WINTER
Getaways
Zermatt offers countless winter attractions. Known for Europe’s most impressive ski areas, it also boasts the highest density of gourmet restaurants in the Alps – and it’s all car-free. Guests in search of unforgettable experiences turn to Claudio Maimone, head concierge at Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt. Thanks to his network, (almost) anything is possible. It’s up to you to make the most of it!
Mountains calling
Today’s program: sun & fun, because the mountains are calling and Zermatt boasts one of the most spectacular ski areas in the Alps. Once you’ve donned your ski gear, take a helicopter to the 3,400-metre Testa Grigia, from where you’ll take off for Breuil-Cervinia, in the Valtournenche municipality. In Cervinia, make a gourmet stopover at Love, a cult restaurant with legendary hamburgers, or at Chalet Etoile, with its more rustic ambience. On the Furi-Zermatt descent, head for après-ski at the Hennu Stall, where the DJ is sure to energize you!
Wild ride
First step: stroke the husky and allow yourself to be sniffed. You can then start your sled descent from the Trockener Steg meeting point. Lunch is served at the Ice Pizzeria overlooking the unforgettable Matterhorn panorama. In the afternoon, children can play and have fun at the “Mini Cervin” Kids Club or in the children’s pool. Then lace up your skates for a few pirouettes on the ice, before heading to the Schweizerhof Cheese Factory for a delicious chocolate fondue.
Go with the flow
A yoga session for flow, a facial for glow… In Spa Nescens at Mont Cervin Palace, you’ll be pampered from head to toe. Close your eyes: feel, smell and enjoy. Which will you choose: a ritual for two, a tailor-made signature massage or a regenerating anti-aging treatment? End the day with a cup of tea on the heated loungers in the relaxation room.
Mission (im)possible
Flying over Zermatt and the Matterhorn in a helicopter is a breathtaking experience. Why not continue your day in freeride mode? After landing on the Rothorn, you’ll slide down the virgin snow accompanied by a mountain guide. Lunch at Chez Vrony with its view of the Matterhorn and two Gault & Millau toques is a must which will swiftly make you forget any fatigue from the effort. And for après-ski, Harry’s Ski Bar invites you to party and flirt like there’s no tomorrow…
Love affair
If you’d like to treat a loved one to an unforgettable experience, book a snowshoe hike to the glacier caves with a mountain guide. At lunchtime, you’ll warm up with a delicious barley soup at the Zum See restaurant in an idyllic hamlet 40 minutes from Zermatt. In the afternoon, you’ll have time for a little shopping on Bahnhofstrasse. Zermatt’s jewelry stores have something for every (romantic) occasion.
Claudio Maimone – Head concierge at Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt
His charm, eloquence and organizational skills are renowned far beyond the hotel. The Italian-born Swiss grew up in Basel, and armed with a federal diploma in hospitality, he carefully monitors the establishment’s services like others keep a close eye on their watches. Ask him for advice: you won’t regret it.
Text by Sara Allerstorfer
This article is an excerpt from La Réserve Magazine N° 30 by Michel Reybier Hospitality, which you can consult online here.
