One thing, which amazes all visitors as soon as they arrive at Zermatt, is its complete silence. In order to prevent air pollution, which could have negative impact on the Matterhorn, no motor vehicles are allowed in the village. This creates a special, friendly atmosphere, making you feel a part of Zermatt. You won't see here package tourists and tour buses. And there is generally one thing which unites all Zermatt's visitors, the love of mountains.
 
The village is encircled by such famous mountains as Dent Blanche, Dom, Weisshorn, Gabelhorn, Monte Rosa, and Zinal-Rothorn, all of them raising over 4000 meters. Today Zermatt, regarded as the Mountain Mecca, boasts 29 mountains, nine of ten Europe's highest mountains,  the highest ski lift in Europe (3899m), the longest winter skiing season running from November to May, and the largest area for summer skiing in Alps.
 
With such an array of unlimited opportunities, Zermatt is a great destination for skiers worldwide.
 
Skiing in Zermatt is an unforgettable experience, offering a ride in the highest mountains of Europe. All three main ski areas of the village, the Sunnegga, the Klein Matterhorn, and the Gornergrat, rise to at least 3000m, which means perfect snow conditions and extremely long runs to the village. Slopes are open the whole day, with the lifts operating from 8 a.m. until 5-6 p.m.
 
The Klein Matterhorn is internationally recognized as the highest cable car, standing on the top of which is higher than all the New Zealand and Australian highest mountains. Skiing in Zermatt is a great option for beginner skiers, intermediates, and also advanced skiers, providing friendly accommodations and facilities.
 
Beginners are offered several safe areas, good for learning. However, there are only fifteen trails for beginners, located in the Gornergrat and Klein Matterhorn regions. While the choice for beginner skiers is not so extensive, skiing in Zermatt offers much more opportunities for intermediates. They can enjoy long and varied runs, which link all areas of the village, and can even experience skiing between countries. Zermatt is friendly to advanced skiers, offering large and rarely skied areas of untouched snow to ski connoisseurs. And due to the high altitude of the village and abundance of slopes, snow can be found several weeks after it falls. Advanced skiers are also attracted by off-piste terrain, which is off-trail skiing in Zermatt, and, hence, can be dangerous to ski alone.
 
The village of Zermatt is also known as a popular destination for snowboarders, offering excellent open terrain, in addition to two snowboard parks and pipes. All the lifts and pistes are available as well. There is also a snowboarding school.
 
While Zermatt boasts the longest skiing winter season, many tourists are surprised to discover that March and April can also offer perfect snow conditions. It means that 95 percent of the ski area in Zermatt is open until mid-May, offering all skiers an unforgettable spring vacation.
 
Visitors are provided with the variety of accommodations to suit every budget. It should be mentioned, though, that Zermatt is a luxurious ski resort and everything here is expensive, including the hotels. Among the most popular hotels in Zermatt are Hotel Riffelalp, Matterhornblick Hotel, Minotel Metropol, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, and others.