Zermatt can look like a place for serious climbers and skiers, but it is a very good family destination. Children respond to trains, bridges, ice tunnels and snow, and the village is car-free, which makes the lanes safer and calmer. The key is to pick short, varied outings and to treat altitude with care.
Rides that children love
The Gornergrat cogwheel railway climbs from 1,605 to 3,090 metres in about half an hour, with the Matterhorn framed in the window, and a rack train is an adventure in itself. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers glass-floored cabins on the Matterhorn Glacier Ride, an ice slide and a Glacier Palace carved into the glacier about 15 metres below the surface, with sculptures and a crevasse beside the path. Both trips involve altitude, so go slowly, drink water, dress warmly and watch for headaches or tiredness. Allow most of a day for the glacier and a half day for the railway.
Short trails with a payoff
The Furi suspension bridge trail is recommended for children from about age four. It is a 2.9 kilometre circuit of about an hour, with a 100 metre steel cable bridge about 90 metres above the Gorner Gorge, the Dossen Glacier Garden with its polished rock and glacial potholes, a playground and barbecue areas with firewood. Those who dislike heights can use an alternative path. The Five Lakes Walk, which the tourist board describes as suitable for children from six, runs from Blauherd to Sunnegga past five lakes in about two and a half hours, and the Leisee area near Sunnegga has an adventure playground in summer.
The gorge
The Gorner Gorge is a 15 minute walk from the south end of the village, with wooden walkways between rock walls and a roaring river below. It is open in summer and early autumn, children from six to fifteen pay a reduced fee and under-sixes enter free. It is short enough for small legs and wet enough to feel like a real adventure, so bring a light rain layer.
Winter with children
The tourist board lists a full range of family winter activities. Toboggan runs are groomed for sledging, husky sledding is available, and groomed winter trails and snowshoe tours let non-skiers share the snow. A natural and artificial ice rink in the centre of the village runs from November to mid-March, with skates for hire. Beginner ski areas include Wolli's park at Sunnegga, Snowpark Zermatt and small lifts at Täsch and Randa, and group lessons are organised by age, from three to five for the youngest skiers up to teenagers. Book lessons early for school holiday weeks.
Rainy and cloudy days
The Matterhorn Museum tells the story of the first ascent in 1865 with original houses, a relief model of the mountain and a film room, and it is suitable for families. Opening days change by season, so check before you go. A walk through the Hinterdorf, where the barns stand on stone stilts, and a wander to the church bridge for the view of the peak fills an easy hour, and the village walk is a gentle 1.8 kilometres.
Altitude and clothing
The village is at about 1,600 metres, and the summit stations are at 3,000 metres and above. Children can feel breathless or tired, so ascend gradually, keep them hydrated and turn back if they feel unwell. Dress them in layers with hat, gloves and sunglasses even in summer, and put on sun protection, because the sun is strong at altitude. Shoes need grip for icy village lanes and wet gorge boards.
Where to stay
Mont Cervin Palace offers childcare and a playroom, along with Spa Nescens, which suits families who want a treat. Wellness Hotel Alpenhof, opposite the Sunnegga valley station, has a heated pool and breakfast included. Hotel Dufour Chalet includes breakfast and offers extra beds for a surcharge, and Riffelalp Resort has a playground and a pool, although it is at altitude and closes for part of the autumn. Ask each hotel about family rooms and cots before you book.
A simple family plan
Day one: village walk, Hinterdorf and the gorge in summer or the ice rink in winter. Day two: the Gornergrat railway and a gentle walk from Rotenboden toward the Riffelsee. Day three: the suspension bridge trail in summer or sledging and beginner lessons in winter. Keep afternoons loose and snacks in the bag.
