Our Top Reasons to Visit Zermatt

Thinking of an epic skiing holiday next year but you're not sure where to go?

The European Alps offer some magnificent views of truly spectacular mountains, amazing skiing and snow sports opportunities as well as the chance to indulge yourself in the culture offered. 

This week Zermatt is top of our list and we'll tell you exactly why you should consider this stunning Swiss resort for your next snowy getaway!

Our Top Reasons to Visit Zermatt

It's the Highest Ski Resort in Europe

As a premier destination for skiers, snowboarders and fans of high altitude sports, Zermatt has the prize of 365 days of snow due to its high altitude. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the incredible skiing opportunities available and not many resorts can offer that year round experience. You can even ski from Zermatt into Cervinia in Italy for lunch and be back to Switzerland for dinner!

The Matterhorn

The icon of the Swiss Alps and one of the most photographed mountains in the world, it's not hard to tell why the Matterhorn is so loved by all in Zermatt. 

Standing guard over 3 countries - France, Italy and Switzerland- the grand rock face is an amazing sight to behold. 

The Scenery 

Obviously the Matterhorn is the centrepiece to the beautiful resort but don't think the rest of the scenery is anything less as the views are truly magnificent all year round.

Zermatt is a picturesque, 'chocolate box' resort and the strict building laws have maintained the traditionally Swiss feeling to the area as well as the architecture. Zermatt is also home to 94 natural water springs, trickling through the town and carving their way through the landscape over the years. 

Car Free

The village of Zermatt, in keeping with their environmentally friendly views, is a car free resort. This makes strolling through the streets and admiring your surroundings a lot less stressful. Horse drawn carriages were the main mode of transport until only 40 years ago. 

The Food

The people of Zermatt take their food and cooking very seriously and the quality can be seen through out the resort. Michelin star restaurants can be found on most streets and need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Eating chocolate, cheese fondue and sipping wine is all part of the experience!

The Non-Skiing Activities

If you're looking to relax and take a break from the slopes for the day, there are still plenty of things to do to keep yourself occupied.

Numerous bars, restaurants and cafes situate the area if you're after some fine dining opportunities. Horse drawn carriages can take you for trips around the village for a unique take on the scenery and the world's highest clay pigeon shooting range can be found here too!

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Take a cable car to altitudes of 3,883m and see the highest cable car station in Europe as well as the best views of the highest mountains in Italy, France & Switzerland.

Here you can see 360 degrees from the viewing platform at the highest glacier palace in Europe. The ski area on Theodul Glacier is open 365 days a year and you can take in the sights of the ice sculptures, crevasses and slides in the ice tunnels. 

Mountaineers Cemetery 

This tranquil site features moving reminders of climbers who have tragically lost their lives in the mountains surrounding Zermatt. 

Seenweg 

This gorgeous walk is one of the most popular hikes to do in Switzerland. The 5-Seenweg Walk or the Five Lakes Walk takes you past the wonderful lakes of Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grunsee, Moosjisee & Leisee which offer amazing scenic views and reflections of those exceptional mountains. 

Gorner Gorge 

A natural beauty featuring greenish rock surfaces that are over 220 million years old. At only a 15 minute walk from the Zermatt resort, the Gorner Gorge should be seen to be believed. The most impressive sights are in mid-September between 3pm and 4pm and the wooden walkways will lead you through the incredible rock face safely. 

The Chalets & Hotels

The traditional Swiss architecture combined with contemporary interior design are the main features of the chalets and hotels that reside in Zermatt, allowing you to keep warm and cosy whilst enjoying those amazing views and keeping close to the slopes.

Our experienced and knowledgeable luxury ski chalet experts are here to help you choose your ideal snowy retreat.

Contact them today:

ski@elegant-address.com

+44 (0)1244 62 99 63

Top Fitness Tips Ready for the Slopes!

Fitness is incredibly important before a skiing trip as injuries are common to the unprepared whether you're a beginner to the slopes or a more advanced skiing fanatic.
As skiing uses different muscle groups to more conventional cardiovascular exercise, it's good to know how you can prepare yourself and prevent an injury from ruining your Alpine escape.

Here are our Top Fitness Tips Ready for the Slopes!

The majority of experts would advise to start around 2 months before your trip to really build up your strength, stamina and techniques. Doing this will allow you to build up your general cardio fitness which will help your body deal with less oxygen at those higher altitudes.
Being generally fit isn't the only thing that will make the most of your time on the slopes but having ski specific fitness is a must.

Cardiovascular Fitness

Just 20 minutes to an hour's worth of decent cardio training 3 times a week will definitely build your general cardio fitness and you'll start to feel the benefit in approximately 6 weeks.

Cycling is a preferred method of training for World Cup skiers as not only is it great for raising your heart rate but it also provides great practice for balancing.
Cross trainers break up what can turn into a monotonous training regime with a bit of variety.
Circuit Training is fantastic for short bursts of high impact exercise and also brings a wide range of exercises so you won't get bored of the same things.

Running is great for a high paced aerobic workout but it can be high impact on knees and swimming focuses more on your upper body strength.

Core Exercises

Your core is also incredibly important whether you're carving into the slopes or just trying to keep your balance! Your abs, obliques, lower back and hips are all part of your core muscles and will need some attention before heading out on your trip. Balance training such as Pilates or balance ball exercises are great ways to build up your strength.

Flexibility

Colder temperatures, like the ones you'll experience in the European Alps, make muscles stiffer, lack the range of movements and are slower to react than when we're at a normal altitude. Regular stretching before your trip as well as any time you plan to ski will not only lessen your chances of injuries but will also improve your ski performance.

Strength & Power

Your quads (the front of your thighs) and gluteals (the back of your thighs) are your main power muscles during skiing or snowboarding.
Exercises to help you train up include lunges, split squats, step ups or cycling. Try to avoid wall squats as these can translate to you skiing with weight going into your heels.

Weight Distribution

Your weight should be balanced over the centre of your skis to avoid any loss of control or injuries.

1st Time Skiiers

For the beginner skier, the thought of zooming down snowy slopes can not only be incredibly exciting but also daunting! The sensation of standing on a moving object is quite a strange one and definintely takes time to adjust to. Activities such as ice skating or roller blading will make this movement a lot less confusing and will still help you with the stance and balance you'll need for a successful ski.

Balance Boards are also a fantastic resource to help you train up for the ski season. They can be easily made at home or from specialist stores.

Advanced Skiers

For the more advanced skiing fanatic, there are more than enough activities to keep your skills up to par. Horse riding, mountain biking or gymnastics help hone in on your co-ordination and of course, balance.

Dont' forget there's always a chance to ski all year round at indoor ski slopes which are an ideal way to practice and really develop your skills ready for a successful skiing or snowboarding trip.

Want to try out the slopes for yourself? Our experienced and dedicated luxury ski chalet experts are on hand to help you find your perfect property during your stayContact us today:

+44 (0) 1244 62 99 63

ski@elegant-address.com

What age is the best to learn to ski?

When is the best age to ski? A very tricky question! This question is usually asked when parents are considering entering their children into ski school for the first time, we will breakdown how to decide whether it’s time to strap of some skis and start mastering the snow plough!

It is natural for parents to worry they will push their children too soon into trying to learn to ski but they also don’t want their children to be left behind and miss out on mastering a new skill whilst having a fun! So when is the best time for the kids to start skiing?

Too early?

How early is too early? When you see very tiny children whizzing down the slopes and around adults, it may seem that they were born with skis attached but this is a rare occurrence and goes against the general rule. There is also the increased risk that children can be put off a new hobby or ski by starting too soon. So when should they start?

Realistically, the very earliest that kids can ski is from three years old. Children under three will struggle to co-ordinate and control their skis as well as lack the strength to stay up and balance. There is also the issue of more limited communication, concentration and the need for toilet stops!

Too late?

Wondering whether you have waited too long to start teaching your child to ski or sending them to ski school can be the bigger concern for some parents. The main thing that you must remember is that progress should be measured in terms of enjoyment and happiness for the young skier not in terms of technical accomplishments and trophies.

Like most sports, an early start can help but mainly if you want them to become an international sports star. Then again, a lot of the most competent skiers didn’t learn at a very young age. Skiing, like any skill, gets mastered through a combination of natural ability and a lot of practice! With getting a lot of practice or having a natural talent for skiing means that you can start at any age.

My first experience of skiing was at the age of 15 and although I might not be shredding down the black slopes, I have a decent level of ability and absolutely love my time in the mountains! So don’t worry to those parents worrying about when to start skiing. As long as your child is enthusiastic on the slopes and loves putting on planks; they will be skiing by your side in no time!  

Our Favourite Family Friendly Ski Chalets

Chalet Nyumba, Verbier

This beautiful chalet has stunning views over the valley, a magnificent spa, outdoor hot tub and massages for mum and dad with the option of having professional nannies and babysitters on hand to entertain the kids in the chalets indoor pool or fantastic playroom with a real tepee!

Chalet Elephant Blanc, Val d’Isere

This beautiful ski in/ski out luxury chalet comes with a complimentary nanny services included in the rental for off-peak weeks! There is also a kids TV snug, plenty of toys, games and sledges to keep the children amused whilst you take on the mountains.

Mont Tremblant, Meribel

This outstanding chalet in the heart of Meribel is a child's (and grown ups!) dream with a fantastic cinema room, separate living room just for kids to hang out and play table football, table tennis and plenty of games!