1-Week Winter Wonderland in the Alps
Snow-capped mountains have long been synonymous with images of cozy nights, cheerful holidays, and laughter-filled moments with family. Their grand stature conveys the perfect backdrop to a number of wintertime rom-coms (see: Hallmark), and there’s something so charming about the idea of spending time in a warm chalet, watching fluffy snowflakes drift down from the sky, perhaps with a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand after a long day of skiing.
If this is your perfect idea of a winter holiday, then this week-long itinerary through the Alps is just what you need.
___________________
Before we begin our itinerary, here are a few things to note:
The Alps are a huge mountain range that span across multiple countries. Each country and region have their own personality, so shop around if you’re keen on finding the perfect place to you. Our picks, Zermatt and Chamonix, are two of the most famous spots, but there’s a number of other possibilities as well.
If you’re skiing (which we highly, highly recommend doing), make sure to prep for your trip well before you head out. The most budget-friendly way to purchase lift tickets is through purchasing a skiing season pass through either Epic Pass or Ikon Pass, depending on which resorts you would like to head to. If you’re working with Noor, we’ll work with you to determine which is the best for your needs, and this will save you a lot of money down the road.
Now, lets begin your trip!
Day 1: Travel Day, Arrive in Zermatt
Start your trip by flying into Geneva, Milan, or Zurich to get to Zermatt. Geneva is just shy of 3 hours away from Zermatt, and Milan and Zurich take around 3 and a half hours. The ride from Milan to Zermatt is stunning and takes you through the southern part of the Alps that separate Italy and Switzerland. Pick the overnight flight to ensure that you arrive in the morning and are able to ride the train during the daytime so that you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
You can arrange for a private transfer, rent a car, or take public transportation to get to Zermatt. Zermatt is a car-free town, so the closest you’ll be able to drive yourself is to the neighboring town of Täsch, where they have long-term parking that you can leave your car. I don’t suggest doing this with a rental, and highly recommend taking a private car or the train, both of which will give you stunning views. Since train ticket prices can be high in Switzerland, a private transfer is something to consider.
Once you arrive in Zermatt, check into your hotel. We recommend the Mont Cervin Palace for those seeking the highest end of luxury, Cervo for the young après crowd, and the Hotel Walliserhof for those on a budget.
Use the rest of this day to explore the beautiful downtown of Zermatt, where luxurious stores like Loro Piana sit next to old libraries and the villages of the first settlers of the area. If you like museums, be sure to check out the Zermatt Matterhorn Museum, where the town’s unbelievable lore will blow you away.
If you didn’t bring your own gear on this trip, head to your chosen ski rental spot and get fitted for your rentals so that you can hop right onto the snow tomorrow morning.
For dinner, head to Du Pont, a spot recommended by the local ski instructors of the area for authentically delicious fondue in an unfussy restaurant that is actually the oldest restaurant building in Zermatt.
After dinner, walk down the road to Elsie’s Bar, which is located in a quaint house right on Zermatt’s main street. Push through velvety-blue curtains to open up into an old-school lover’s paradise with antique wood panelling surrounds this cozy spot.
Day 2: Ski Day
Wake up early on your first full day in Zermatt to hit the slopes! Be sure to dress in layers as the Zermatt sun frequently peeks out midday if not already blaring when you leave your hotel.
If you’re a beginner, head to Sunnegga to practice some turns on their training area, or take a lesson for a pro to show you the basics. Taking a ski lesson is a great way to be sure that you’re learning how to ski the correct way and build great habits. We cannot highlight enough how beneficial it is to take a lesson on your first day out on the snow! Even if you’re a seasoned vet, a lesson is a great way to reawaken those hidden muscles that may have snoozed through the spring and summer seasons. If you’re an advanced skier, grab a guide for a session to show you the best spots on the mountain safely.
For lunch, make your way to Chez Vrony, which is located right down from the Sunnegga training area. Be sure to secure a reservation for this spot in advance as it’s one of the most popular spots on the mountain. Try the pear ravioli and the vrony burger for a hearty meal that’s sure to fuel you for the rest of your ski day. This is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to!
Once it hits 3 pm, you’ll notice skiers begin to make their way to some of the après spots on the mountain. Make your way to Adler Hitta and enjoy the vibrant crowd and celebrate your first full day of successful skiing!
After you head out from Adler Hitta, I suggest returning to your hotel and freshening up before heading back out to dinner.
Check out Spycher for dinner, a cozy restaurant with a traditionally Swiss restaurant.
Day 3: Ski Day
Now that you’ve had your warm-up ski day, get ready to have your big prep day. If you feel ready for it, do the Gornegrat area for a full day of beautiful views and insane slopes.
The Gornegrat Bahn is a train that goes all the way up to one of the highest observatories that looks out onto the Matterhorn. There’s another similar trip, the Matterhorn Paradise, that takes you a tad bit closer, but the general consensus is that the Gornergrat is the perfect combination of sights and skiing. The lift ticket price for the day is a bit more hefty, so be sure to secure your Epic Pass before hand.
Depart early for this day to get the most out of your Gornegrat pass. Forgo a large breakfast and grab a quick coffee/pastry from Fuchs before heading to the Gornegrat station with your ski gear.
Once you board the Gornegrat train, get your phone out and be prepared for some of the most stunning, sweeping views of the Zermatt valley and the Matterhorn. You’ll weave your way up the mountain, an impressive feat, and the view gets better and better as you make your way along. Take the train all the way to the top, where you’ll reach the observatory. Take your obligatory Matterhorn photos from this viewpoint, and make sure to stop inside the beautiful small church at the top to the left of the lodge called Kappelle Gornegrat. At night on the mountaintop webcams, you can see the chapel light up in a beautiful hue of candlelit gold.
Once you’re at the top of the mountain, you can begin to ski down. There’s a number of different lifts that you can ski to and around, and I suggest staying in the area to appreciate the stunning landscape and view for as long as possible.
When you get hungry, head to Iglu Dorf, an igloo bar that serves fondue and drinks. You can eat your full lunch here or, if you’d like, continue skiing down to the Riffelhaus 1853 hotel, where you can grab lunch in a beautiful hotel that’s only accessible by lift.
For your daily après, make your way over to the Furli area and go to Hennu Stall, which is notorious for being one of the craziest après experiences in Zermatt. Be safe and have fun!
After Hennu Stall, make your way back into town and grab a sausage from Metzgerei Bayard, the infamous local butcher shop. You’ll know you’re at the right spot when you see the iconic large-scale sausage statue (which you may have noticed as you’ve been exploring Zermatt!). This is one of the best grab-and-go items you can purchase in Zermatt, just make sure that you bring your francs since this is one of the few cash-only spots in town.
Head back to your hotel and change out of your ski clothes before heading back out into town. Check out the Hotel Cervo’s new fondue restaurant Ferdinand for dinner, a more modern version of the more local spots you’ve visited in the days prior. Don’t be fooled by the modern interior, the fondue is just as delicious as the other places, and there’s just something so rustically rewarding about dipping your own bread into cheese at this establishment. Be sure to book this spot in advance as the space fills up quickly, with patrons dressing to the nines.
Day 4: Final Ski Day in Zermatt
On your final day in Zermatt, leave the country….just kidding! This will be your third day of skiing, and you’ll have warmed up aptly for what may be the most famous ski run in all of Zermatt: skiing to Cervinia, Italy.
Get dressed for your day and head out early as the ski trek takes a few hours to complete, and if you want the opportunity to have time to explore Cervinia, you’ll want to get out on the snow ASAP.
If you’d like to head straight to the route that takes you up and over into Italy, start your ski day in Furi, where Hennu Stall was located the day prior. You can use this blogger’s helpful ski route to determine the best way you want to go. Depending on where you start, this trip there can take you anywhere between 1 and 3 hours each way.
Take a pit stop at Chalet Etoile for lunch before skiing down to Cervinia and clipping out of your skis to take a quick walk around town. Welcome to Italy!
Make sure to manage your time wisely and be sure to leave some wiggle room with the latest lifts up the mountain. Don’t attempt to take the last lift up in case anything takes longer than planned. If you miss the last lift, you’ll have to either spend the night in Cervinia or take. a car around the mountain, which is a 3 hour trip.
For apres, head back to Hotel Cervo to enjoy Cervo’s apres, one of the most fun in town. This time you’ll be staying out in the bar area overlooking the mountain.
Since this is your last night in Zermatt, you can either choose to continue the Italian vibe and visit Le Chalet da Giuseppe (as long as you’ve snagged a res beforehand!) or Grampi’s, or alternatively you can have a final Swiss dinner at Schäferstube at the Hotel Julen. For all of these spots, make sure you check their websites and book beforehand, as their reservations get scooped up fast!
Day 5: Travel to Chamonix
The second part of your Alps tour will be in Chamonix, France, where Mont Blanc, the highest peak in all of Europe, is located.
On the morning that you’re leaving from Chamonix, take either your private transfer or the train from Zermatt to Chamonix. Both routes have stunning views. The train to Chamonix has a few transfers, but it’s not too long of a trip. The overall time takes around 4 hours, and it’ll be worth it once you get to see the beautiful surroundings! If you’re doing this trip, it is highly suggested to take a private transfer if you can as it will save time and effort, especially if you’re carrying around your skis.
Once in Chamonix, check into your hotel. Since you’ve been skiing consecutive days up until now, give your body some well-deserved rest and explore the French Alps region.
Head into downtown Chamonix to explore its expansive array of shopping. This area is more commercial than the understated village of Zermatt, and there’s a number of fun spots to stop at and get your shopping fix in.
Day 6: Ski Day in Chamonix
Chamonix’s mountain structure is different than Zermatt’s in that the area is spread out across a number of different towns. For your first day in Chamonix, venture over to the town of Les Houches, where you’ll find some of the most stunning slopes in the region and wonderful views of Mont Blanc.
For lunch, snag a table at Restaurant Le Hors-Pistes for dining with a view.
Apres in Les Houches is a lot more tame than in Zermatt, but there’s a nice spot across from the main lift called La Roulotte that attracts a large number of skiers at the end of the day. Grab a drink and a crepe at this spot before making your way back to the main area of Chamonix.
In town, you can head back to your hotel or choose to walk around for a minute. If lunch didn’t fill you up, grab a hot dog at Cool Cats. Try and call ahead to order since this is a popular spot in the area and wait times for your dog can take around 15-30 minutes. This hotdog spot is the epitome of “instagrammable,” and one look at those piles of fixing on top of the hot dog will make you forget all about the steeper price tag.
Once you’ve wrapped up, head back to your hotel and drop off you gear and get ready for the night.
For dinner, make your way to La Cremerie du Glacier in Argentière, which was actually visited by Anthony Bourdain and was featured in both his book and show.
Day 7: Ski Day in Chamonix
If you talk to anyone in the ski shops about their favorite spots to ski, odds are you’ll hear Le Tour mentioned repeatedly. Le Tour is one of the furthest spots to ski from Chamonix proper, but it’s got stunning views and a fun funicular design that makes it worth the trip.
Make your way out early in the morning and wait to eat breakfast for when you reach Le Tour. Grab a bite to eat at Le Posson, a cafe where they serve the most delicious croissant you may ever have. Perfect parts buttery and flakey, it’s the best breakfast to grab alongside an omelet or some baguette with jam before heading out into the slopes.
Side note and insider scoop, the croissant from Le Posson might be from a pop-up that was operating in the Go Sport Montagne and Balme Sport building. At one point, there was a sign outside of Go Sport Montagne, and the person working there mentioned that you have to reserve your bread far in advance to pick up. If you really want a good croissant or baguette, try giving Go Sport Montagne a call and seeing if they’re hosting the bakery when you visit, and their contact info to place an order so that it’ll be ready when you arrive at Le Tour!
Ski your heart out in Le Tour, and take in some of the most fantastic views and amazingly windy cat tracks that circumvent the small valley that sits in the middle of the ski area. Grab some great pics and enjoy your time out on the snow!
You can head back down to Le Posson and grab lunch there, or grab a quick bite in the on-mountain cafeteria.
Once you’re ready to go back to Chamonix, hop back on the bus and go back to your hotel to get ready for the rest of the night.
For dinner, make sure you’ve secured a reservation at La Caleche, one of the most popular spots in town. Dining here feels like a warm hug in the best way possible, with its woody interior and traditional mountain decor, and yet the coziness is combatted with an air of luxury. You’ll see arms donned with Vacheron Constantins or APs while they slice away at a roasting raclette cheese. Come here hungry, and make sure you order raclette and the onion soup (the authentic version of our french onion soup, for the American crowd).
Day 8: Travel Home
Fly out of Geneva on this day. You can grab a train to take you straight to the airport, or use a private transfer.
__________________
The Alps are a magical place, and after visiting there’s a strong chance you’ll return home questioning why you don’t live in a chalet in the mountains and live a quaint life filled with cheese and beer. I hope that this itinerary shows you at least some of what this amazing region has to offer, and encourages you to return back for more fondue and raclette, perhaps to a few neighboring ski spots or to your newfound favorites.