early next week. Enjoy the deep turns and safe travels as you chase!@Powderchasers is the official forecast channel for POWDER.  Pascal Gertschen/Courtesy of Zermatt Tourism  Be one of the first to try our new activity feed A quick trip to Switzerland’s most iconic resort left an indelible mark and forever influenced one skier’s trajectory After high school I wanted to be a ski bum so I stacked the deck in the best manner I could and signed up to be an exchange student in Switzerland They lived in a small village lined with willow trees near Lake Geneva where on clear mornings I could see the Alps gleaming over the water was a wealth manager and a magnificent powder skier who had clients around the world with property at some of the planet’s best ski resorts muscular man with a broad grin and an easy manner One day he came home to announce a client had invited the whole family to his condo in Zermatt  for a long weekend Winter had arrived warm and sluggish that year I’d already logged more days skiing those first few weeks of the season than I ever had growing up on the eastern shore of Maryland I skipped school to test my mettle on mogul runs at Portes du Soleil and played off-piste at a place called Bettmeralp I would head up to a mom-and-pop joint in the Jura called La Dôle where my classmates and I would build kickers between the larches It was all so easy for a car-less teen: Just hop on a train in the morning then wobble back onto the train for the lazy ride home Zermatt is often the first place people think of when they picture skiing in Switzerland the Swiss canton with the largest concentration of the highest peaks in the country The resort covers a whopping 98 square miles of glaciers and alpine valleys riddled with more than 120 miles of slopes including one that’s nearly 16 miles long—the longest run in the world Zermatt is a place you can ski all year long just five of the 76 trails are rated expert but who cares when you can spend a day skiing and hop over the border for a quick limoncello in Italy Having mostly experienced only mid-Atlantic ski resorts Then there were all the ingenious contraptions the Swiss have installed to ferry you back to the top of the mountain and one very cool cogwheel train—a train!—all of which punches up through forests or across broad rolling shoulders peppered with farming huts for tending summer pastures That was the first time I realized that going up could be as much fun as going down wasn’t set here but that didn’t stop me from imagining it We loaded up Geri’s silver Saab and made the three-hour drive to Täsch the last village in the valley before Zermatt where we parked the car and took a tiny electric taxi bus for the final three miles into town Those first few minutes left me speechless It was as if I’d walked into some fancy fairytale—if fairytales had fondue and smelled like sheep People have been living in this valley year-round since about the 7th century long before the need for city planning and traffic control and so the streets are much too narrow to allow for normal cars It’d be another 1,200 years before the first hotel arrived the three-bed Hotel Cervie that’s now the opulent Hotel Monte Rosa a warren of alleyways twisted around wooden houses and storage buildings perched on stilts (to better keep critters out of the larder) We spent the next three days skiing in a manner that would influence me for the rest of my life a panoramic spot near the 10,100-foot Rothorn and the Findel Glacier where we warmed up on a few runs before stopping for coffee at a little hut near Tuftern We cruised around the open expanses of the Hohtälli and rode the cogwheel train up the Gornergrat I burned nearly an entire roll of film taking pictures to piece together into a panorama that I later hung on my wall We never seemed to go more than two hours or so without stopping to drink apple wine watching the shadows creep around the Matterhorn like a sundial which felt like a birthday present stacked inside a birthday present I don’t remember much about the run itself From then on skiing wasn’t just about turns or conditions or how much vertical you could log but rather a door that opened countless excuses to eat and to linger in some of the planet’s most spectacular places that too many of us will never see Two decades after my exchange days came to a close I landed back in Switzerland for a second stint By then I was a married man and a journalist with a baby on the way Just before moving home we took our daughter high into the Alps to a viewpoint near Leukerbad I pointed out the Matterhorn to her as it ripped into the distant sky Chez Vrony is the standard bearer when it comes to authentic mountain huts Snag a terrace table on a clear day for the best Matterhorn views around traditional après bar with live music and an outdoor terrace with all the views Hennu Stall is the best spot in Zermatt to dance on tables in your ski boots you want the most authentic Swiss Alpine cuisine This is the traditional grand hotel right in the heart of town with the convenience and the ambience to anchor any trip Bonus: They send a horse-drawn carriage to fetch guests from the train station The Gornergrat links the town of Zermatt to the 10,140-foot summit station of its eponymous mountain peak It’s a wondrous experience that’s not to be missed Snow and Mountain Lifestyle news and entertainment The new system sits next to the 8-seater Matterhorn Express gondola, which operates nearly 360 days a year. It also has special features on the tower saddles dampen noise through the first tower, and it’s the first aerial tramway to use the Performa haul rope made by Fatzer AG. Plus, the cabins (made by CWA based in Olten) offer rooftop rides on the uphill side during the summer If that’s not enough, this is the first large aerial tramway to incorporate Doppelmayr’s new Autonomous Ropeway Operation system, or AURO. With AURO, station attendants aren’t necessary. Cameras and sensors ensure that the system is operating smoothly during boarding, disembarking, and general travel, while a ropeway operator keeps an eye on the system in the Ropeway Operation Center (ROC). The technology was first introduced in December 2020 in Zermatt for the 10-seater Kumme gondola lift. The lift is split into two sections, and with AURO no operators are needed at the top or bottom station. Instead, just one person is needed at the mid-station to ensure everything is running smoothly. Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox. nolan@unofficialnetworks.com Nolan Deck is a writer for Unofficial Networks, covering skiing and outdoor adventure. After growing up and skiing in Maine, he moved to the Denver area for college where he continues to live and work... Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Korean Peninsula Affairs Liu Xiaoming attended the 11th Zermatt Roundtable on Security Issues in Northeast Asia held in Montreux Liu Xiaoming talked with officials including Vice Foreign Minister of Russia Andrey Rudenko State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Alexandre Fasel Special Envoy of the Swedish Government for Korean Peninsula Affairs Peter Semneby Vice Minister for Strategy and Intelligence of the ROK Foreign Ministry Cho Koo-rae and Ambassador in Charge of Korean Peninsula Policy of the Japanese Foreign Ministry Akihiro Okochi as well as experts from various think tanks and exchanged views with them on security in Northeast Asia and other issues of mutual interest Liu Xiaoming elaborated China's positions and propositions on relevant issues and called on all parties to keep to the general direction of political settlement and jointly play a constructive role for safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia The parties recognized the important role played by China and expressed their readiness to enhance communication and cooperation with the Chinese side Austria.Photo: Meindert van der Haven/Getty Images making them perfect places to ski during the warmer months While glaciers are popular among freestyle and alpine racing athletes hoping to train year-round too.Many skiers will encounter glaciers at ski resorts that offer summer skiing without realizing it so ski resort visitors don’t need to worry about donning a harness or relying on other backcountry travel techniques unless otherwise specified.In the backcountry skiers have to be more aware of the risks associated with glaciers Unexpectedly plunging into one of these glacial cracks which sometimes aren’t visible from above unless you’re trained in glacier travel or with a certified guide always obey relevant signage and remain within the boundaries of the ski resort Numerous ski resorts around the world offer summer glacier skiing While the bulk of these destinations are in Europe one famous Oregonian ski resort is part of the glacial crowd with a technical caveat.  Here are a few glacier ski resorts worth checking out: Most skiers know how to prepare for winter conditions and other cold-weather pieces of gear are usually unnecessary you’re preparing for warm temperatures and soft snow—that might involve rocking a t-shirt Can you count the continent's best resorts on one hand five landmark resorts that define the European experience beware: The spells they cast may enthrall you forever wine-sipping tourists…no one is immune to the real-life glory of the Matterhorn It’s 11 o’clock on a bluebird day in Zermatt The hooked pyramid of the Matterhorn pierces a cloudless sky where “skiers” sip coffee and nibble pastries Zermatt’s skiing is some of the best in the world Its 153 miles of trails span three mountains—Klein Matterhorn But European visitors are as fond of the food and wine as they are of the skiing and few places capture this ski-to-eat philosophy better Zermatt was a quiet farming hamlet until the 19th century when it was discovered by European aristocrats and alpinists hungry to conquer the Matterhorn and upscale restaurants now fill out the village core and horse-drawn carriages rumble up the cobblestone streets Though teeming with all of the amenities of a world-class resort in the summer you’ll still hear cowbells clanging loudly through town as shepherds drive their herds up to higher pastures cowbell noise pollution is one of the town’s most contentious issues After a morning spent skiing the Breithorn a popular ski tour easily assessed from the resort my guide and I head to lunch at Chez Vrony We sit on a deck overlooking a sleepy farming village and tuck into platters of dried local beef soak up the sun and nap on comfy deck chairs an open-air bar on the lower part of the mountain and by four o’clock girls are dancing on tables an old farmhouse tucked into the woods off Sunnegga’s home run Zermatt’s cobblestone streets clip-clop with contented skiers weathered mountain guides and slick Euros prosting and laughing over steins of Carlsberg lager skis over one shoulder and a pitchfork over the other with 30 balconied rooms set on a rock shelf above Zermatt is a modernist’s paradise dressed in dark granite Request a room with a view of the Matterhorn MUST DOThe Matterhorn wasn’t conquered until 1865, when the seven members of Edward Whymper’s party finally reached the summit. Only three survived the descent. For more on this and other fascinating mountaineering stories, visit the Matterhorn Museum DETAILSFly into either Zurich or Geneva and take the train to Zermatt Part 2: St. Anton, Austria.  Zermatt is easily one of the most famous ski destinations in Europe. Tucked under the Matterhorn, the Swiss town looks like a dream for both skiers and mountain lovers. There are several major ski areas around the town, but they’re mostly interconnected, and visitors have plenty of terrain to visit. The skiing looks remarkable, the views look unbelievable, and the food looks amazing. But is it really worth it for skiers and snowboarders to visit? Is the highest mountain station in Europe really all that appealing? European ski instructor Marius Quast visited the mountain, compiling his experience into a Zermatt review. “I finally did it: I set off to Zermatt to go skiing and was finally able to experience this special ski resort in the Alps. Of course I had already seen and read a lot about the Matterhorn, knew about the two sides of Cervinia, Italy, and Zermatt in Switzerland. But experiencing it live was something completely different.“ If there were one resort that could best encapsulate all the wintry enchantment of an Alpine village Like a flock of choir boys clutching their candles in song the resort's chalets illuminate the valley amber at night and sit obediently under the menacing gaze of the Matterhorn The gravity-defying Gornergrat train offloads skiers into this car-free scene They duly slip into horse-drawn carriages before taking on Zermatt’s abundant cruisey slopes that spill into Italy (run 52 being a firm favourite) They also devour an inordinate sum of truffle-doused pasta with Zermatt’s obscene profusion of gourmet restaurants including piste-side legend Chez Vrony and Alpine classic Zum See Many of these remain open in summer when the resort’s thick pillowy white thaws reveal a hiker’s paradise of wildflower meadows pine forests crisscrossed by twinkling streams and trails skirting glassy lakes Aside from the snow-sure skiing and Narnia-like scenery, what sets Zermatt apart from its glitzy neighbours is that this is a village that played a seminal role in the development of winter sports and has managed to keep the glitzy designer glem of, say, Courchevel and St Moritz at bay It all started in the late 19th century with Alexander Sellier drawing in mountaineers and the Alpine-obsessed aristocracy with two hotels – Monte Rosa and Mont Cervin Palace (now Zermatt stalwarts who’ve Only a brave handful of hotels have since moved in on the Matterhorn action – along with a protected cluster of chalets (notoriously near impossible ‘buy into’) Zermatt is hush-hush high society and high altitude – the highest in the Alps Whether trotting off via antique carriage to one of the village’s grande dames with traditional dress codes and decidedly large spas or smoother modern gloss additions where DJs prop up fair weather skier-lined terraces More recommendations for the best ski hotels: the ‘Alpine Rooms’ occupy the hotel’s palatial main building and one of the four adjoining buildings – expect cream-on-cream (with a dash of coffee) modern curtains and milky stone fireplaces wood panelling and rich velvets are deployed for the traditionalists in the Petit Cervin building (connected by a tunnel) hot tubs elevate them to bona fide hideaway status (all that post-piste chalet cosiness and privacy within a hotel) atmospheric spaces through which an abundance of Alpine glamour has spun since the 1850s Highlights include live music spot Joseph’s Bar & Terrace (dressed in scarlet and moss velvet) With the lifts a mere snow shuffle (or carriage ride) from the hotel and the contemporary Spa Nescens dutifully delivers on all the après pampering from hot basalt stone treatments to simply wallowing in the steamy Zermatt’s oldest and perhaps least flashy hotel It’s deeply anchored in the town’s history – a sort of pilgrim spot for mountaineers geologists and Aristocats since Alexander Seiler prophetically opened its doors for mountain madcappery in 1847 Edward Whymper then laid his head here in 1865 before becoming the first mountaineer to scramble up the Matterhorn in pictures framed along corridors and a prevailing sense that you’re staying somewhere with substance and not another private equity-backed The hotel’s exterior has a Snow White quality – a white canvas swirly wrought iron balconies and red shutters – while inside It’s not ostentatious but confidently classic (the classicism reaches its chandeliered crescendo in the jewel-box restaurant) the top floor rooms appear to have eased into the 21st century Whether returning from a thigh-busting afternoon of skiing taking on Zermatt’s varied terrain or a Sound of Music hike the spa’s pool (generously adorned with jets) is where to take weary muscles cockles are best warmed amid Edward’s Gastro Bar’s tartan or with one of the hotel’s cherry stone pillows (heated in the old tiled stove before bedtime) particularly with such illustrious Bahnhofstrasse neighbours and then feverishly renovated by haute-casual hotel don Michel Reybier (behind the glossy La Reserve properties) Anyone who’s had the good fortune (and fortune) of staying at one of Reybier’s La Reserve group will instantly clock the svelte the softly lit bookshelves and the fresh classicism that has come to define the group It’s just been given the (subtle) Alpine treatment – with a cowbell here and a wonky fireplace there Ludicrously large beds don brightly-coloured velvet headboards in the rooms blonde-wooded space filled with mountain light loading up on Valais cheese-laden carbs and the odd berry for the slopes a cigar or two in Le Fumoir and the classy thud of an expensive DJ Myoko offers a welcome teppanyaki hiatus from all the fondue excess the latter is all part of the fun and can be found one floor below at the Stube-style Cheese Factory Lucky then that Zermatt born-and-bred artist Heinz Julen is behind this striking glass-and-pine structure rising from the Bahnhofstrasse against the dramatic Matterhorn backdrop reflected in its mirrored exterior Backstage Hotel Vernissage shunned chalet cosiness for industrial a futuristic spa inspired by the Creation Story (really) and flamboyant chandeliers coiling around upside-down violins you’re backstage on a zany game show or fully-fledged music festival showtime decor and multi-coloured lighting (Unplugged Zermatt was founded in the legendary Vernissage club A cinema (the building’s original sole purpose) and a cabaret-style main restaurant perform an effortless fast change from buffet breakfast to gourmet dinners via late afternoon Swiss puddings There’s nothing this modern complex-cum-hotel hasn’t thought of from the on-site ski rental to (mercifully) the room rates Though to avoid the party people downstairs best opt for rooms on the top floors – the futuristic Cube Loft rooms are a refreshingly bonkers alternative to your reindeer-rugged not simply for the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof’s vintage tan-leather lettering protruding from its square forehead its shuttered symmetry and Olde Worlde service rituals Built by a cooperative of original Zermatt families on church-owned land in the early 20th century the hotel's premise was to ensure tourism benefitted these families rather than pushing them out and descendants’ pockets are still laced by the profits of this storied hotel Belle Epoque ground floor spaces somewhat belie the subdued chalet rooms upstairs These differ across a whopping 78 rooms and various categories chalet-luxe style with bedside contemporary fires sliced into dividing granite walls to pine-encased hideaways where carved four-posters don their finest tartan Aside from the photogenic breakfast buffet and dry a real highlight from a Zermatterhof stay is prancing around town in an antique horse-drawn carriage trotting bags from the train station to the gilded lobby and thrusting guests into a yesteryear snowglobe realm of amber lanterns and theatrically dressed porters The theatrics continue in the restaurants – the Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni in particular where regional bounty is spun into inventive gourmet plates – and don’t miss the ice grotto and pool waterfall in the spa the Omnia has opted to perch just above the biscuit tin village contemporary structure traces the lines of the craggy slope it clings to while its buttery wood-and-glass exterior is a modern expression of the traditional Alpine chalet with New York architect Ali Taylor’s painting an Alpine interpretation of Japanese minimalism with low-slung leather furniture and sliding doors the sense that you’re stepping into a designer’s hideaway where clean-cut lines toy with the sunlight and cosy nooks somehow emerge amid all the elusive minimalism Where hotels based in town are wrapped by a panorama of the peaks The Omnia has hoiked itself a little higher for the purist of Alpine light superior mountain views and pretty vistas over Zermatt from its terraces and room balconies (with a Bond-esque glass lift zooming guests down the cliff to the main town) smiley team warms all the hotel’s brooding spartan aesthetic as effectively as the flames in the contemporary-cut fireplaces while a Michelin-starred restaurant under André Kneubühler achieves a similar feat wholly elevated takes on mountain fare in a simple The decision to scramble up the mountain comes into its own in the spa – where valley views from the glossy indoor pool are perfectly framed with black metal and the outdoor whirlpool hovers above the fairytale scene below How did the collaboration come about?  It started in 2011 when Air Zermatt came to Hamilton to request financial support for a special project in Nepal to train pilots in the Himalayas and share the incredible experience they have in the Alps we immediately knew we wanted to support them We believe in this kind of transmission of know-how so that's where it all started 13 years ago what has surprised you the most about the work at Air Zermatt I wasn’t expecting that there would be so much coordination among so many different people and so many different experts But there is also the dog trainer when there is an avalanche and the mechanics who make sure the helicopters are 100% safe Do you get input from the pilots and the team at Air Zermatt when creating a watch?  The first watch that we developed with Air Zermatt was the Khaki Aviation Flight Timer The pilots used the watch for around six or eight months before we even decided to make it as we needed to be sure that everything inside the watch was working properly they are quite involved in the development of the watches We also like to work with people outside of the watch industry because they have no constraints They don't start a product with restrictions We as watchmakers always start with the constraints You have this new boutique that you share with Air Zermatt It started during COVID when we had the opportunity to take over a space from one of our retailers so we talked to Air Zermatt about creating something together. It began as a pop-up store two years ago and it worked so well as it gave visibility to Air Zermatt in town It also enabled us to share the story of what they are doing and it was good for us too as it was a great location in Zermatt and it enabled us to express our partnership together Do you have any plans for the future that you can share?  We are looking for a bigger location already it is going to be our 15th anniversary with Air Zermatt so that's something that we are starting to think about We have created a lot of watches with them we celebrated the 10 years of partnership with them and we did a special watch for the 50th anniversary of Air Zermatt I would expect that in 2026 we will have a special product for Hamilton Air Zermatt which will not only be for the Zermatt boutique – like the Khaki Aviation X-Wind Air Zermatt Limited Edition that we are launching today – but worldwide so we can spread the word about Air Zermatt to Japan Chris Hemsworth was recently in Switzerland on an “epic little get away with the fellas” that took him to the stunning slopes of Zermatt Ski Resort at the foot the Matterhorn The 41-year-old Aussie actor is big on board sports as an avid surfer and snowboarder who enjoys catching waves and visiting Thredbo Ski Resort on his home turf. Hemsworth Instagram posts include shredding videos, après beers with the boys and a helicopter ride to get an up close look at the Matterhorn. Well done Thor. A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) Summit County Sheriff’s Office Statement: On February 17, 2025, just after noon, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Summit County Rescue Group responded to an avalanche on Vail Pass with a confirmed burial. Rescuers located the victim after over an hour beneath the snow. Remarkably, they were recovered with only minor injuries. We are incredibly grateful for this fortunate outcome and proud of the coordinated efforts of our deputies and the Summit County Rescue Group. Their dedication and skill made this rescue possible. For full details of the incident, please refer to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and Summit County Rescue Group. Stay safe in the backcountry, and always check avalanche conditions before heading out! Francis@unofficialnetworks.com Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture.... Swiss family traditions thrive in Zermatt—fondue and raclette but also punctuality and privacy. It’s the shepherds, though, herding the shaggy Valais Blacknose sheep through town that are the unexpected delight. Pulling back the curtain at The Omnia at the sound of the “baas” as the flock moves up the path to buildings that are hundreds of years old makes for a sight that transports to a time that was but also to a reality that is While the town’s population balloons during the peak winter months the nearly 7,000 year-round residents have managed to prevent it from losing its village feel The 30-key Omnia hotel is built on a rock overlooking Zermatt The wood-and-glass-façade structure is a contemporary interpretation of the classic mountain lodge Zermatt is arguably the most famous mountain town in the world mainly because it sits in the shadow of the world’s most recognizable mountain (So iconic that it has been borrowed for a theme park ride at Disneyland.) It is one of the most visited destinations in Switzerland which is amazing given that you can only get there by train Zermatt is car free so arriving means leaving your car at the train station in Täsch and taking the 12-minute shuttle train that runs every 20 minutes one of the few vehicles permitted in the village it’s hard not to be impressed as the driver turns off the road and pulls into a narrow tunnel that gives way to frameless glass doors that open to a cavern that is dramatically spotlit You step out of the trolley and into the elevator that cuts through the rock to connect to the lobby The 30-key Omnia is built on a rock overlooking Zermatt There is nothing between its south-facing rooms and the Matterhorn and felt with furniture by Mies van der Rohe As the family that owns The Omnia also founded the USM Haller furniture company USM designs are also used throughout the hotel Notable examples include the reception desk and the service wagons the room service and housekeeping teams use and heating elements glimpsed through circular and oval cut-outs hotel rooms—hardwood flooring and white walls—are identified with letters which are etched on large-format wood keychains for keys that are left at reception when heading out and The Omnia team will have you set up with rentals from Julen Sport which provides a complimentary drop-off and pickup service to and from your ski locker which can feel stuffed during the morning rush.) and The Omnia offers easy access to the slopes which cater to all levels of skiers and are categorized as 21 per cent blue (easy) There is a particular specialty in Zermatt and that is going up to the slopes not by chairlift The Gornergrat Bahn brings visitors and skiers up to the Gornergrat station and restaurant along with a view of the Matterhorn skiers can take the Sunnegga funicular to access the Rothorn side the highest mountain station in Europe at an altitude of 3,883 metres take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and eventually connect to Plateau Rosa Testa Grigia from where it’s possible to ski into Italy There are numerous hot spots on the slopes the alfresco mountain restaurant overlooking the Matterhorn a short ski down from Sunnegga in the hamlet of Findeln it’s been in operation for 100 years and continues to be popular—so lunch reservations are a must An awe-inspiring spot for a drink (or a few) is the Iglu-Dorf snow bar set against the backdrop of the majestic Matterhorn There are easy blue runs on the slopes of Gornergrat to access Iglu-Dorf and loads of loungers to sit back in and bask in the mountain’s beauty when there Coming down the last stretch of the narrow Sunnegga is the legendary Champagne Bar a classic après spot decked out in Veuve Clicquot sun yellow and where the local instructors tend to gather at day’s end and pop a bottle the indoor/outdoor pool and outdoor whirlpool with a view of the Matterhorn will recharge and reset your legs so you can go back out the next day and do it all over again head chef André Kneubühler puts out a plant-forward menu with meat and fish add-ons and there are several long tables where new friends can dine together and at times it feels like a game of peekaboo as the mountain disappears from view behind the clouds or the fog it is always to fresh “oohs and ahhs.” Zermatt is the village that connects the world with the Matterhorn attracting a crowd that is more interested in doing and seeing things than being seen ShareSaveCommentLifestyleDiningThe Most Delicious Spots In Zermatt, According To Leo Trippi Director Oli CorkhillByRachel Dube Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights trends and personal experiences.Follow AuthorMar 04 04:30am ESTShareSaveCommentKnown as the culinary capital of the Swiss Alps Zermatt restaurants take things to another level If you’re a fan of skiing, chances are you’ve heard of Leo Trippi. The luxury alpine travel company has over 140 years of heritage offering travelers access to some of the most exclusive chalets and ski experiences around the world who previously held the position as CEO before setting up travel company Viadi has an inside perspective into some of the most luxe ski towns around the world Oli Corkhill has an inside perspective into some of the most luxe ski towns around the world Spending his days curating bespoke winter itineraries for his clients Corkhill could easily share recommendations for all of the best exclusive ski resorts one that remains near and dear to him is Zermatt “I first started going to Zermatt around 2007/2008 to do my ski instructor qualifications and exams and that’s when I really got to know the place,” he says “I’ve always loved Zermatt because it has this incredible ability to transport you to a different world—one that feels both timeless and authentic It’s preserved its true alpine charm more so than other resorts and you can really sense the local influence in everything from the family-run restaurants to the traditional chalets.” Known as the culinary capital of the Swiss Alps the mountain restaurants in Zermatt take things to another level You’ll find everything from Swiss classics to Michelin-level fine dining experiences which gives travelers so many options to choose from Corkhill has an exclusive look into the dining scene all the best places to eat and drink in Zermatt this chalet-inspired spot dates back to the 1870s Tucked away a hamlet, Blatten dates back to the 1870s the menu blends Swiss tradition with Mediterranean flair featuring standouts like porcini soup in puff pastry “Their mountain macaroni with applesauce is a must-try and families will love the pizzas and hearty salads.” Plus Hidden at the bottom of the Furi-Zermatt slope Hennustall has everything you want to keep the party .. Hidden at the bottom of the Furi-Zermatt slope, Corkhill raves that Hennustall has everything you want—cold beers and a DJ spinning tunes to keep the party going “Whether you’re up for a laid-back drink or ready to dance Chez Vrony is one spot you can’t miss in Zermatt According to Corkhill, Chez Vrony is one spot you can’t miss in Zermatt “ It’s got this perfect mix of rustic charm and refined dining plus the sun-drenched terrace with sheepskin-covered seats gives you insane views of the Matterhorn,” he says organic ingredients - think veal fillet and an incredible apple fritter dessert.” To get to this spot Chalet Etoile is an absolute classic Located in Cervinia (the Italian side), Chalet Etoile is an absolute classic ski-out mountain restaurant that combines Italian flair with Swedish rustic charm,” says Corkhill lively vibe and stunning views—perfect for a long lunch after a morning on the slopes." The food is all delicious Italian dishes that hit the spot every single time Chez Heini is a full-on experience in Zermatt More than just a restaurant, Chez Heini is a full-on experience grilled over an open fire and packed with flavor it’s a must-visit for meat lovers,” explains Corkhill the real highlight is the live performance done by Heini’s son Set in one of Zermatt’s oldest buildings, 1818 serves up South American BBQ a high-heat charcoal grill that locks in all the juices and flavor or perfectly charred veggies,” says Corkhill “Great for groups and you’re guaranteed a seriously good steak.” If you’re after a lively après scene with a Latin twist If you’re after a lively après scene with a Latin twist, Mamacita is the place Corkhill advises heading to Switzerland experienced some of its heaviest snowfall ever this week, with two new records set for two- and three-day snowfall totals. According to Snowbrains the Simplon region saw 89 inches in just two days and 97 inches over three days — record totals that stood for 26 years (85 inches in 1999) and 35 years (90 inches in 1990) respectively While those numbers sound exciting to any powderhound, the storm that brought all that snow actually wreaked havoc on resorts across Europe Zermatt in Switzerland and Val d’Isere in France were just two resorts that were forced to close during the extreme snowfall Tourists and residents were told to stay indoors on Thursday due to high avalanche risk tunnels and roads were closed to traffic in Switzerland and Italy and thousands of homes in France were left without power at least one person was reportedly killed and another was injured in an avalanche Everyone impacted by the intense storm was given reprieve early Friday when a lull set in although roads were still reportedly closed in Zermatt Residents and tourists were told they could finally leave their homes but were warned to stay vigilant due to harsh conditions the steel black PVD-coated version of the X-Wind Chrono has a formidable 45mm diameter coupled with a height of 14.85mm and a depth rating of 100 metres The three crowns and two chronograph pushers hint at the complexity of the functions on board The crown and pushers corresponding to the chronograph are positioned on the left side of the case resulting in the layout of the counters at 12-3-9 on the black sunray-brushed dial The two chronograph counters – at noon for 12-hour elapsed times and at 6 o’clock for 30-minute totaliser – have black snailed interiors The third counter at 3 o’clock corresponds to the running seconds and has an orange area marking 1-15 orange being the colour of Air Zermatt pilot’s helmets Directly opposite the running seconds is a large day-date aperture with a white background The prominent Arabic numerals and the hour and minute hands have Super-LumiNova and the central chronograph seconds hand is orange Pilots will undoubtedly understand the function of the bezels operated via the crowns on the right side of the watch are designed to be used with the external bezel to calculate cross or drift winds mid-flight Without getting into the complexities of these bezels (Hamilton provides a thorough explanation in the manual) suffice it to say that the reading a pilot will be interested in appears in the orange-framed window The Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono is powered by calibre H-21-Si a Valjoux/ETA 7750 base with a 4Hz frequency a 60-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring to counter magnetism The sapphire window on the caseback features the Air Zermatt logo The watch comes with a black nylon Velcro strap with orange stitching and the phrase “Ready for Take Off”; an additional black leather strap with rivets and an H buckle is included in the package Available exclusively at the Hamilton store in Zermatt (Hofmattstrasse 12), the watch retails for CHF 1,995. More information at HamiltonWatch.com Registration for the Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna B.C. is now open! Click here to learn more. host Jason Quinn interviews Oliver Kreuzer a SAR Flight Paramedic with Air Zermatt and US Air Force PJ (Pararescue) Kreuzer shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the mountains of Switzerland to becoming a highly skilled rescue medic and pararescue specialist.  He discusses his dual citizenship highlighting the challenges and motivations that drove him to excel in his field.  Kreuzer reflects on his first rescue experiences the technical aspects of helicopter rescues and the importance of teamwork and mentorship in high-stakes situations He shares insights into the world of mountain rescue operations in Zermatt He discusses the importance of local expertise and the challenges posed by weather conditions Oliver emphasizes the need for thorough training and preparation for aspiring rescuers drawing from his own experiences in both Swiss and U.S He concludes with motivational advice for those looking to pursue a career in rescue operations highlighting the value of persistence and continuous learning This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Ready Swimmer and The Real ResQ Store Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Bell 525 Walkaround: The First Commercial Fly-by-Wire Helicopter Bell 505 Contact seller for price Year: 2022 Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible Have a story idea you would like to suggest Featured Image: Marinho Ramon Meyer | Skier: Sarah Hoefflin Don't waste time seeking out the best skiing content; we'll send it all right to you. Resorts have been shut with transport severely affected. The weather is now clearing with resorts opening some slopes. UPDATED The authorities are urging caution as a 27-year-old British man died in Val Thorens in France on Thursday after being swept away by an avalanche was at the side of a road at the lower side of the town when he was struck by the avalanche that carried him 15m down the slope He was taken to hospital in Grenoble with cardiorespiratory failure “Our thoughts are with the family,” said the mayor of the commune of Belleville that’s the first thing that comes to mind “It happened in rather exceptional weather conditions “Proceedings are now underway to determine the more precise circumstances of the accident.” A spokesperson for the UK’s foreign office said: “We supporting the family of a British man who died in France and are in contact with the local authorities.” The clear up is now underway across the areas in the western Alps affected by the recent snowstorm and some slopes are opening to skiers and snowboarders Here was the picture in Les Arcs in France first thing on Friday morning as the sun returned And once the lifts opened the slopes were near perfect though there is risk of avalanche off piste and the authorities are urging people to stay to the marked runs The risk of avalanche is at Level 4 in Les Arcs and many other ski areas in France meaning there is a “high” chance of avalanches “Conditions are great on piste in Les Arcs after all-night grooming,” said PlanetSKI reader, Richard Sinclair, from SNO “All lower and mid station lifts and trails are open with just a few at the top expected to open later “Avalanche risk has reduced from level 5 to  level 4 and blasting can be heard as ski patrol continues to scythe higher areas and ridge line between Arcs 2000 and Peisey Vallandry then back out in the hope the top lifts to Aiguille Rouge and Grand Col open after lunch.” It’s a similar scene in neighbouring La Plagne “Due to the unprecedented amount of snow the lifts are just opening in Mont Chavin,” said PlanetSKI reader “There was a lot of blasting this morning plus we heard helicopters overhead where they were checking the power cables “Several trees had fallen and until the all clear was given skiers waited patiently to grab their turns.” There have been record-breaking amounts of April snow with more than 2m falling in places Tignes in France was cut off at the height of the storm with people urged to stay indoors Hence the huge lift queue as seen at Palafour lift in Tignes in Le Lac The Swiss resort of Zermatt was at the heart of the storm and it’s rail and road links have been closed with power cuts in the town Here is the updated situation on Friday morning from the resort where things are far from back to normal: •⁠ ⁠The Visp – Zermatt railway line will remain safely closed until 3.00 pm On site •⁠ ⁠Stay at home despite the good weather •⁠ ⁠The facilities of Zermatt Bergbahnen AG and the Gornergrat Bahn will remain closed today Power/Electricty •⁠ ⁠The power supply remains interrupted until further notice the EWZ will temporarily switch to island operation on a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood basis as long as power is available then west side of the village towards Zermatterhof Each accommodation should be connected to the power supply for at least two hours Please observe the rules of behaviour described this island operation can be maintained for a longer period of time Coop and Denner have been open since 8.00 am •⁠ ⁠The Zermatt Tourism emergency meeting point has been in operation since 8.00 a.m. the emergency meeting point in the Triftbachhalle since 9.00 a.m and the emergency meeting point of the municipality is open 24 hours a day mobile phones can be charged in the Triftbachhalle in the same way as yesterday Please bring your own battery-powered device Hot water will also be available in the Triftbachhalle from 9.00 am Please bring your own container/thermos flask Wiesti) will be taken up during the day on a neighbourhood basis to ensure waste disposal •⁠ ⁠Older people are welcome to go to the old people’s home •⁠ ⁠A food bank will again be set up in the Triftbachhalle this evening between 18.00 and 20.00 •⁠ ⁠The ATMs at Migros and Denner are in operation The information from Zermatt was sent to us by PlanetSKI reader, Ed Mannix from Matterhorn Chalets. “The sun is out and it’s looking beautiful again in Zermatt,” said Ed The Swiss resort of Verbier saw more than 1m fall And here’s a time-lapse video of the 1m falling A post shared by Guidezone (@guidezone.co) Looks like Christmas but it’s 18th April! Beautiful conditions in Switzerland’s 4 Vallées resorts pic.twitter.com/L0tQThAoS3 — Valais Dude (@ValaisDude) April 18, 2025 There remains a ‘high’ risk of avalanche in parts of the Swiss Alps with a ‘considerable’ risk’ in many of the other ski areas in the country Image c/o Swiss Institute for Snow & Avalanche Research At lower altitudes there has been torrential rain with flooding Power outages were reported in 37 of the 74 municipalities in the Aosta Valley in Italy The heavy rain in north-west Italy saw rivers burst their banks A 92-year-old man has drowned after flooding in his home at Monteu da Po near Turin For skiers and snowboarders there should be some superb Easter snow conditions in resorts over the weekend Parts of some resorts will be closed due to the danger of avalanche access roads will need to be cleared and made safe while some Easter ski events have been hit The Mega Bell Course event in La Plagne has been cancelled a massive snowfall completely disrupted our organization forcing us to make a difficult decision: cancel the Mega Bell Course,” said La Plagne receiving so much snow might seem like a godsend especially given the sunshine forecast for Saturday we’re facing such a massive snowfall in less than 24 hours that the ski area had to be closed today and until further notice this exceptional situation for mid-April deprives us of the logistical conditions to prepare and shape the events safely with the forecast thaw and heavy snow in many areas the priority will remain securing the ski area.” In Chamonix the Aiguille du Midi cable car will open “We would like to draw the attention of off-piste skiers to the exceptional conditions in the high mountains: over 2 meters of snow with a high snowpack density and an avalanche risk estimated at 4/5,” said the resort “Skiers will not be allowed on the Aiguille du Midi for their own safety.” and visitors must therefore respect the slopes that may be closed and use marked and secured trails,” said Les2Alpes The transport system in Switzerland and northern Italy has been severely impacted Rail traffic across the region ground to a halt on Zermatt was cut off with power cuts as we reported earlier “We’ve never experienced anything like yesterday and tonight,” said one visitor to Zermatt on social media on Thursday “We’ve been without electricity since last night “Things we take for granted are suddenly a luxury.” The Eurocity rail connection from Switzerland to Milan was suspended after flooding on the Italian side with no public transport links between the Valais and northern Italy Authorities in Ticino in Italy closed the road into the Bavona Valley while several other mountain passes and local roads were impassable due to snow — Mürren Lover (@Murrenlover) April 17, 2025 Back in France here’s the forecast in the Val d’Isere area from Henry’s Avalanche Talk: SUN 20th: A brief spell of snow flurries down to 1800 m in the morning MON 21st & TUES 22nd: Cloudy and cool for the time of year It is one of the biggest late-season storms in recent years with well over 1.5m in places and the snow is still coming down It looks like it will turn out to be the biggest snowstorm of the season Zermatt in Switzerland has been at the heart of the storm – it remains closed and cut off to the outside world with rail and road links shut PlanetSKI reader, Ed Mannix from Matterhorn Chalets has sent us the following official update from the Swiss resort on Thursday: There will be no electricity until further notice The next situation assessment will take place on Friday at 8:00 AM Access to Zermatt via road and rail is currently not possible Please inform arriving guests not to travel for the time being Departing guests should not be sent to the train station The road between Zermatt and Täsch remains closed The next situation assessment is scheduled for Friday at 8:00 AM Authorities are in contact with the local energy providers The train line between Visp and Zermatt will remain closed for the rest of the day The next situation update will be Friday at 8:00 AM The avalanche danger level is currently 4+ The following 18 hotels will gradually be connected to emergency power: We kindly ask these 18 establishments to show solidarity and also provide meals or hospitality to external guests street lighting around transformer stations in the village will remain on overnight The Zermatt Tourism Info Point is open today until 6:00 PM The municipal Info Point is open until 8:00 PM today 1,000 portions of vegetable soup with bread will be distributed to residents in the Triftbachhalle By the time the storm passes it is forecast up to 2m may have fallen in many places 2m has already fallen above Chamonix in France “Following the snowfall of the last few hours we are currently measuring more than 2 meters of heavy snow at the summit of the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m,” said a statement from the resort on Thursday afternoon “Given the dangerous nature of the snowpack in the high mountains in consultation with the municipality of Chamonix to open the Aiguille du Midi cable car to pedestrians only in order to significantly reduce the risk of accidents on the Vallée Blanche route “Skiers will not be allowed on the Aiguille du Midi for their own safety.” The Simplon Pass and Grand St-Bernard Pass that link Switzerland and Italy have been shut in both directions due to deep snow There are multiple road and rail closures in parts of Switzerland and people are being advised to stay at home The high altitude resort of Tignes in France has seen some of the largest falls with the resort closed and access roads shut In Tignes people are now being told to stay indoors There is a Level 5 risk of avalanche (Very High) in some French resorts where the storm has hit In Switzerland many areas have a Level 4 risk (High) Image c/o Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research Zermatt and Saas-Fee have seen some of the largest falls In Zermatt more than 1m has fallen at the village level The images have been sent to us from Ed Mannix at Matterhorn Chalets The access railway line to Zermatt has been closed with some power cuts The electricity went back on at 14.55 though is now off again for many There are similar conditions across large parts of the western Alps is on her way to La Plagne and reports that some roads are closed with fallen trees blocking access and others are threatening to do so,” said a statement from La Plagne traffic is currently very dangerous and we recommend that you temporarily postpone all your travels.” In AIME 2000 there is a  travel ban on public and private roads The heavy snow has led to the cancellation this weekend of the Mega Bell Course event in La Plagne forcing us to make a difficult decision: cancel the Mega Bell Course “The teams’ priority remains securing the ski area and access points temporarily cut off by falling trees,” added the resort “This potentially historic storm is a highly complex one an amalgam of disturbances of both Atlantic and Mediterranean origin,” said Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk “It is broadly affecting the western Alps with some hotspots seeing exceptional and potentially even record-breaking snowfalls “One such area is the far south-east of the French Savoie where 48-hour snowfall totals (at high altitude) could be in the 1.5m to 2m range (or potentially more) in the likes of Val Cenis Bonneval-sur-Arc and Val d’Isère (Pisaillas side) “Other hotspots include high border areas between Zermatt and the Simplon Pass the risk of avalanche has become critical in these areas – already at 5/5 this morning in Val d’Isère where the entire ski area is closed at the time of writing with schools also closed and the road to Bourg-Saint-Maurice temporarily cut off but more generally in the western Italian Alps the further north and east you are in the Alps with much of Austria and eastern Switzerland staying mostly dry.” Some are already talking of it being one of the largest storms in recent memory — Valais Dude (@ValaisDude) April 17, 2025 The weather  is set to clear for the Easter weekend when there should be some stunning conditions “After a relatively poor snow season the N French Alps (along the Italian border) the W Italian Alps and parts of the W Swiss Alps are currently receiving record-breaking amounts of fresh snow!” said Henry Schniewind from Henry’s Avalanche Talk Once the lifts re-open the authorities are urging extreme caution off piste Here is a statement from the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research: “We urge everyone to exercise the utmost caution: everyone’s responsibility is essential to avoid tragedies.” It’s been dry and warm for much of April A pair of spring storms are bringing fresh snow to parts of the Alps this week Some are predicting it may be the biggest snowfall of the season Zermatt and Saas-Fee in Switzerland are forecast to do well with the Swiss resort of Verbier also seeing some decent falls The Italian resort of Cervinia and the resorts in the Monte Rosa region are now seeing significant snowfall There is already a Level 4 risk of avalanche in parts of the Swiss Alps This is the warning from The Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research from Wednesday Image c/o The Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research Val d’Isere and Chamonix in France are also experiencing heavy falls of snow “Quite a lot of snow in Tignes this afternoon with more expected tonight and tomorrow,” said David on Wednesday PlanetSKI will be in La Plagne this weekend and we’ll be updating you on the snow in the Paradiski area We will also have a reporter in neighbouring Les Arcs who will keep us updated Those skiing this Easter weekend at the high-altitude resorts should be in for a late season treat At lower altitudes rain will fall and there will be risk of flooding The first storm has already arrived and another storm is then due towards the end of the week “This storm will be a highly complex amalgam of disturbances of both Atlantic and Mediterranean origin,” said Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk. “It will broadly hit the western Italian Alps hardest but with intense precipitation spilling over certain border areas especially into the Zermatt/Saas-Fee regions in Switzerland but also affecting French ski resorts near the border from Isola 2000 all the way up to Val Cenis and Val d’Isère/Tignes “The rain/snow limit will be highly variable generally starting above 2000m but falling to 1500m or lower under the more intense precipitation “At altitude the risk of avalanche will become critical in some of the areas mentioned above with the risk of flooding and landslides increasing lower down the less precipitation there will be.” It has been quiet on the slopes in recent days in resorts across the Alps with Easter falling late this year — Valais Dude (@ValaisDude) April 14, 2025 The Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research reports that the winter of 2024/25 ranks among the ten mildest winters since measurements began in 1864 And lets not forget Andorra in the Pyrenees that has also seen some fresh snow: Do check back for the latest as we track the snowfall… money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site For the Spirit of the Mountains – PlanetSKI: Number One for ski news Content copyright © 2025, PlanetSKI Ltd. | Privacy policy | Terms & Conditions I just returned from a ski trip to the Swiss Alps, and to say it was an incredible experience would be an understatement. As a lifelong skier I've dreamt of skiing in Zermatt almost my entire life I jumped at the chance—and the Swiss Alps did not disappoint Not only were the slopes absolutely incredible (not to mention the views) but the après-ski outfits were what really piqued my interest From faux-fur details to leather accessories below are the four fashion trends I saw all over the Swiss Alps Faux fur is synonymous with winter but this season it's been peaking in popularity The cozy texture has been adorning everything from coats to gloves to boots—and the Swiss crowd embraced every single iteration with open arms Not only does faux fur add a touch of glamour but it also helps insulate when temperatures drop to their lowest in the evening Leather gloves are by no means a new trend but this season is all about extra-long styles and pop colors—which everyone in the Swiss Alps seemed to unanimously approve of this is the accessory of choice for the Zermatt fashion crowd Nothing says après-ski like a Fair Isle sweater. The once-kitschy knit style is having a major resurgence, especially in the European mountains. I saw a range of chic styles paired with everything from leggings and riding boots to denim and leather The only way to comfortably wear a dress or skirt in the snow is with a great pair of tights. Semi-sheer silhouettes and lace-adorned styles could be spotted at every chic restaurant across Zermatt's charming village nightly, adding a polished touch to evening looks. The Hublot boutique is a haven for watch enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and loyal customers, reflecting the brand's commitment to luxury and craftsmanship. The interior design offers a journey into Hublot’s universe, where the art of fusion meets the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking, echoing the natural charm of the alpine surroundings. Enhanced with a new upstairs lounge added last year, the boutique creates an inviting atmosphere for all who visit. The lounge area, furnished with modern seating and soft lighting, creates a comfortable retreat ideal for an exclusive après-ski experience. The boutique’s façade is adorned with seasonal touches, contrasting beautifully with the snow-covered streets of Zermatt. “Zermatt is an absolute icon for Switzerland and for Hublot. It’s a place where the beauty of nature and human craftsmanship fuse in perfect harmony. This reopening pays tribute to the spirit of the mountains and the passion that drives Hublot forward,” said Patrick Chanton, Managing Director for Switzerland. Torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks as water swept through the ski resort with rail access suspended. The resort is putting on a brave face as the clean up continues. UPDATED “The natural events of the weekend have caused some property damage and require clearing work in certain places,” said a statement from the resort “Zermatt is safe and able to react to natural events as the situation arises so that people can move around the destination without worry.” In the canton of Graubunden the body of a man has been found after three people went missing in the town of Grisons but a woman was found under rocks and taken to hospital in Lugano The man’s body was found 5 miles from where he disappeared Rescuers  are continuing  to search for the other two people but the police spokesman said the probability of finding them alive “is low” The three people were likely at home when floodwaters swept away three houses and three vehicles A massive storm hit the area on Friday with rivers bursting their banks The Swiss government’s weather service said 124 mm of rain fell in the area on Friday – most of it in a single one-hour period “This concentration of rain happens only once every 30 years,” said a statement from the weather service Zermatt is putting on a brave face and reassuring summer visitors that it is safe to visit Parts of the village were severely flooded when the storm hit Zermatt today! 🌧️ pic.twitter.com/vh1tjLJhAZ — Olly Alkema (@ollyalkema) June 21, 2024 The railway line that links the resort to the outside world was shut In Switzerland, the last train left Zermatt this morning before flooding and landslides cut off the town. The river Vispa overflowed, flooding the town center and halting all rail and road transport. 👀pic.twitter.com/nAOeVaKAgs — Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) June 21, 2024 The Vispa river burst its banks on Friday morning The transport links were partially re-opened as the flood waters subside On Saturday evening shuttle trains began running again between Zermatt and Täsch Rail replacement buses run between Täsch and Visp down in the valley Some of the hiking trails remains closed due to the threat of further landslides “We warmly welcome our guests for the upcoming summer season,” said a statement from the tourist office “The access to Zermatt requires a little more time and patience said she was shocked by the scale of the damage I thank the emergency personnel for their tireless efforts in this difficult situation,” she said on social media Swiss authorities evacuated 230 residents on Saturday with the municipality of Chippis particularly affected as it is situated on the left bank of the Rhone Other parts of the Alps were also affected The village of La Berarde in the Ecrins National Park in the French Alps as flooded Helicopters were used to evacuate all residents and tourists The area is popular with climbers and hikers New flight over La Bérarde today shows a much worse situation than yesterday 🚁😱 Many buildings have not survived the night and are simply cut in two When you are intimely linked to this place this is so HEARTBREAKING 💔https://t.co/TUuS8cqWHp 1/ pic.twitter.com/uTIKICvSBL — Melaine Le Roy (@subfossilguy) June 22, 2024 Incredible footage of rescuer breaking through roof of house engulfed by rocks and mud and filling with water La Bérarde in the French Alpspic.twitter.com/UclxDvMGgQ — Dave Throup (@DaveThroup) June 22, 2024 The unseasonal weather is boosting snow conditions at altitude in the Alps for the handful of resorts that are open for summer skiing vertiginous glass floor in one of the sparkling cabins—a truly priceless experience Buy your copy of the World's Greatest Places issue here More FromWorld’s Greatest Places 2024Maui Cultural LandsBy Michele Bigley Contact us at letters@time.com +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Matterhorn Gotthard Railway said on Thursday it had taken preventive measures against further rockfalls the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway announced on Platform X on Thursday morning The train line was closed until the end of operations on Wednesday due to a rockfall A specially created 3D terrain model did not reveal any conspicuous or critical fault zones a protective net was installed on a dam that had already been erected The site will also be further secured over the next few days with anchors The work will be carried out under constant observation of the situation on site The railway line in the canton of Valais was interrupted twice this week due to falling rocks The first rockfall occurred on Monday morning A Matterhorn Gotthard Railway locomotive was damaged The second rockfall occurred in the night to Wednesday Falling blocks of rock damaged two excavators This news story has been written and carefully fact-checked by an external editorial team At SWI swissinfo we select the most relevant news for an international audience and use automatic translation tools such as DeepL to translate it into English Providing you with automatically translated news gives us the time to write more in-depth articles If you want to know more about how we work if you want to learn more about how we use technology and if you have feedback on this news story please write to .. MENAFN27032025000210011054ID1109365294 World and Middle East business and financial news The Local Europe ABVästmannagatan 43113 25 StockholmSweden According to Jenny Imboden a spokesperson for the Zermatt mountain railways "we can see an increase in the number of American guests in Zermatt Demand is expected to settle at this significantly higher level in the next few years." Tourism officials in Davos Klosters as well as in the Saas Valley have also noticed more US skiers on their slopes this year What is the reason for higher number of American skiers in Switzerland The question is all the more pertinent because the exchange rate between the Swiss franc and US dollar is not exactly favourable for Americans: 1 USD currently buys 0.91 francs which means Swiss tourists in the United States get more bang for their buck (1.10 USD for 1 franc) than vice-versa However — and this may come as a major surprise to all those who know how expensive Switzerland is  — skiing in the Swiss Alps is actually cheaper for Americans than hitting the slopes in the Rockies (‘Let’s go skiing in Switzerland But Swiss media actually interviewed some US tourists currently in Swiss resorts it is less expensive for them to ski here than back home has a number of well-known mountain resorts but they preferred to ski in Switzerland’s most famous resort They said a day pass in their neck of the woods can cost 200 USD (183 francs)  ir even more; in Zermatt "The American 'rush' is evident in some destinations with an international reputation or in places where US investors are active such as Andermatt,” according to Tourism professor Urs Wagenseil despite having to buy a plane ticket,” he said Please log in here to leave a comment. From Switzerland to Norway, here's where to ski on a Continental winter getaway. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world 2024 at 6:40 AM EDTBookmarkSaveSwitzerland and Italy tweaked their mountain border under the Matterhorn peak as climate change in the Alps is melting the glaciers that have historically marked the frontier between the two countries “Significant sections of the border are defined by the watershed or the ridge lines of glaciers, firn or perpetual snow,” the Swiss government said Friday in a statementBloomberg Terminal “These formations are changing due to the melting of glaciers.”