Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a great ski town in the southern part of Switzerland. About 3 hours away by train from Geneva and Zurich - this is absolutely a great experience for skiing.

GETTING THERE: Use the Swiss Travel System Snow N Rail which will cost you about 140chf (with halbtax) from Zurich. To check timing try the SBB website and you'll want to switch at Brig. If your timing is right you'll only have to switch once at Brig. Otherwise plan on an additional transfer at Bern.

LODGING: book early. Many of the hotels require a 2 night minimum in high season.

• Alouttte - apartment flats available for weekly rental. 2 night minimum is imposed. Location is in town about a 10-15 minute walk from the main train station. You can access the ski slopes within 5-10 minute walk. If you are in need of a cheap spot and can stay two nights this is your spot. Don't expect any frills (lobby, breakfast, etc) just a really comfy bed to sleep in after skiing.
  
• If you want something more high end, try the Seiler hotel chain as they have several properties in the area that have good reviews.

SKIING: You'll have an opportunity to ski just about anything you want here, there is plenty of terrain. The part people really seem to enjoy is skiing in Switzerland (Zermatt) and Italy (Cervinia) on the same day. Like many of the bigger Swiss resorts you'll come across an assortment of options to get you up the mountain - chairlifts, gondolas, funiculars, trains, cable cars and even t-bars. On almost every run you'll be able to spot the Matterhorn, which makes for an incredible sight in person. If you are staying on the Zermatt side, catch an early bus toward Matterhorn and start up the gondola. Beat the crowds and head up the gondolas toward Testa Grigia to get to the Italian side. Make sure to catch the cable car to the top of the glacier (above 12,000 feet) and well worth the views. After you get a few runs in Italy make your way back to the Zermatt side and enjoy less crowded runs on the far side of the mountain.

FOOD:

• try the mid-mountain restaurant at Riffelberg. If you don't like the food, lift your head up and take a look at Matterhorn. For optimal resting grab a lounge chair just off the restaurant.
  
• If you are looking for some fondue, get a table downstairs at the Stadel. You may not be able to handle the cheese fondue smell, but the food was well worth it.
• Molino Pizzeria - off the main street Bahnhofstrasse 52