Things to Do in Zermatt: Adventures Beyond the Ski Slopes

Zermatt is best known for the unmistakable Matterhorn, but there is much more to this Swiss Alpine destination than skiing. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, glaciers and mountain trails, the village is an excellent base for travellers who want to spend more time outdoors and experience the Alps from different perspectives.

If you are searching for memorable Things To Do In Zermatt, there are plenty of activities to consider, from hiking and sightseeing to taking to the skies on a tandem paragliding flight.

See the Matterhorn from a Different Perspective

For many visitors, seeing the Matterhorn is at the top of the itinerary. You can admire the mountain from the village, hiking trails and viewing points, but seeing it while flying above the Zermatt valley offers a completely different Matterhorn Experience.

With SkyGirl Paragliding, visitors can experience the Alpine landscape from the air on a tandem flight. No previous paragliding experience is required, making it accessible to many first-time flyers.

After a short briefing, you take a few running steps with your pilot before the paraglider lifts into the air. From there, you can settle into the harness and enjoy views across Zermatt and the surrounding mountains.

Try Tandem Paragliding in Switzerland

If you have always wanted to try Switzerland Paragliding, Zermatt provides an extraordinary setting. The combination of high-altitude take-off locations, Alpine scenery and views towards the Matterhorn makes the flight much more than a typical sightseeing activity.

SkyGirl Paragliding offers several Matterhorn paragliding flight options, with take-off locations and approximate flight times varying according to the chosen experience and flying conditions.

Tandem Paragliding Switzerland is particularly suitable for travellers who want the thrill of paragliding without needing to learn how to control the wing themselves. Your tandem pilot manages the technical side of the flight while you enjoy the scenery.

Hiking Through the Zermatt Landscape

Hiking is another popular choice for anyone looking for Outdoor Activities Zermatt has to offer. Trails around the region range from relatively relaxed walks to more demanding mountain routes.

Walking gives you time to appreciate the details of the Alpine environment: mountain lakes, changing views of the Matterhorn, traditional buildings and wide-open landscapes. Depending on the season and trail conditions, you can build anything from a short morning walk to a full day's hiking into your itinerary.

Ride the Mountain Railways and Cable Cars

You do not have to undertake a challenging hike to reach Zermatt's higher viewpoints. Mountain railways and cable cars provide access to several spectacular locations around the resort.

The journey upwards is part of the experience, with the landscape gradually opening out as you gain altitude. These transport links also play an important role in paragliding, taking passengers towards mountain take-off areas such as Rothorn, Gornergrat, Rotenboden and other locations used according to the selected flight and conditions.

Make Your Zermatt Adventure More Memorable

A great Zermatt Adventure does not have to involve packing every possible attraction into your holiday. Combining a few carefully chosen activities can give you a much better appreciation of the destination.

You might spend one day walking through the mountains, another visiting a high-altitude viewpoint and part of another day flying above the valley. Each activity presents the Matterhorn and surrounding Alps in a completely different way.

For visitors who enjoy photography, the constantly changing landscape also provides plenty of opportunities to capture memorable images throughout their stay.

Add Paragliding to Your Zermatt Itinerary

Among all the Things To Do In Zermatt, paragliding stands out because it changes the way you see the landscape. Instead of viewing the mountains from a trail or observation platform, you are flying through the Alpine environment itself.

SkyGirl's tandem flights are led by Julika Giles, a Swiss-certified tandem pilot who has been paragliding in Zermatt since 2010 and has completed more than 3,000 flights beneath the Matterhorn.

Flights are dependent on suitable weather and wind conditions, as safety determines whether flying can take place. Visitors should therefore consider allowing some flexibility in their holiday itinerary.

Whether you are planning your first Alpine holiday or returning to Zermatt in search of something different, combining hiking, mountain sightseeing and Tandem Paragliding Switzerland can turn a beautiful trip into an experience you will remember long after returning home. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best things to do in Zermatt besides skiing? There are plenty of Things To Do In Zermatt beyond skiing, including hiking, scenic mountain railways, cable car journeys, sightseeing and tandem paragliding. These activities allow visitors to enjoy the Alpine landscape from completely different perspectives.

2. Is paragliding a popular outdoor activity in Zermatt? Yes. Outdoor Activities Zermatt visitors often consider include hiking, mountain excursions and paragliding. A tandem flight is particularly memorable because it provides aerial views of the surrounding peaks, valleys and the Matterhorn.

3. Do I need experience for tandem paragliding in Switzerland? No previous flying experience is normally required for Tandem Paragliding Switzerland. The tandem pilot controls the paraglider while the passenger follows the take-off instructions and enjoys the flight and scenery.

4. Why is Zermatt a good destination for Switzerland paragliding? Zermatt offers an impressive setting for Switzerland Paragliding because of its high Alpine landscape, dramatic mountain scenery and views towards the Matterhorn. Flying above the region gives visitors a perspective that cannot be experienced from the ground.

5. How can I make my Matterhorn experience more adventurous? You can combine traditional sightseeing with hiking, mountain transport and a tandem paragliding flight. Adding paragliding to your Matterhorn Experience can make your Zermatt Adventure more memorable by allowing you to see the Alpine surroundings from the air.