A car-free mountain village under the Matterhorn, with snow almost guaranteed at Christmas. Here's what Zermatt is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.
Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so the new EU entry checks apply. Check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.
December to April is ski season, with snow very likely at Christmas thanks to the high slopes and glacier. July and August are good for walking and mountain lakes. May and November are quiet, with many hotels closed.
Cable cars climb to almost 3,900 metres, with an ice palace carved inside the glacier.
A cog railway up to a viewpoint facing the Matterhorn and 29 other peaks over 4,000 metres.
Gentle beginner slopes at Sunnegga and a long sledge run from Rotenboden to Riffelberg.
A small Christmas market, lantern-lit streets and horse-drawn sleighs instead of cars.
Learn about the first climb of the Matterhorn in a recreated old village.
A slow, scenic train across the Alps to St Moritz, with big panoramic windows.
Yes, if your budget stretches. It's car-free, snow-sure and has good ski schools and beginner areas.
Almost always. Zermatt's slopes go up to nearly 3,900 metres, so it's one of the safest bets in the Alps.
Fly to Geneva or Zurich and take the train, about three and a half hours. Cars must be left at Täsch, the station before.
Yes, Switzerland is dear. Self-catering apartments and supermarket picnics help.
Put Zermatt on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.