Ski Switzerland by Glacier Express Train

This unique itinerary takes you to three exhilarating but very different ski resorts in Switzerland on the famous Glacier Express train, starting in Zermatt and travelling to St Moritz via Andermatt. You will travel in style through some of the Alps' most dramatic scenery, staying at exclusive hotels and skiing three of Switzerland's best resorts.

1. Days 1-4: Zermatt

   Your trip begins by train up to the iconic resort of Zermatt. The famously car free mountain village is one of the great ski resorts of the world, dominated by the mighty Matterhorn. Lovely long, wide runs and a wealth of challenging terrain, making it great for beginners, intermediates and experts alike. The run to Cervinia in Italy is the world’s longest ski run and is a great way to build up an appetite for lunch. Zermatt has a well-earned reputation as the home of the very best mountain restaurants.

   The Glacier Express winds its way between Zermatt and St Moritz at such a sedate pace, it’s billed the slowest express train in the world, taking eight hours from beginning to end. It travels through some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable – through the Rhine Gorge, known as the Swiss Grand Canyon, over the mighty Landwasser Viaduct, past ancient villages, monasteries and abbeys, and at its highest point, 2,033m across the Oberalp Pass. The entire length of the line is narrow gauge and is surely one of the most dramatic ways of arriving at your destination. Sit back in comfort in spacious carriages, enjoy freshly prepared meals in the dining car and drinks served at your seat. Vast panoramic windows from table level to over the ceiling above you, allow the spectacular views to roll past, whilst friendly and attentive staff look after you. This is train travel how it should be.

   Accommodation: Zermatterhof (3 nights)

2. Days 4-4: Glacier Express - Zermatt to Andermatt

3. Days 4-6: Andermatt

   From Zermatt, you take an early morning train and ride three hours to Andermatt, arriving just in time for lunch. Andermatt is a small, authentic and relaxed resort, popular with expert skiers and where the Swiss army trains. Skiing is divided across three uncrowded mountains, with large swathes of off piste and deep powder, easily making it a match for St Anton and Chamonix. The resort is dominated by the majestic, north-facing Gemsstock, with views from the top of 600 peaks, and with one of Switzerland’s best snow records, it usually ensures perfect powder late in the season. Here you will be staying in luxury, sumptuous accommodation with and incredible facilities.

   Accommodation: The Chedi Andermatt (2 nights)

4. Days 6-6: Glacier Express - Andermatt to St Moritz

5. Days 6-9: St Moritz

   Your itinerary continues by leaving Andermatt late morning, so you can enjoy an exceptionally scenic lunch as you pull slowly towards St Moritz, arriving just in time for a cocktail.

   One of the most glamorous and cosmopolitan ski resorts in the world, St Moritz is home to the legendary Cresta Run, polo on the frozen lake and a host of other extraordinary snow sports including golf and cricket. It also offers a great variety of ski terrain and is Switzerland’s largest interconnected region, with 350km of pistes, mainly favouring good intermediates with enough runs to keep experts happy. The further you travel from the main village, the emptier the slopes become. Visitors to St Moritz are overwhelmed by the spectacular scenery surrounding the village and further up in the mountains. St Moritz also boasts some excellent mountain restaurants, with a wide choice in the village. Here, you’ll stay in the magnificent accommodation overlooking the spectacular lake.

   This is a suggested itinerary and we can design a trip to suit your schedule and how long you’d like to spend in each resort, taking into account the journey between each one. We have a wide choice of hotels along the route. It’s worth noting that Zermatt and St Moritz are also two of the most popular resorts for those who don’t ski. So, non-skiers have a chance to experience three beautiful Swiss resorts, with the added bonus of some world class restaurants, spas, shopping, and many a sunny terrace.

   Accommodation: Badrutt's Palace (3 nights)

• First Tracks

  Ski the Matterhorn before anyone else is out of bed! Take the lift on a Thursday morning with the pisteurs and have the entire mountain to yourself (and maybe a few friends).

  READ MORE

• Iglu-Dorf

  Visit Zermatt's igloo village at the top of the Gornergrat railway, at 2,727m. A unique experience to dine or even sleep overnight in an igloo.

  READ MORE

• Paragliding in Zermatt

  An exhilarating and spectacular view of the winter wonderland that is Zermatt and the Matterhorn from the heady heights of paragliding. Tandem flights are available throughout the winter months with different take off points around the resort.

  READ MORE

Zermatt, Andermatt & St Moritz, Switzerland