Skiing is not the only reason to visit Zermatt in winter. The tourist board lists a full set of winter activities for families and non-skiers: toboggan sledging on groomed runs, husky sledding through snowy landscapes, groomed winter hiking trails and off-trail snowshoe tours with views of the 4,000 metre peaks. In the centre of the village there is a natural and artificial ice rink with skate hire on site, described as free fun, which runs from November to mid-March. Children have their own beginner areas, including Wolli's park at Sunnegga, Snowpark Zermatt and small ski lifts at Täsch and Randa, and group lessons are organised by age, from the youngest skiers aged three to five up to teenagers. Marked winter trails such as the Winter Wonder Trail, the White Magic Trail and others link viewpoints and mountain restaurants, so a winter walk can end with lunch in the sun. Taken together these activities make Zermatt a very workable winter destination for mixed groups where only some people ski.
The strength of the winter offer is how well it fits mixed groups. Parents can ski while grandparents walk a groomed trail to a sunny terrace, children can learn in a gentle beginner area, and non-skiers can toboggan together on a groomed run. Winter walking trails are prepared and signed, which is very different from hiking on unprepared snow, and they link lift stations and restaurants so that no one has to commit to a long day outdoors.
For something more adventurous, snowshoe tours take you off the groomed paths with a guide, and the tourist board promotes guided snowshoe hikes on the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. Husky sledding is the other signature activity, offering a different way of moving through the snow, and it is sensible to ask ahead about availability. The ice rink in the village is the easiest evening or between-showers option, with skates available to hire.
The page does not give season dates for sledging, trails or lessons, so check with the tourist board for the current winter status before you plan. Dress in layers with warm boots, gloves, a hat and sunglasses, and carry a flask. Lift tickets or passes are needed for runs and trails reached by lift, and some trails may be closed by snow or avalanche risk, so follow signs and ask at the tourist office.
Combine a family winter day with a ride to Sunnegga or Schwarzsee, or finish with the Matterhorn Museum when the lifts are quiet.
What to expect
The experience
A mix of self-guided and guided winter outings: sledging, winter trails, snowshoe tours, husky sledding and the village ice rink.
Best time
The winter season, with groomed trails and runs on the tourist board schedule; confirm status before you go.
How long
From an hour on the ice rink to a full day on trails and runs.
Tips
Dress in layers, check trail and run status, and book husky sledding and guided snowshoe tours ahead.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and non-skiers who want snow activities without downhill skiing.
- Families
- Excellent: beginner areas, group lessons by age, sledging and the ice rink.
- Couples
- A winter walk to a sunny terrace followed by lunch, or a snowshoe tour with a guide.
- Pair with
- A lift ride to Sunnegga or Schwarzsee for the view.
- Time needed
- An hour to a full day.
Good questions
What winter activities are there besides skiing?+
Toboggan sledging on groomed runs, husky sledding, groomed winter walking trails, guided snowshoe tours and a village ice rink.
Where are the kids ski areas?+
The tourist board lists Wolli's park at Sunnegga, Snowpark Zermatt and the Täsch and Randa ski lifts as beginner areas, with group lessons by age.
When is the ice rink open?+
The rink in the centre of the village runs from November to mid-March, and skates can be hired on site.
Can I snowshoe?+
Yes, there are groomed winter trails and off-trail snowshoe tours with views of the 4,000 metre peaks, including a guided hike on the Matterhorn Glacier Trail.
Do I need a lift pass?+
For runs and trails reached by lift you need a ticket or pass. Ask at the tourist office which option suits your plans.
