The resort and its history

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The Riffelalp Resort 2222m, under five of the brightest stars

At 2222 metres, you’re a lot closer to heaven and in the clear thin air the stars put on their most breathtaking display. Reception holds the key to a heavenly experience.

A perfect location

Feel relaxed in the beneficial mountain climate in the middle of fragrant pine and larch forests and with a spectacular view of the Matterhorn. Since the 19th century, guests have considered the Riffelalp as an exclusive place for peace and relaxation and they appreciate the diversity between sports activities, pleasant relaxation and the luxurious delights that the Riffelalp Resort 2222m offers. "A day well spent in the Alps is like some great symphony", said Mount Everest pionneer George Mallory. The British mountaineer enjoyed the high alpine freshness in the summer and was a five-star guest at Riffelalp high above Zermatt.

Arriving is an experience in itself. As the rack railway climbs and the commotion of the village is left behind, sit back, relax and enjoy the majestic view of the Matterhorn. In the summer, the highest tram in Europe waits at Riffelalp station to take you on what is probably the shortest tram ride in the world to the Riffelalp Resort. In the winter, our porter will be happy to pick you up on the skidoo. Or you can make use of the short walk through the picturesque forest to listen to the silence of Riffelalp for the first time.

The name keeps its promise

In the summer, Riffelalp offers a typical Alpine scenery with meadows and cows. The cow kindergarten with the sweet calves is right next to hotel premises all summer long. In the midst of one of the most beautiful walking, biking and climbing areas in the Alps, the Resort offers a variety of all kinds of activities. In the winter, the Riffelalp Resort is in the middle of the world famous Zermatt ski resort - the ski slopes go directly past the hotel - and is a perfect ski-in, ski-out hotel.

For anyone wanting to go on an excursion to the excitement of Zermatt, the village can be reached with the Gornergrat railway in just 20 minutes. Most guests prefer to stay in heaven on earth at 2,222 metres  above sea level and enjoy the distance from the rest of the world.

Our history

You’ve got time – make sure you have fun

The Grand Hotel Riffelalp celebrated its grand opening for summer tourism on 10th July 1884 and quickly became a playground for Europe’s high society. Today, Riffelalp Resort continues that great tradition with all the comforts of a modern ***** hotel.

1st September 1856
First Riffelalp plot purchased by Alexander Seiler

1878 - 1884
Construction of the 150-bed Riffelalp Grand Hotel

10th July 1884
Inauguration of the Grand Hotel for summer tourism; it soon became “the playground of European high society”

1890
Capacity of Riffelalp Grand Hotel increased to 200 beds, and several years later to 280 beds following acquisition of two annexe buildings

13th July 1899
Opening of the Riffelalp tram, the shortest and highest tramway of Europe

February 1961
Main building completely destroyed by fire

1986 - 1988
Alterations carried out to the two annexe buildings prior to the launch of 40-bed «Berghotel Riffelalp» and «Alpenresidenz Augstkumme» with holiday apartments

1988 - 1998
Riffelalp again opens to visitors

1998 - 2000
New construction and alteration scheme for the present «Riffelalp Resort 2222 m», offering all the services and amenities of a modern five-star hotel. Restoration of the tramway (highest in Europe) linking «Riffelalp Resort 2222 m» to the local station (in summer only)

2003
Enlargement of the wellness area annexe of the suite building

2007
Opening of the Ristorante «Al Bosco»

2016
General renovation of the whole hotel
Building of Deluxe ski room

Autumn 2017
Renovation of the Restaurant Alexandre, Banquet room, Bar and the Smoker's Lounge

2023
General renovation of the SPA 2'222m