Make tracks
Things to do in winter
Experience the magic of winter at Riffelalp Resort 2'222m. Whether it’s a day of gently trekking through nature or hurtling down the slopes, you’ll find there’s more than one way to see this extraordinary mountain setting.
Straight onto the slopes
Ski-in/Ski-out Resort
At Riffelalp Resort 2'222m, a day on the mountain begins right outside the door. The ski run from Gornergrat, at 3,089 metres, all the way down to Zermatt passes directly by the hotel. Simply click into your skis and head straight out onto the slopes.
And when your legs start to feel the day, getting back is just as easy. Ski straight from the slopes to the Bar 2'222m, settle in by the crackling fire and warm up with a hot chocolate — before heading out again, or simply staying a little longer.
International ski area
Skiing in Bella Italia
Why limit yourself to just one country when skiing? From Riffelalp, you can head straight into the international ski area of Zermatt, Cervinia & Valtournenche – before making your final run back to Riffelalp. Along the way, discover perfectly groomed slopes, spectacular mountain panoramas and a very special change of scenery: simply cross the border into Italy, take a break on a sunny terrace and savour the Italian way of life over a cappuccino. This turns a day on the slopes into a little adventure between two countries – enjoyed at your own pace, from Riffelalp to Riffelalp.
Carve a path
Skiing and snowboarding
Join our experienced in-house guide four days a week in winter for a skiing programme that explores the areas of Zermatt, Rothorn, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier, Schwarzsee and Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche. You’ll meet in our ski room at 09:15 and set out for a full day on the slopes.
Tread lightly
Winter hiking and snowshoeing
On Thursdays, you can strap on a pair of snowshoes and swish through the snow-dusted splendour of our surroundings on foot. This is a more peaceful way of discovering our dramatic scenery than skiing, while still offering a gentle workout. Crunch through soft snow with the invigorating breeze on your face, the sun overhead, and the peaceful mountains all around. Equipment is available to hire from our dedicated winter ski shop.
A slippery slope
Sledding
For some good old-fashioned fun and the perfect family activity, take to the slopes on a sled – sure to elicit shrieks of delight from little ones and even the bravest grown-ups. At nearby Rotenboden, you’ll find the highest sledging run in the Alps, where you can glide down the 234-metre slope to Riffelberg with the Matterhorn in sight.
Soar above it all
Paragliding
See the Matterhorn from a different angle as you take to the calm, clear skies in a paraglider. Your pilot will expertly steer over the alpine landscape as you take in dazzling views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers while soaring high above the forest. Exhilarating in every way.
Start strong
Heliskiing
Glide above pristine slopes and be the first to leave tracks in the fresh powder snow. Ascending by helicopter, you can be dropped at incredible starting points, where you can freeride safely to the best available powder runs.
The sky's the limit
Helicopter trips
Swoop over the landscape in style with a sightseeing helicopter flight from Zermatt around the Matterhorn with Air Zermatt. You’ll be able to see the majestic peak up close from the comfort of your helicopter.