Since winter season is fast approaching, I asked a good friend, Valerie Grant, to review a property we stayed at in the Alpine city of Zermatt, Switzerland. Valerie is a loving wife and mother, philosopher, and avid reader. Here is her review:
GTHQ Jaunt Journal – Hotel: Chalet Ulysse – Zermatt, Switzerland
Location: Staldenstrasse 112, 3920 Zermatt; 5 min walk to ski lift and city center
At 1’620 m high, Zermatt is the dream destination in Switzerland but even more so when the sky is blue and the sun is shining on the Matterhorn or Cervin as the French call it.
No cars are allowed in the little town so you can truly feel the mountain atmosphere. It’s a great place to stay with friends because even if you don’t ski you can still enjoy the mountains and the views. The town is reached by train from Täsch (4h from Geneva Airport) or you can rent a taxi if you are a party of 4 or more, the cost is about Chf 30.–/4p. The ride is about 30 min by taxi or 12 min by train. Taxis are a good alternative to train when you are loaded with luggage. In the town itself, there are little electric taxis or buses to get around.
There are plenty walks to be done just through the little town, with an alpine museum and many restaurants and cafés. You can also decide to take a cable car up to the top of a summit or even a metro. You can board a train to Gornergrat, at 3’089mt, (around Chf 80.-) and that will take you around and you will see many beautiful views. For 33 min you will be surrounded by 29 peaks rising above 4000m! Be sure to be warmly dressed, it does get bitterly cold at the top!
There are 360 km of run to be chosen from and the ski lifts operate all year round. The slopes cross the border of Italy so you can decide to drink your espresso in Italy and then eat your lunch in Switzerland. You will be skiing at the highest heights but know that the cost will match the pleasure (one day pass starts at Chf 79.-) www.zermatt.ch/en. You will ski with views on 3 different summits all above 3000 mt! The views are fantastic and the runs are long and varied. For beginners try the Rothorn Wolli’s park.
We took the metro up to Rothorn (3min) and then the lift to Sunnegga (or you can walk) to eat at the famous restaurant Chez Vrony (Gault Millau rating – 13) and it was amazing with a magnificent view. You can eat the perfectly prepared hamburger that’s locally sourced (the happy cows graze on the fields there all around summer with the view on the Matterhorn).
The place is beautifully decorated with blankets all around the deck, so you keep warm as you appreciate the spectacular vista of the Matterhorn. The hosts (Vrony and Max) are very welcoming and the place is always buzzing with guests. Be sure to reserve in advance, especially in the high season. www.chezvrony.ch
Accomodation
Although Zermatt has a lot of variety when it comes to places to sleep we decided to rent a chalet since we were a group of 9. After looking at various options we decided on the luxurious Chalet Ulysse Zermatt which turned out to be the perfect place to spend a wonderful time with our friends.
It has a modern yet classical alpine look and is located on the top of the village of Zermatt with a direct view of the Matterhorn.
It’s only a 3 min walk from the Klein Matterhorn Valley station and the bus stop Winkelmatten is right in front of the chalet. The renting agency will pick you up from the main station at your arrival and take you back at the end of your stay.
It is a luxuriously furnished 3 story chalet with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with modern appliances. The living room is spacious with a fire place and free Wi-Fi and there is enough room for everyone to enjoy the leather sofas.
The dining room comfortably accommodates all the guests with a big teak table. You can either cook (except for Fondue which was a bit disappointing) in the fully stocked kitchen or have a qualified Chef prepare a 4-course gourmet dinner.
Two bedrooms have a direct view on the Matterhorn from your bed and one has an in-suite bathroom. All have comfortable beds and direct sunlight. There is a balcony facing south and a terrace.
On the lower ground you will find a ski room, a laundry and its own sauna with a resting area and shower. After having enjoyed a full day skiing or walking you can end the day, warming yourself and relaxing all the sore muscles of your body in the sauna! A perfect ending for a perfect day!
Thanks Valerie for the review and it brings back fantastic memories.
Jen, Georgie and the rest of the staff at Zermatt Ski Chalets are amazing and extremely friendly and serviceable. They will pick you up from Täsch and help you find your way around town. We highly recommend them and their services. Just in case you’re wondering, this post is not sponsored by them and we receive no commission. We truly enjoyed our time at their managed chalet!
The Good: Fantastic location, Staff was great. Normal Cost for 3 nights: CHF 2690 (about 2800 USD)
The Bad: Zermatt is a pricey village due to its location and allure but there is a low season. Prices are comparable to Geneva
The Ugly: Nothing
