ZERMATT 2023-2024

It’s not a bird, a plane, or even a mirage. It’s the very icon of Switzerland: the Matterhorn in all its glory and Zermatt spread out below at the base of the mountain. Whether we come from distant lands or the banks of Lake Geneva, the emotion we feel is identical. In the cocoon of the valley, amidst the old homes and majestic chalets of the station, serenity takes hold, riding the coattails of memories that will last us a lifetime.

Come Christmas, it gets even better. A light dusting of snow only makes Zermatt’s Alpine summits and glaciers, mountain air, horse-drawn carriages, antique wood, and old stone feel more timeless than ever. Here, it’s as authentic as it gets, which is one its greatest keys to global success. It’s a true winter refuge... and a refuge for the soul. When the world moves too quickly, Zermatt allows us to catch our breath, opening the window on a past way of life we feared we had lost. Here we find tranquillity, silence, and — quite possibly — some magic.

In Zermatt, we find the same families as always, carefully guarding the well-being of the valley, the village, and their reputations. Here, the warm welcome is legendary, and the traditional values are upheld: honesty, work, and a sense of the common good. Together we forge on, tirelessly, invest- ing in a future that is forever caught in a dichotomy between preservation and the latest technologies. In 2023, after many years of work and planning, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cable car finally conquered the mountain peaks, connecting two Alpine slopes without emitting a single ounce of CO2. While the station has historically been car-free, Zermatt is always thinking of new ways to go green — take, for exam- ple, the CERVO, a leading Design Hotels member and a beacon for environmental and social responsibility, which just won the “Best Sustainable Hotel in Switzerland” award.

The desire to do well has also made its way to the dinner table, where high-quality local ingredients have found their natural place in the spotlight. It can’t be said often enough that, despite being a small village, Zermatt is one of the world’s premier fine-dining destinations. It was the perfect excuse for helvet to explore the ski resort’s best tables, both in terms of culinary expertise and the exceptional views... which naturally feature the Matterhorn, front and centre.