Zermatt in the summer: Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering and… summer ski
Whether you are seeking the ultimate sporting holiday, or just the complete relaxation that only the mountains can offer, Zermatt in the summer remains a secret paradise.
Indeed Zermatt in the summer is as busy as it is in winter and there are many more activities on offer than on a typical beach holiday. You can not only swim and play tennis or golf, but also ski, paraglide, mountain bike, or gently hike to a gourmet lunch, to name just a few options. There is in fact such a variety of leisure and sporting activities that one can not do them all in a week.
Streetlife and nightlife are vibrant, yet it is also easy to get away from it all and wander lonely as a cloud to take a nap in a meadow. The combination of snow-capped mountains, lush woods, sunny pastures and a charming village exuberant with flowers makes for a very special setting. When you add to this hot sunny days and cosily cool nights with no mosquitoes, safe clubs and car-free streets, you get the perfect holiday.
That is why, if you have never experienced a summer mountain holiday, we confidently recommend it and encourage you to try. All of our luxury chalets in Zermatt are available for summer rental at very good summer rates. Try our legendary Zermatt Lodge, our charming Chalet Heidi or our cosy Chalet Carmen which together with our other chalets constitute some of the finest properties in Zermatt.
Did you know?
- There are more than 100 restaurants in Zermatt to choose from in the summer.
- Zermatt is the only ski resort in the world where the skiing never closes.
- Night-clubs do not charge entrance, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
- There are at least three different ways of flying in Zermatt in the summer:
Summer Events and Festivals in Zermatt
There are ten major events taking place in Zermatt in the summer; ranging from bike races and food, spectacular fireworks and world-class music, to one of the toughest marathons in the world. Below is a list in chronological order. If your stay coincides with one of these, do make sure to check it out!
Sports: Zermatt Marathon, in July
The Marathon runs from St. Niklaus (1,116 m above sea level) via Zermatt to Riffelberg (2,582m above sea level). The course covers 42,195 metres with a climb of over 1,900 metres vertical. One compensation for the gruelling run is the breathtaking panorama. For the toughest participants is the “ultra” distance, with additional 3.4 km distance and climb of 514m. Finish on the Gornergrat at 3089m. This run is unique in the Alps. Spectators along the trails welcome!
Sports: Täschalp Run and Alpine Festival, in July
With its start in Täsch, the race finishes at the Täsch Alp (2,299m) covering a distance of 7.64 kilometres with an elevation rise of 780 metres. Participants can compete in the categories: runners, recreational runners and nordic walking. The traditional alpine festival at the Täschalp, the mass, the musical entertainment together with the catering make this a very special event within the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Folklore: Swiss National Holiday: 1st August
Celebrations for the Swiss National Holiday aren’t forgotten here either. It is celebrated in traditional style with processions, parades, music, street food and markets. The culminating point of the celebration in Zermatt has to be the large firework display around 10pm.
Culinary: Swiss Food Festival, in August
The whole main street becomes a food street, with many charming stalls and tables serving a wide range of local produce, which you can either take home or eat on the spot. Delicious smells waft across the whole village include the famous locally produced Herens Beef which is prepared at the Church Square.
Folklore: Swiss Folklore Festival, in August
Every year on the second weekend of August, Zermatt is overrun by Swiss Folklore groups from all over the country. The highlight of the Folklore Festival is the main parade through town with 50 different folklore groups including more than 1,200 dancers, yodellers and musicians. After the parade the folklore groups perform at the fairgrounds and at the church square. Food and drinks as well as entertainment for the children is provided. Spend an unforgettable day at the foot of the Matterhorn with music, dance and lots of good fun!
Sports: Matterhorn Ultraks Trail, in August
A Trail run at the foot of the Matterhorn, with three courses of varying difficulties: “16K”, “30K” and “46K”. The “46K” run is part of the “Skyrunner World Series” circuit, and figures as one of the finest runs in Europe.
Music: The Zermatt Music Festival, in September
As summer draws to an end the Zermatt Festival invites the public to scale the highest musical peaks. From string quartets to symphonies, the two-week series of concerts offers a programme rich in contrast. Well known soloists like musicians from the Berlin Philharmonic (Scharoun Ensemble), classical ensembles and highly talented newcomers guarantee unforgettable experiences.
Folklore and farming: The Zermatt Shepherd Festival, in September
The award ceremony for the best-looking Valais blacknose sheep and for the Shepherd of the Year, will take place during the traditional Shepherd Festival at Schweigmatten/Furi. The day offers plenty of opportunities to marvel at the attractive and affectionately coiffed sheep! A varied festive program for young and old is guaranteed. And Wolli; the kid’s mascot will, of course, attend the festivities personally, as he will also be celebrating his birthday on this day.
Folklore and farming: Täschalp: Alpine Descent, Early to Mid September
Each year at the beginning of September the traditional Alpabzug (descent from the mountain pastures) takes place from the Täschalp down to the village of Täsch. After a beautiful summer and their work accomplished, the cows return to their owners and cowsheds in the valley. Before the cows are led through the village, they are bedecked in full splendour with floral wreaths, and of course the cow bell is not forgotten. The “Alpabzug” is accompanied by music and culinary delights. These include, as ever, the “Gsottus mit Chabus” (boiled meat in bouillon with vegetable and cabbage).
Sports: Perskindol Swiss Epic, in September
The world’s best bikers will come to Zermatt again. For 6 days, teams of two will compete on a trail leading through the Canton of Valais, from Verbier via Leukerbad and Grächen to Zermatt. The number of teams participating is limited to 300. The Swiss Epic represents a challenge for male and female professionals and ambitious non-professionals alike: The route is some 400km long and includes elevation gains and losses of 15,000m.
Please get in touch and we will be happy to assist you with more information about Zermatt in the summer, activities and things to do. As a Zermatt specialist, we have a knowledgeable and experienced bookings team ready to help you with all the details needed to make the best choice for a unique Zermatt summer holiday.