Why Ski Zermatt, Switzerland in 2023?
First Tracks in Europe
Obviously, Mother Nature gave the Western USA a white gift from the heavens this past ski season, but we know she’s fickle and won’t always be this generous. Personally, I’ve not seen snow like this since the late 60’s and early 70’s – when we could ski in Mammoth and Squaw (Palisades) into July. Climate change anyone? Winters could be very different going forward – we’re starting to see a shift in seasons. Here’s just a few of the warning signs:
Ski World Cup athletes are lobbying their governing body (the FIS) to push the racing season forward – meaning fewer races in October – December and more later into the end of March.
The western USA got pounded with snow after New Year’s and didn’t stop until late April. However, snowfall on the East Coast was as a lean as a bulimic chicken.
Europe started out ok, but then received almost no snow until early February. And now, in the last month of the season, the Alps are getting dumped on again.
The bad news? Fickle weather patterns will most likely continue.
The good news? Both Europe and the USA have seen this coming for years and have enough snow making capacity to keep our favorite sport chugging along until the Wooly Mammoths start re-emerging.
So Why Ski in Europe?
Even though it was a banner year for skiing in the Western USA, there were frustrations as well. Impassable roads due to avalanches, crowded slopes, long lift lines and exorbitant prices that appear to have no ceiling anymore. Add in the cost of parking, traffic jams and low-quality, high-priced food options at mountain restaurants, the experience is less than stellar.
And even though American’s are creatures of habit, many are curious enough to try something new. If you’re tired of the status quo, perhaps it’s time to mix things up and give skiing in Europe a go. As frequent travelers know, the price of airline tickets drop around early October and only spike for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s the perfect time to make that trip across the pond like 8 of our clients did last December 1st for our Zermatt First Tracks Ski Trip.
Finding The Best Early-Season Snow
Even in a banner snow year, most skiers and snowboarders know that early snow conditions anywhere in the USA are sketchy at best. And, if you’re crazy enough to tempt fate and tackle the famed “white ribbons of death” at early season ski resorts, it’s generally like trying to sprint across a 6-lane highway.
However, like anything in life – there are alternatives. May be suggest the Swiss Alps?
In early December, the Queen of the Alps, Zermatt, Switzerland, has plenty of snow. Our 8 guests in Zermatt during the first week of December were blown away with this remote, yet luxurious little hamlet tucked neatly underneath one of the most famous mountains in the world – The Matterhorn. And, because it’s prior to Christmas, the town is quiet and hotel prices are easily affordable. The shops, restaurants and most mountain huts are open for business as well.
Why Ski in Switzerland?
Here are some very valid reasons why you should join our Zermatt First Tracks Trip and experience European skiing:
• Zermatt is one of the few resorts where you can ski from one country into another (and back) as they are linked by an incredible array of ultra-modern lift systems. They have gondolas, trains, funiculars, trams and of course modern chairlifts with heated seats and windscreens.
• One ski run alone down to Cervinia, on the Italian side, is nearly 10 miles long of gradually undulating terrain flanked by incredible scenery – including the Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc in the distance. If Mother Nature is only into blowing rays of sunshine – no problem. Zermatt and Cervin combined have over 80% of their slopes backed up with snowmaking (over 1,200 snow cannons). And all the slopes are impeccably groomed and wide, which makes those first runs of the season an absolute joy.
• Unbelievable cuisine! Gourmet, farm-to-table lunches on the slopes in numerous mountain huts. Hungry for veiner schnitzel, a Swiss Rösti or just a soup or salad? Everything is fresh and reasonably priced. Craving a nice pasta and a glass of wine? Have lunch in Valtourneniche or Cervinia (on the Italian side). Our dinners each night were both amazing and fascinating. We danced from grilled meats to Italian, to Thai, to Sushi and finished off with the best lamb you’ll ever experience at Chez Heini.
• Everyone receives personal ski instruction by Hall of Fame Skier, Dan Egan and Olympic Alpine Ski Coach, Gary Miller. Nobody gets into the mind of a skier like Dan Egan. Between the stunning vistas and Dan’s coaching, you’ll pinch yourself after each run. Want to carve turns like the World Cup skiers – Gary will help you learn what only 10% of skiers can do.
• Our sponsor on this trip is the travel and lifestyle company, Kulkea. We use their “Kayda” travel pack exclusively on our Zermatt trips. Instead of booting up in town and walking to the lift, we can put our boots and ski gear (helmet, gloves, goggles etc.) into the “Kayda,” leisurely walk to the gondola and ride up to the Trockener Steg (mid-station), where we boot up and get our Stoeckli skis. Whether it’s ski, bike, hike or just travel, Kulkea has you covered with the highest quality and most functional packs on the market. Check them out here.
What Makes Zermatt Special?
Zermatt is special in so many ways:
Where else can you get off your flight, grab your luggage and walk downstairs (under the airport) and take a train right into Zermatt, then take a battery-operated taxi to the hotel?
In Zermatt, the air is always fresh and clean because no cars are allowed in town. Just a walk along the cobbled streets with amazing shops, restaurants and bars is serene and stress free. It’s like you stepped into a completely different world. And this year, we have an even more affordable option – a double occupancy price, so bring a spouse, significant other, sibling or friend for less.
The Zermatt Bergbahnen is one of the most sophisticated lift systems in the world. Their new ultra-luxurious 3S Cableway from the Trockener Steg to the Klein Matterhorn is an engineering marvel. The sister 3S cableway from the Klein Matterhorn to the Testa Grigia in Italy is nearly complete – which will make it the longest and highest cableway in the world – running from Zermatt to Cervinia and back. You have to see it to believe it!
If you haven’t figured it out by now, Zermatt is one of my favorite ski resorts – mostly because there are so many options. I just love skiing long meandering runs that go for miles on end – especially when the goal is getting your “ski or board” legs primed for the season. A week here and you won’t have “sore legs” during the Christmas holidays. And even though Zermatt appears remote – it’s Switzerland, a small paradise in the Alps. Besides, it’s only remote for a week – something everyone could experience a little more. I’m confident you’ll come home fulfilled and wanting to come back for more.
Ski you in Zermatt!
