Zermatt

The Matterhorn really is the most iconic mountain in the Alps, and Zermatt is right underneath it so you are guaranteed the most sublime views, what with the Dom and Monte Rosa too. Skiing heaven here and one of the longest seasons with super-reliable snow so miss a trip here at your peril.

Families, (under-10s ski for free) intermediate skiers, top dog skiers, ski tourers, boarders - yes, there's something for each one of you, and some. And some more. 200kms of pistes and super-duper off-piste. The nursery slopes are high up, which is fun. Then, for intermediates, the runs are long and scenic, and sometimes almost black like the one off the top of Hohtalli. For experts, apart from the many black runs and the Triftji Bumps mogul field it's the itineraries which will stretch skill-levels and delight - the Stockhorn, the Schwarzsee and the Rothorn.

For boarders there's the Gravity Park with half-pipe and plenty of bumps, lumps and jumps, and if you prefer airbag landings, try Blauherd.

Apres-Ski in Zermatt

Lively - that's Zermatt après-ski - and something for every taste in a picturesque town lined with rickety old chalets, and largely traffic-free except for electric carts and horse-drawn carriages.

Snowboat is decorated like a yacht, and the Pollux is very popular. There's Papa Caesar's and Vernissage, or, more traditional, the Hexenbar. There are piano bars everywhere and for night owls there's the Broken Bar Disco or the Loft Lounge Club.

Other activities? The Matterhorn Museum is fascinating. Try your hand (feet?) at snowshoeing, ice skating and curling. Take a winter walk. Go sledging at Gornergrat. Try tobogganing and clay pigeon shooting (not simultaneously!). Go in a helicopter or go heliskiing or skydiving.

That's enough to send you rushing to book at holiday to Zermatt, surely? Here at GetSkiing, we'd love to help you.

Gary's Little Gems in Zermatt

One of the most iconic views in the ski world, the Matterhorn dominates the skiing of Zermatt with its magnetic presence. The traffic-free and charming resort of Zermatt has to be on every skier's list of places to ski and enjoy at nights. As part of your ski pass, why not ski to Cervinia in Italy for a day? The standard of hotels and restarants in Zermatt has to be amongst the best in the world but with prices to match.